Soon they will benefit from new state-of-the-art digital media lab space, classrooms and galleries, thanks to a recently funded renovation to 91����Ƶ’s University Commons.

Associate professor Steven D. Johnson interacts with students in a digital media lab during class at 91����Ƶ. 91����Ƶ’s visual and communication arts major is one of the most popular programs offered. Students will soon benefit from updated state-of- the-art labs, part of a recently funded renovation of University Commons at 91����Ƶ. Photo by Matt Gillis

91����Ƶ’s board of trustees, alumni and friends have "stepped up" to provide $2.41 million in cash and pledges for Phase II of the University Commons, reports Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement.

"It’s an amazing show of support in these uncertain economic times," he says.

Renovation highlights

The overall project includes renovation of the former gymnasium, built in 1957, into two upgraded theater performance spaces and classrooms. This includes a new Mainstage Theater as well as the Lee Eshleman Studio Theater, named in honor of the late artist and actor who was a 1986 graduate.

The popular student coffee house, Common Grounds, will also be expanded in the renovation.

More than 40 students were involved in the spring 2010 mainstage theater production of IOLANTHE by Gilbert & Sullivan and directed by Heidi Winters Vogel, associate professor of theater. 91����Ƶ’s theater department attracts students from across the university to participate in its high quality productions. Coupling updated facilities and technology to the energy of students and faculty will enhance learning and artistic possibilities at 91����Ƶ. Photo by Jon Styer

New studio art gallery

A new student art gallery will be named in honor of Margaret Martin Gehman, retired art faculty member.

Gehman taught and at 91����Ƶ from 1944 until her retirement in 1987. She serves regularly as a volunteer on campus and with other local organizations and has been a long-time strong financial supporter of the university.

She was the first recipient of the eponymous "91����Ƶ Philanthropist of the Year" award from the university in 2005.

Digital media labs key to program

"91����Ƶ offers an excellent digital media program taught by faculty who are experts in the field and is one of the few Christian colleges to offer a full photography major," notes , associate professor of visual and communication arts.

"With increased student demand for our programs, these upgraded labs will advance our goal of teaching students to communicate effectively, passionately and ethically in an increasingly diverse society."

The advanced media lab will be named in memory of former 91����Ƶ trustee and long-time supporter, Kenneth A. Longacre.

Theater core to campus life

91����Ƶ’s theater department attracts students from across the university to participate in its high quality productions. Students are regularly recognized at the Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival for their achievements.

Coupling updated facilities and technology to the energy of students and faculty will enhance learning and artistic possibilities at 91����Ƶ.

"91����Ƶ theater faculty, staff and students have been making amazing art happen in primitive conditions," states Heidi Winters Vogel, theater department chair.

"I am so excited to see what we can do with performance and production spaces that are designed for theater. Watch for it!"

Upcoming theater events in renovated spaces

The first theatrical production in the renovated Main Stage Theater is scheduled for March 2011.

The Lee Eshleman Studio Theater, named in honor of the late artist and actor who was a 1986 graduate, will house key theater events that occur throughout the year like:

• Gonzo Theate, a student-run improv troupe that performs throughout the academic year
• student-directed plays like Anon(ymous)

More info

Renovations began in early May, with completion anticipated in November.

• More about the project
• Phone contact: (540) 432-4200

]]> /now/news/2010/commons-phase-ii-the-end-of-an-era/ Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=2236

Whoever said, "’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" may have had the Bard of Avon’s romantic tale in mind.

A 13-member cast will give six performances of William Shakespeare’s "Love’s Labor Lost" Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 18-20 and Feb. 25-27 in the Studio Theater of the University Commons. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

There will be a final performance at Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 21, a co-production of 91����Ƶ’s theater program and the American Shakespeare Center’s MLitt/MFA program.

Alisha Huber, an MFA candidate at Mary Baldwin College/American Shakespeare Center, is 91����Ƶ’s guest director for the five-act, 90-minute play.

Learn more about theater at 91����Ƶ…

Fall workshops offer prep

Huber teamed with theater professor Heidi Winters Vogel througout fall 2009 to deliver a series of Shakespeare workshops on language, stage movement, and professional auditions.

"The first thing I wanted to accomplish in these workshops was to take Shakespeare off his pedestal and out of English class. Everyone who came was there because they were excited about doing Shakespeare," said Huber of the fall workshops. Read more >>

91����Ƶ the play

In Shakespeare’s giddy word-feast, Ferdinand, King of Navarre, and three of his friends give up women and the world to devote themselves to learning. But their foolish vows cannot bar love from their kingdom or their hearts – certainly not when four high-spirited ladies arrive on the scene. Their unexpected entrance throws the whole countryside into romantic upheaval.

Ticket info

Tickets are $5 for general admission and are available through 91����Ƶ’s theater office at 540 432-4674 and at the door. Tickets can also be ordered on line at theater@emu.edu.

Read more…

In the play, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl and directed by 2008 91����Ƶ theater graduate Pam Mandingo, a woman is forced to confront her assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technology-obsessed world.

Cast members are Brent Anders, Souderton, Pa.; Sarah Gant, Harrisonburg; Katie Jantzen, Plymouth, Neb.; Evan McCarthy, Bluffton, Ohio; Heidi Muller, Fancy Gap, Va.; and Sonnie Siegfried, Lancaster, Pa.

Stage managers are Brandon Habron, Fredericksburg, Va., and Kimberly Lane, Fairfax, Va. Lighting designer is Jonathan Nofziger, Lancaster, Pa.; with sound design by Praveen Chhetri, Kathmandu, Nepal.

General admission tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door or by calling 540-432-4360.