O! For a Muse of Fire!

Colton Needles - Junior Theatre Arts Major

"Men of few words are the best men..."(HV 3.2.41) An interview with Colton Needles

We sat down with star of 2nd Studio's production of King Henry V, Colton Needles. What does this guy have up his sleeve?

J: What other shows have you been in or worked on?

C: I acted in Romeo and Juliet and worked light and sound board for God of Carnage and An Ideal Husband.

J: What particular challenges do you face with this part?

C: The first thing that comes to mind is meeting expectations of the role itself. Its a pretty big role, pretty well known - especially the speeches. As well as just memorizing all of it.

J: What do you find is the easiest part about playing King Henry the V?

C: None of its really easy, but I guess the easiest part would be slipping into the language and finding his intentions and what he wants.

J: Is there anything unique about this particular production of Henry V?

C: We are stripping it down to the bare bones of the show - its just about the acting. It makes it more difficult because you really have to bring it out there or else its just boring.

J: How did you feel when you saw the cast list?

C: I honestly didn't believe it. I had to take a picture and look at it several times in order to properly digest it.

J: Would you consider this a dream role?

C: I guess getting cast in the leading role is relatively new. I didn't know it was a role I really wanted until I had it. Reading through it I've realized its a role I definitely have wanted to play. But I honestly never thought I'd get the chance.

J: What's it like working with Jess (director) and Amber (asst. director)?

C: It is wonderful. For student directors they certainly know their stuff. Its been real great to work with them. They work really well with everyone and bring out the best in everyone.

J: What is something interesting people should know about you?

C: Honestly not a lot...I referee soccer, I collect pens.

J: Where would you like to be 10 years from now?

C: Definitely in New York doing theatre; either directing or acting whatever I can get my hands on. 

J:What advice would you give to people just starting out in the theatre program?

C: Diligence You have to keep working in order to stay relevant or else you will fall behind. You have to work hard. If you're not willing to work hard you're not going to get cast. Love what you do. You have to really really love theatre to do it.  

Dressing Lughnasa

Andrew Hautre, His Freshmen year.

Dressing Lughnasa
By Henry Ballesteros


Many people who go and enjoy the theatre often underestimate what goes into dressing a show. Especially a show like Dancing at Lughnasa. We sat down with Andrew Haueter, who is the costume designer for Lughnasa.

H: How did you get ready to design costumes for Lughnasa?
A: First by reading the play and second by meeting with the director, Melinda Vaughn. She really wanted to drive the point that this was a memory play. The memories of Michael Evans (Josh Hopkins) looking back on 1936. I looked through a lot of vintage photos close to that time period, as well as Victorian photos that have been colorized. Everyone in the memory has the same color tones, with the exception of Uncle Jack (Nate Smith). He has no color as he doesn't fit in with the family anymore. Seeing as how Michael is looking back on his childhood, I wanted him to have a combination of his mother and father as far as color and design are concerned.

H: What was a challenge for you doing this particular show?
A: I have never done a straight play before. It's a challenge to do a show were the pacing is different and the audience has a better chance of really seeing the clothes the actors are wearing versus listening to amazing singing and dancing.

H: What is something the audience will be able to take away from the show?
A: Everyone who comes will be able to relate to at least one member of the family, if not all of them.

H: What would you tell those who want to pursue a career in Theatre Arts?
A: Never be afraid to ask for opportunites. One of the first shows I worked on was Rabbit Hole for Second Studio. And it has helped me all the way to working on Lughnasa. The first Main Stage I assisted on was Christmas Carol on the Air (the first time).

H: Are there any kind of words of wisdom you'd like to share with any new students?
A: It's okay to make mistakes. Once you've made them, learn from them, own it and move on.

Andrew first came to SUU as a History Education Major, but then realized his true calling was in Theatre Arts. Andrew is a Senior, and will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Arts. Dancing at Lughnasa opens November 5th and runs to the 10th with a matinee on the 8th.

Dancing With Eyes Half Closed

Left to Right, Nate Smith, Jane Wright and
Nik Mikkelsen. 

Dancing at Lughnasa is a play about longing; a play about things changing. It is a play about the importance of love and loss and desire. But mostly it is a play about people. Dancing is a character study and it is centered on the Mundy family: Jack, the eldest brother, and his five younger sisters, Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rose, and Christina. It is beautifully told through the youngest member of the little family, Michael, the son of Chris and her lover Gerry Evans. Dancing is about ordinary people trying to figure out who they are and what they each want out of life. It explores the highs and lows of family life and relationships. Dancing is in the midst of rehearsals currently and it is truly a wonder to behold and be a part of. It will touch people with it's many messages of love and tradition and change. It is filled with humor and thoughtful poetic language. Dancing at Lughnasa is a work of art that everyone should see because it is incredibly relatable and thought provoking.

Dancing with Josh Hopkins

Image taken by Katie Christensen

Josh Hopkins, a Musical Theatre Major at Southern Utah University, is an amazing talent. We took a few minutes to sit down and ask him some questions about his latest production as Michael Evans in Dancing at Lughnasa, school, and everything else.

H: What is your favorite part of playing Michael?
J: The fluidity. Michael's thoughts are very to the point. He's logical and stresses the point that everything that happens on stage are his memories.

H: What makes this role challenging?
J: This is my second non-musical show that I've ever done. It is also hard to be present in the show when I don't directly interact with anyone.

H: What do you like about the show?
J: I love how the show highlights every type of family member you could possibly find in a family unit.

H: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
J: This is my Senior year at SUU, I am originally from Logan Utah, and I enjoy everything theatre. I love musicals, dancing, and sarcasm.

H: What has been your favorite shows that you've done here at SUU?
J: Chicago was a blast and I loved being in Bat Boy.

H: Is there anything you would say to any of the Freshmen in regards to doing theatre as your major?
J: DO THE WORK! Don't assume you can just feel it when you get out there. It's important to do the work.

This past summer Josh was one of the first members of the new program at SUU known as the Fellowship for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We asked him if he had any advice for the next years Fellows. He advised that anyone who is accepted into the Fellowship program next year needs to make themselves known to the other members of the company. To put yourself out there in a good light.

Josh was last seen on stage as El Gallo in the Main Stage production of The Fantasticks. Dancing at Lughnasa will run November 5-8 and the 10th. Be sure to catch this amazing production.

Cast members sit around the conference table and enjoy
the designer presentations. 

Designs for Dancing.

On Friday, the design team for Dancing at Lughnasa presented their designs to the cast before their read through. Lughnasa is being directed by Malinda Vaughn, who teaches theatre at Souther Utah University, in collaboration with her designers, really want to  drive the point that the play is a memory. The set is design by Alana Pichot and lighting by Andie Szekely, presents the theme elegantly. The play is set in 1936, which will be reflected in the beautiful costume designs done by Andrew Haueter. As well as having amazing sound by Brand Gowers. Gowers has chosen a few musical instruments that reflect each of the characters. With this he plans to create music for the show that will set the tone for the audience. Lughnasa is set the fictional town of Ballybeg Ireland, which of course none of the cast members are from. To make their accents believable, they will be assisted by Peter Sham, who is also a an Associate Professor at SUU, as the voice and dialect coach. Dancing at Lughnasa opens November 5th. We are so excited.

An Ideal Husband 2014
From left to right, Jane Wright, Amber
James, Christopher Whiteside

Welcome to the official blog for the Southern Utah University Theatre Arts & Dance Department. Our blog has been designed to generate excitement for our audiences, and our students who attend any SUU TAD production. It is our mission to open up the world of theatre to everyone who has a passion for it. To the actors and dancers who performer in our Main Stage and Second Studio shows. Along with the wonderful students to make the magic on stage come to life with the technical side of theatre; costumes, lighting, scenic design. Even to our wonderful audiences who support the students who are pursuing their dreams.

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