Wichita State News: Events

WSU College of Fine Arts has busy November planned

Roger Rees

A Wichita State University Connoisseur Series event, Roger Rees in "What You Will" is a one-man show that mixes the greatest soliloquies of William Shakespeare with comic accounts of stage disasters. Rees, a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for 22 years, was also in "Cheers" (as Kirstie Alley's character's boyfriend, Robin).

Phillip Black, tuba, will perform the first Faculty Artist concert of the month, followed mid-month by faculty artist Scott Oakes, bassoon. Lynne Davis, organ, will perform for Wednesdays in Wiedemann and guest Anna Myeong will perform in the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. The month in music also includes showcase concerts for Jazz Arts, Concert Band, Concert Chorale and the Percussion Ensemble.

The Kansas Dance Festival always ranks highly among November's most stellar events. This year's show follows on the heels of dance director Nick Johnson and instructor Sabrina Vasquez taking, by special invitation, their Alithea Mime Theatre troupe to the International Mime Festival in Warsaw, Poland.

The School of Performing Arts will also present "The Burning Room," winner of WSU's Playwriting Competition, and Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte."

Tickets can be purchased in person or by phone from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Phillip Black, tuba, WSU Faculty Artist Series, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Lynne Davis, organist, Wednesdays in Wiedemann, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Free half-hour concert. Information, (316) 978-6218.

Dance: Kansas Dance Festival, WSU School of Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $10, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Jazz Arts I and Mid-Kansas Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Anna Myeong, organist, WSU Rie Bloomfield Organ Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $10, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Theater: "The Burning Room," WSU Second Stage, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 11-Nov. 14; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 14-15; Welsbacher Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5915 E. 29th St. N. Tickets $10, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Concert Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Scott Oakes, bassoon, WSU Faculty Artist Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Lecture: Tom Huck, artist's talk, "Rural Satire and Graphic Terror," 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free. "Snacktime Marcy" on exhibit through December. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Theater: Roger Rees in "What You Will," WSU Connoisseur Series, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Wilner Auditorium. Tickets $20, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Opera: "Cosi fan tutte," WSU Opera and Musical Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Nov. 21; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Wilner Auditorium. Tickets $16, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

WSU Percussion Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, WSU. Tickets $7, discounts available. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Learn all about telescopes at the Lake Afton Public Observatory

The Lake Afton Public Observatory, in conjunction with the Kansas Astronomical Observers, will host a telescope fair from 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.

Members of the Kansas Astronomical Observers will set up their telescopes and be available to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of telescopes.

If you are considering buying a telescope as a holiday gift, or don't know how to use one, don't miss this opportunity to talk to the experts and see a number of different types of telescopes.

The observatory's regularly scheduled program that evening is "Exploring the Milky Way," from 7:30-10 p.m. Jupiter, a multiple star, a globular cluster of stars, a planetary nebula and another galaxy will be observed.

Lake Afton Public Observatory is operated by the Fairmount Center for Science and Mathematics Education, a part of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Science at Wichita State University.

WSU Alumni Speaker Series to feature Kansas Gov. Parkinson

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson will be the featured speaker in the Wichita State University Alumni Association-sponsored Rise & Shine Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The event is scheduled in the Marcus Welcome Center.

The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., with informal lectures at 8 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer period that ends at about 8:30 a.m.

There is an admission charge, and advance reservations are required. The cost is $18 for alumni association members, $20 for nonmembers and $10 for students.

Speaker information and online reservations are available at http://webs.wichita.edu/alumni/breakfast2009.asp. For additional information, contact the WSU Alumni Association at (316) 978-3290.

Parkinson, '80, became Kansas' 45th governor in April 2009. This WSU secondary education graduate has targeted economics, energy and education, a trio of difficult and interwoven issues.

A successful businessman and former legislator, Parkinson graduated summa cum laude from WSU and first in his class from the University of Kansas School of Law. After entering private practice, he formed his own law firm in 1986.

He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1990 and two years later to the Kansas Senate. In 2006, he joined Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as lieutenant governor. Under his political leadership, wind farms have tripled in Kansas, and the state (the future home to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility) is leveraging resources from the American Recovery Act to create jobs, rebuild infrastructure and continue investment in public schools.

Following is a list of other speakers in the 2009-10 breakfast series:

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010

Herb Krumsick, '66, senior vice president of J.P. Weigand & Sons Inc., Wichita, has 40 years of experience in real estate, having brokered, bought and/or sold more than

$1 billion in commercial projects during his career. He has given more than 285 speeches and seminars on a national basis, is a partner and real estate asset manager for three groups of investors, and is a stockholder in the ownership of millions of square feet of commercial real estate.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Kevin Hooper, fs '99, who enjoyed a 10-year playing career in professional baseball, was named manager of the Wichita Wingnuts in 2009. During his pro career, he won three championships, spent parts of two seasons in the Major Leagues and totaled 1,116 base hits. Prior to turning pro, he was a four-year star at WSU, helping the Shockers reach the College World Series in 1996. He still ranks in the Top 10 in Shocker history in runs (5th, 287), hits (7th, 315), doubles (7th, 58) and triples (9th, 17).

Friday, April 30, 2010

Julie-Ellen Acosta, '80/'84, is vice president of Leadership Talent Management, an HR function within The Boeing Co. In this role, she is responsible for the selection and development of employees who will become future company leaders. She also takes the lead on providing managers and employees with the tools they need to build leadership skills that align with key company areas. Prior to her current position, she served as vice president of aerostructures, manufacturing and support technologies for Boeing Phantom Works (now Boeing R&D).

WSU to hold free Financial Aid Informational Workshop

Wichita State University's Office of Financial Aid is planning a free Financial Aid Informational Workshop from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Marcus Welcome Center.

Door prizes will be awarded to many students in attendance, with the grand prize of a $500 scholarship for spring 2010 that can be used by current or guest students.

This workshop will help students and families learn about the financial aid process, how to apply, steps involved in receiving financial aid and much more.

Staff will be available throughout the program to offer advice and answer specific questions. To RSVP, go to www.wichita.edu/financialaidevents.

Attendees can pick and choose from the following sessions:

"Understanding the Basics of Financial Aid" - An introduction to important financial aid terms, such as cost of attendance, expected family contribution and financial need. Receive a basic overview of the financial aid process and learn about the federal, state and institutional grants, loans and employment programs available to help make college more affordable. Sessions offered at 9:35 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:55 a.m.

"Free Application for Federal Student Aid" - Get answers to the most common FAFSA questions in a step-by-step look at the application. Help minimize errors on your 2010-2011 FAFSA application and learn what information is needed to complete the process. Sessions offered at 9:40 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.

"Scholarships" - Explore scholarship opportunities at WSU and learn about other Web sites and resources to search for additional scholarship prospects. Sessions offered at 9:40 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.

"Question & Answer" - This is your chance to ask specific questions regarding your unique situation and circumstances in a one-on-one setting. Admissions counselors will be available throughout the morning.

WSU's 'Cosi fan tutte' a comic tale of love and faithfulness

Wichita State University's Opera and Musical Theatre Series will present "Cosi fan tutte" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 19-21, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, in Miller Concert Hall.

The opera, by W.A. Mozart and L. Da Ponte, will be presented in Italian with English titles. "Cosi fan tutte" translates to "They All Do It."

Can women be faithful? That's the question posed by the greatest writing team of the 18th century. Two young soldiers are convinced their girlfriends are incapable of fidelity. Their cynical older friend maintains that "they all do it." The witty, sophisticated comedy, subtitled "The School for Lovers," features Mozart's melting melodies and Da Ponte's enlightened script.

The plot centers around a wager: The young soldiers bet their older friend that their sweethearts will remain faithful to them, even if they are called off to war. To test the girls, they fake a departure but return disguised as "Albanians." The bogus foreigners proceed to court the girls, who at first reject them. But spurred on by their misogynistic maid, the girls eventually agree to a date. Confusion, jealousy, forgiveness and, finally, wisdom result.

The opera's six characters are played by WSU graduate and undergraduate students sharing the roles, and Opera Kansas artistic director Edward Ehinger as the cynical Don Alfonso. Mark Laycock conducts the WSU Symphony.

Marie Allyn King

Lighting is by David Neville, and costumes by Rebecca Maholland. Marie Allyn King directs; musical preparation is by Robert Glasmann.

Fiordiligi will be portrayed by Jessica Walkup/Cearria Turner; Dorabella by Danielle Rohr/Erin Mundus; Despina by Leanne Scaggs/Meghan Zuver; Ferrando by Theodore Dvorak/Aaron Short; Guglielmo by Kyle D. Wheatley/Matthan Black; and Don Alfonso by Ehinger/Yung Jin Lai.

The first cast member listed after the character will perform Nov. 19 and Nov. 21; the second cast member listed will perform Nov. 20 and Nov. 22.

National Opera Week

Wichita State University is participating in a nationwide celebration of the thrilling art form that is opera. Professional companies, community groups and university programs are all helping to spotlight operatic activities. WSU's production of "Cosi fan tutte" is part of this new initiative.

Opera Talks

Ticket holders are invited to join Marie Allyn King, director of WSU Opera and Musical Theatre, 30 minutes prior to each performance for an informal and entertaining talk about the history of the opera, the plot and musical structure, composer and librettist. Opera Talks take place in Miller Concert Hall.

Global sales is the focus of upcoming Word Trade Council event

The World Trade Council of Wichita and the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA) will host a reception, dinner and keynote address, "Export Strategy & Success of Research Products Co. – Division of McShares Inc. and Viobin USA," at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road.

The event will feature an EMBA research project by Wichita State University students Amy Shoemaker, Mickey Hines, Saeed Cheema and John Walker, who will present their findings on "McShares Enriched Grain: Exporting Nutrition to Mexico."

Dharma deSilva

CIBA Director Dharma deSilva said the project is a unique opportunity for the participating company and students to benefit from real-world research collaboration efforts.

The keynote address, "Successful Strategies for Increasing Global Sales," will be given by Monte White, president and CEO of Research Products Co., a division of McShares Inc. McShares was a finalist for the 2009 Governor's Exporter of the Year Award.

Reservations can be made by fax at (316) 978-3698, online at www.wtc.wichita.edu or by e-mail at wtc.ciba@wichita.edu. Reservations and payment are due by Monday, Nov 16.

The cost is $25 for WTC members, $30 for nonmembers and $15 for students.

WSU to present acclaimed actor Roger Rees in 'What You Will'

Wichita State University will bring Wichita audiences an evening with stage, film and television actor Roger Rees in his acclaimed one-man Shakespeare show "What You Will" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Wilner Auditorium.

It's a Connoisseur Series presentation of the College of Fine Arts and School of Performing Arts Theatre Program.

Roger Rees

Students can receive free tickets if they pick them up by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the College of Fine Arts Box Office. Wichita teachers can also reserve group tickets by the same deadline and pick them up the night of the performance.

The free tickets are thanks to a generous donation from the Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation, said Wendy Hanes, associate dean of fine arts.

"What You Will" has been described as an irreverent one-man everything there is "to be or not to be" about William Shakespeare. Rees, a 20-year veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), presents the greatest soliloquies ever written, along with side-splitting accounts of some of the funniest disasters ever perpetrated on the Shakespearean stage.

Rees received international acclaim, receiving both Olivier and Tony Awards for his portrayal of the title role in the RSC's "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby." Rees' career also includes roles in such films as "The Prestige," "The Pink Panther," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Frida."

American television audiences know him best as the British Ambassador Lord John Marbury in "The West Wing," dashing English tycoon Robin Colcord on "Cheers" and Dr. Colin Marlow on "Grey's Anatomy."

In "What You Will," Romeo, Juliet's foolish Nurse, gory Macbeth, Hamlet, the oh-so-tragic Richard II, and even Charles Dickens, James Thurber, Noel Coward and Stevie Wonder make appearances in "the comic highlight of the year ... a veritable riot of wit and laughter" (North Adams Transcript).

The Berkshire Review described the show as "at once merrily irreverent and respectful, audaciously dismissive and deserving, puckishly playful and protective, sublimely whimsical and wise … a delicious evening of theater in the fullest sense of the word."

After "What You Will" played at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C., the Washington Post declared that Rees "conveys each character with the combination of technique and magnetism that has distinguished the RSC actors of his generation."

WSU Concert Chorale to feature harpist, tenor

The Wichita State University Concert Chorale with harpist Ann Glasmann and tenor soloist Aaron Short will perform a variety of choral works at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in Wiedemann Recital Hall.

A highlight of the concert will be Benjamin Britten's "Choral Dances from Gloriana," which appear in the composer's opera. The 15-minute work will feature Ann Glasmann, instructor of applied harp at WSU. Glasmann is in her 21st year of teaching at Wichita State University.

Also featured is tenor soloist Aaron Short, a senior vocal performance major who recently was awarded "Singer of the Year" by the West Central region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

The program will also include works by Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary composers, including Sweelinck, Debussy, Mellnas, Purcell, Haydn and Mendelssohn. The program will conclude with two spirituals, "Deep River" and "Great Day."

Concert Chorale has been conducted since 1987 by Robert Glasmann, associate professor of choral music and opera at WSU.

Glasmann also serves as artistic director and conductor of the Wichita Chamber Chorale. He also conducts the adult choir at St. James Episcopal Church.

WSU's Second Stage presents 'The Burning Room'

"The Burning Room," written by Darrel A. Holnes and winner of Wichita State University's 2009 New Playwright Competition, will be presented by the School of Performing Arts Second Stage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 11-14, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, in the Welsbacher Theatre in the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex at 5015 E. 29th St. N.

"The Burning Room" explores the relationships between men and women, Latino culture and spirituality.

Isabel, a Columbian immigrant, is enjoying her new life in America. As she and her Mexican American boyfriend Pedro celebrate his sister Carla's birthday, Isabel gets the shock of her life when she is visited by her "cousin" Mario and the life she thought she left behind in Medellin. Isabel's real past life starts to be revealed to Pedro, a Houston cop. Pedro, along with Carla's husband, Raul, who is also a Houston cop, begin to investigate Mario. What Pedro and Raul encounter on their journey is a supernatural twist they didn't bargain for.

"The Burning Room" features WSU students Esmeralda Carlos Banuelos, Ashley Cravens, Nick Smith, Raul Herrera, Josh Zavella, Heather Miller, Lauren Rust, Marius Ausbee and Cristina Hink.

It is directed by WSU Theatre major Paula Makar. Design team includes student designers Tyler Lessin (sets), Kevin Sagamang (lights), Ashley Hibler (costumes), and Kenton D. Elworth (props).

For information, contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office at (316) 978-3233.

Public forum focuses on citizen journalists

It's a powerful movement. Every day, social media platforms are gaining momentum, changing the way news is reported and delivered, as well as how citizens view the world around them. Every day, citizen journalists emerge and contribute to our knowledge of the community.

That's the focus of "Citizen Journalism: The Fifth Estate," an interactive discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in 203 Rhatigan Student Center at Wichita State University. The public forum is free. Refreshments will be served.

The forum will explore the role that blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social media have alongside mainstream media, as well as what citizen journalists need to do to be successful.

"This is exciting stuff in exciting times," said Molly McMillin, president of the Kansas Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. "The world benefits from more news coverage and information. We want to help people who practice journalism do it accurately, ethically and fairly and give them the basic tools to contribute to the growing trend."

Panels and panelists include:

Ron Sylvester, interactive reporter for The Wichita Eagle -- an overview of the rise of citizen journalism and the ethics of doing it.

Randy Brown, executive director of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government and senior fellow at WSU'S Elliott School of Communication -- open government issues surrounding citizen journalism.

Lou Heldman, distinguished senior fellow in the Elliott School -- successes around the country and how you can use citizen journalism to find the news.

Find out more about training for citizen journalists and the SPJ's Citizen Journalism Academy at www.spj.org/cja.asp.

Salsa, Soul, & Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age

Diversity speaker Juana Bordas will deliver a keynote speech at Wichita State University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Lowe Auditorium, Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Admission is free.

During the day, Bordas will be involved in several "mini" speaking engagements on WSU's campus, before ending her day with the keynote. This event is co-sponsored by WSU's Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Student Activities Council.

Bordas, president of Mestiza Leadership International in Denver and vice president of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, founded the only American program that prepares Latinas for national leadership, Mi Casa Women's Center. Since its start, almost 500 outstanding Latina leaders have completed this program.

She was honored with the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Business Responsibility Award. Formerly with the Center for Creative Leadership, Bordas taught the Leadership Development Program, which is the most highly used executive program in the world.

Bordas has spoken all over the country on the topic of leadership. She continues the discussion on leadership in her award winning book "Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age."

In the book, Bordas discusses leadership principles common to Latino, African-American and American Indian cultures and demonstrates how incorporating these principles will create a more effective and inclusive style of leadership. Bordas' book is available for purchase in the WSU Bookstore and a book signing will immediately follow her keynote.

To learn more information about Jauna Bordas and the Mestiza Leadership International, visit www.mestizaleadership.com.

For more information on the keynote or other engagements call the Student Activities Office at (316) 978-3495 or the Office of Multicultural Affairs at (316) 978-3034.

ACT prep workshop is scheduled at Wichita State

Wichita State University's Counseling and Testing Center is offering a workshop to help high school students prepare for the ACT.

The workshop is from 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 21, and will present general test-taking tips and practice questions for the English, reading, math and science test sections.

The cost for the workshop is $28, and registration can be done online at www.registerblast.com/wsu.

The next national test date for the ACT is Saturday, Dec. 12.

Students need to bring a pencil and a calculator to the workshop. All other materials will be supplied, including practice tests.

For more information, contact the Counseling and Testing Center at (316) 978-3440 or melinda.ware@wichita.edu.

WSU playing leading role in 'Mikado'

It's a busy time at the School of Music at Wichita State University.

Mark Laycock, director of orchestras, will conduct the school's production of Mozart's "Cosi fan Tutte" in Miller Concert Hall in three weeks, then turn around and lead Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with Opera Kansas on Thanksgiving weekend.

Paul Brodene Smith, assistant professor of voice at WSU, will spend the coming days helping young singers prepare for debuts in the upcoming shows.

Across the street in Jardine Hall, Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will toil at administrative duties, office work necessary to keep the School of Music and other departments running.

All three educators, though, will step away from their daily routines to work on an off-campus project — Wichita Grand Opera's production of "The Mikado."

Gilbert & Sullivan's frothy comic opera will be presented next weekend. Laycock, Smith and Miller will play significant roles in the production.

Read full story.

WSU Rowing prepares for last home race of the season

Wichita State Rowing will take part in the 18th annual Frostbite Regatta on the Little Arkansas in Riverside Park from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.

WSU will have 29 boats competing in 19 events.

They will race against the University of Iowa, University of Kansas, University of Colorado and Washington University.

For more information on WSU Rowing, go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?296.

Elliott School students help plan, promote special event

Students in an Integrated Marketing Campaigns class in the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University are putting their education into practice by helping plan and promote a benefit for an after school arts program.

The second annual Art A La Carte, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas, will feature jazz, wine and an art party.

"We are especially pleased to be able to feature Soulstice, one of Wichita's finest performing ensembles, at this year's party," said Theresa Johnson, president of the St. James After School Program Board. "Also, I'd like to thank students from Wichita State's Elliott School of Communication for helping us plan and promote this special event. I hope people will come out and join us for this exciting benefit."

In addition to Soulstice, a jazz ensemble from Friends University, there will be art pieces donated by local artists, and collectors will be available at the auction. Wine, champagne and appetizers will be served.

Tickets are $50, $35 of which is tax-deductible. Tickets are available at the church office and are being sold by WSU students. Reservations may be made by calling (316) 207-9109 or be an e-mail to StJamesASP@gmail.com and to WSU student Ashley Rosenbaum at baum1987@yahoo.com.

The St. James After School Program provides arts enrichment classes to fourth- and fifth-grade students from low income households at no cost to their families. The program works with Arts Partners, Roots & Shoots and Communities in Schools to provide services to children.

More information is available at:

http://www.wichita.edu/j/?286 and www.wichita.edu/j/.