Students performing in the arts . . .

SMU STUDENTS STAGE ‘SPITFIRE GRILL’ 

Performing in  "Spitfire Grill" were Katie Sapper, Shelby Clarke and Danielle Laferriere.

The Department of Theatre and Dance presented the musical drama “Spitfire Grill,” directed by Dr. Gary Diomandes, from Feb. 20-24 at the Valéncia Arts Center on the Saint Teresa campus. This spring students will stage a new interpretation of “Hamlet.” Guest director, Winona native, and Saint Mary’s theatre alum, Ann Keen ’94, will direct this Shakespearean tragedy. The production, based on Keen’s 2008 award-winning Chicago production with Polarity Ensemble Theatre, explores the idea of the broken family. Set in a modern, rock-star family, a live band with an original rock score punctuates the action. So, “to be, or not to be…,” this unique, modern version of a traditional work, is a must see. The show runs 7:30 p.m. April 4-6 and 3 p.m. April 7. For tickets, go to www.pagetheatre.org.

SAINT MARY’S CHAMBER SINGERS PERFORM IN FRANCE

The Chamber Singers performed three concerts in Reims, France, as part of their 2013 Concert Tour. The 24-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea. Upon their return, the Chamber Singers presented a “Homecoming Concert” at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels at the Saint Teresa campus on March 14.

MUSIC STUDENTS ATTEND, PERFORM AT STATE MMEA CONFERENCE

Band members attending included, from left: front, Phillip Emmerich (trombone), Marilyn Yennie (clarinet), Ed Wendt (tuba); and back, Alex Cyert (euphonium), Katie Lieder (trumpet), Mary Gerty (bassoon), and Katy Kosiek (alto saxophone).

Twelve SMU music students attended and performed at the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association Conference Feb. 14-16. Seven members of the SMU Concert Band performed in the Intercollegiate Honor Band, a college level all-state ensemble made up of the best musicians from colleges and universities throughout Minnesota.

THEATRE STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCE 

SMU theatre students including, from left: Kathleen Bryant, Karina Kim, Arielle Ems, Tim Gleason, John Goblirsch and Dovie Hughes (along with Jason Underferth, SMU technical director) stopped at Electronic Theatre Controls, one of the world’s largest lighting companies, on their way to the USITT conference.

Seven theatre students are attending the annual United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Milwaukee this week. Rachel Kwiecinski was chosen to represent Saint Mary’s as one of 100 student volunteers for the conference. Five others have been awarded scholarships to attend, including Kathleen Bryant, Arielle Ems, Tim Gleason, (Marilyn) Dovie Hughes and Karina Kim.