November 3 - 7, 2021 - Pittsburgh Playhouse
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November 3 - 7, 2021
Garfield Lemonius, Artistic Director
Colleen Hooper, Associate Artistic Director, Dance
Drew Martorella, Managing Director
Kim Martin, General Manager/Producer
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT
Program A Program B Program C
(11/3, 11/6 Matinee) (11/4, 11/6 Evening) (11/5, 11/7 Matinee)
Megan Stefanik Ava Shannon Theo Bliss
Emily Carpenter Marcella Galvan Emily Morrison
Olivia Brookes Keegan Lloyd Grace LeMieux
Payton Poole Kelly Kosiek Bex Merry
Giada Jiang Kylee Killian Breana Lochrie
Courtney Jacome Emily Jeffries Lauren Michaels
Bethany Hearn Matthew Losco Ellie Dickson
Hannah Walker Jeanne Malfanti Claire Medinis
Emily Walter Elizabeth Stephens Mina Willis
Lexus Hoffman Jacob Butterfield Sara Ekern
Reagan Nix Julianne DiCostanzo Sydney Fugett
Francesca Bianchi
Lighting Designers Stage Manager Production Manager
Joe Borsch Jaylin Minor Antonio Colaruotolo
Austin Eaton
Brent Swaltek
November 3 - 7, 2021
pittsburghplayhouse.com
Production photography by Mark Simpson
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.
PROGRAM A (11/3, 11/6 Matinee) Un-Created Choreography: Megan Stefanik Music: Secession Studios Album: “The Untold” – “The Untold,” “The Demand of Man,” “Lucifer's Waltz” Gillian Kerger, Vanessa Falzarano, Nyra Wells-Anderson, Cora McMahan, Jillian Sinko Egosystem Choreography: Emily Carpenter Music: "The End of the World" - Skeeter Davis; "Clair de Lune" - ethereal remix, relax tunes; "The Diamond (Son Lux Remix)" - My Brightest Diamond Amber Morgan, Sophia Wantland, Olivia Tarchick, Anna Fairbend, Caroline Alter, Claudia Strobel Ambivalence Choreography: Olivia Brookes Music: "Haul - Max Cooper Remix" by Christian Loffler and Max Cooper; "Alone" by Model Man Cameron Wood, Talia O’Neal, Sabrina Breslin, Kaitlyn Rorar, Kelly Liddicoat Genus Choreography: Payton Poole Music: “Hold Me Tight” by Berlinist; David Attenborough's voice from British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)'s Blue Planet II Julie Shilling, Kevin Ocampo, Brandie DeJesus I hope… that war is ephemeral and that peace is inevitable… Choreography: Giada Jiang Music: "Sarajevo" by Max Richter; "Judgment Day" by Dark Model Jada Ammons, Abby Baldwin, Sydney Carrigan, Isabella Aletrakis, Camelya Baker, Emma Grady, Eleanor Wadsworth, Brighton Sawyer INTERMISSION 1/6 Choreography: Courtney Jacome Music: “Get Stüpid” by bülow and “Candlelight” by Zhavia Ward Mackenzie Brown, Anna Cannavo, Baili Goer, Audrey McDonald, Caroline Swiger
Heart to Heart Choreography: Bethany Hearn Music: “Heart to Heart” by Kenny Loggins Makayla Lane, Emily Phillips, Sophia Alberico, Jaela Bean-Lindo, Isabella Mangretta Say My Name Choreography: Hannah Walker Music: “Say My Name” by Ólafur Arnalds (feat. Arnór Dan) Katie Baker, Lexi Jordan, Sofee Keener, Maya Stokes Round They Go Choreography: Emily Walter Music: "Paused Tango" by Jun Miyake; "Norman's Tango" by Jun Miyake; & "Windmills of Your Mind" by Dusty Springfield Racheal Tai, Amy Yatta, Angelyse Cordero, Mia Davis In the Night Choreography: Lexus Hoffman Music: “Xtralovable” by Prince Riley Goudy, T’Ana Selah Smith, Leah Stauffer The Means of Women Choreography: Reagan Nix Music: “On Then and Now” - Song artist: Woodkid, Vocalist: Jennifer Connelly, Song edit by: Reagan Nix Giovanna Taddeo, Hailey Molchen, Molly Crist, Emily Spencer, Ali (Alexandra) Montez, Maria Geyer PROGRAM B (11/4, 11/6 Evening) The Absurdist's Euphoria Choreography: Ava Shannon Music: “Scream” by Weaves and “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pitt Joanne Hwang, Sandrah Ochola, Kaben Benavides, Ashley Hutton Await Choreography: Marcella Galvan Music: "She Remembers" by Max Richter; "Dream 3" by Max Richter, Ben Russell, Yuki Numata Resnick; "Verses" by Ólafur Arnalds and Alice Sara Ott Kyle Sangil, Aia McInnes
Blood On Our Hands Choreography: Keegan Lloyd Music: Farm Sounds; Farm Ambience with Domestic Animal Sounds; “Threnody for The Victims of Hiroshima” composed by Krzysztof Penderecki; “The Banshee” composed by Henry Cowell played by Fausto Bongelli, Piano; “Requiem Canticles” composed by Igor Stravinsky Yovanie Rodriguez, William IIg, Gabriel Shoop, Kaleb Thomas, Juan Romero Forceless Space Choreography: Kelly Kosiek Music: “Happiness Does Not Wait” (2021 Version), Artist: Olafur Arnolds and “Free the Dragon” Artist: Schiller Brenna Hayden, Estella Persio rise above it all, or drown Choreography: Kylee Killian Music: “Tusk” by Fleetwood Mac; “Maggot Brain” by Funkadelic; “New Seeds (Interlude)” by Son of Cloud Madeline Stabler, Amil Brothers, Matthew Saggiomo WOMAN Choreography: Emily Jeffries Music: “Real Gone” by Sam Taylor & His All-Star Jazz; “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” by Marilyn Monroe; “I’m a Woman” from Smokey Joe’s Café Ariel Russell, Isabella Farley, Justin Barber, Kelly Parr, Harley Hothusen, Maddy Gallo, Danielle Barnes INTERMISSION Ain't We Got Fun Choreography: Matthew Losco Music: "Ain't We Got Fun" by Peggy Lee and "Nice N' Easy" by Peggy Lee Coco DelSignore, Megan Littmann, Ellie Nicholas, Emily West
A Brief Inquiry Choreography: Jeanne Malfanti Music: "Can't Get You Out of My Head" by Kylie Minogue and "Escape (the Pina Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes Kara Skaptason, Aniela Marcin, Kaylan Gardner, Sasha Titus, Shannon Karoly, Julianna Glaser, Anja Kripowicz Converging Boundaries Choreography: Elizabeth Stephens Music: "Sever" by Son Lux (featuring Holland Andrews) Olivia Cieri, Avery Gingrich, Jennifer Rivera, Libby Brooks, Noelle Trimper Love, Relationships, & Rock and Roll Choreography: Jacob Butterfield Music: “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” by Meatloaf Hope Sitzberger, Caleb Gonzales, Aloria Adams, Abby Wood, Alexis Harlow, Jemari Neal, Marguerite Valadie Can’t Smile Without You Choreography: Julianne DiCostanzo Music: “Can’t Smile Without You” by Barry Manilow and “Can’t Smile Without You” (Cover) by Sleeping at Last Hannah Flynn, Grace Werkema, Alyssa Bischel Industry Baby Choreography: Francesca Bianchi Music: "What's Poppin" by Jack Harlow; "R.I.C.O. by Meek Mill; "Industry Baby" by Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X Jordan Giles, Abigail Cowan, Madysen Piper, Vivian Shock
PROGRAM C (11/5, 11/7 Matinee) i don’t know yet Choreography: Theo Bliss Music: Live improvisational violin played by John Lambert Lennon Richison, Bianca Calderon You are Perfect Too Choreography: Emily Morrison Music: “You are Perfect Too” by Amigo the Devil Megan Nee, Laura Rodriguez, Charlotte Nevins, Ava Namar, Juliana Keller, Julia Flesch Fine Line Choreography: Grace LeMieux Music: “Samskeyti” by Sigur Rós and “Looking Too Closely” by Fink Macy Remenec, Drake Phouasavanh, Grant Braden, Drew Shoemaker, Celine Nielson Like better days past and gone Choreography: Bex Merry Music: "Some Kind of Love" by Dido and "Tilted" by Christine and the Queens Jessica Eastlund, Nina Pollzzie, Kelsey Grady Moon and Sun: sleeping at last Choreography: Breana Lochrie Margaret Kingsbury, Kellyn McNulty, Coral Dennison, Megan Hosp, Ana Cecilia Alves, Giana Ruffa The Chain Choreography: Lauren Michaels Music: “The Chain” (2004 Remaster) by Fleetwood Mac Madison Cummings, Ashley Harris, Alexandra Sergakis INTERMISSION
Joyeux Choreography: Ellie Dickson Music: "Fugue and Tango on a Theme" by Peter F. Dickson Jennifer Milgram, Alyssa Alford, Marie Dunlea, Grace Rauton, Rosalie Anthony Homem-Christo, Bangaltar Choreography: Claire Medinis Music: “Give Life Back to Music” and “Touch” by Daft Punk; sound clip “Epilogue” Faith Lane, Jaiden Tisdale, Kierra Hines, Kelsi Fears, Taylor Senger 1/3 Choreography: Mina Willis Music: Beginning Audio - "Id-Ego-Superego" Jacob Dorsey, Aleigh Hawkins, Isaiah Woodyard Welcome to the Speakeasy Choreography: Sara Ekern Music: "The Sea Lion", "Little Black Samba", and "Let It Flow" by Grover Washington Jr. Kara Ingold, Megan Nasche, Madison Santos, LejlaRaven Martin Cosmogony Choreography: Sydney Fugett Music: “November” by Max Richter Mia Huber, Eliza Schack, Halie Barnard
CHOREOGRAPHERS Francesca Bianchi is currently a senior dance and pre-med major at Point Park University. Native to Colorado, Francesca has classically trained in all styles of dance since the age of 3. She's a current ensemble member of tap dance company "Co.MITT", under the direction and mentorship of tap dance extraordinaire, Jason Janas. Her goal, post-graduation, is to continue growing her artistic craft and become a versatile commercial dancer. Later on, she wishes to complete her medical studies in order to become a pediatric surgeon. She's excited to debut her new choreographic work Industry Baby in the Fall Student Choreography Project performance. Francesca would like to thank everyone who has been involved and supportive throughout this entire artistic process. Theo Bliss is a movement and improvisational artist undoubtably excited to debut his first work at Point Park University, where he will be graduating with a BFA in dance with a concentration in modern dance. While at Point Park, he has performed in works choreographed by Jason Mcdole and Jessica Lang. He is a Resident Artist at the multi-medium art collective, The Space Upstairs, where he is also a company artist with The Pillow Project under the direction of Pearlann Porter. Through this, he has had the wonderful opportunity to perform in multiple full-length improvisational works and has been given the space to explore his creative and artistic expression. Olivia Brookes is a senior dance major with a concentration in modern and a psychology minor. Prior to attending Point Park University, Brookes spent 15 years training at Sugarloaf Ballet in Suwanee, GA under the direction of Lori Zamzow-Wire. Brookes’ passion for creating is almost synonymous to her passion for performing. Her love for music and movement sparked her desire to choreograph, and this love has a great influence on her works. Inspired by the music of her piece, her work, Ambivalence, explores the relationship of joy and sorrow and the effects of their teeter within an individual. Brookes has been thankful for the opportunity to grow as a choreographer through this process. She would like to thank her cast for their vulnerability, heart, and drive, and she sends them all love as they take the stage. Jacob Butterfield, a senior dance major, is thrilled to premier his new work at Point Park University. Jacob has been dancing since the age of three and has always had a passion for creating movement. Specifically, he’s always loved interlacing movement with a story to invoke an emotional response. This piece is a gentle reflection on how gender roles in relationships were seen in the past compared to how they are now. He wishes to thank his family, cast, crew, and all the mentors that have helped him throughout his career. To see more of his work, go to jacobbutterfield.com. Emily Carpenter is thrilled to be debuting her first ever choreographic work, Egosystem. Emily is a senior at Point Park University working towards her BFA in dance with a minor in musical theatre. You may have seen her most recently perform in the Point Park production of Curtains, but now she is overjoyed to present a work of her very own! A huge thank you to all the family, friends, and mentors that helped along the way. And to her beautiful cast- you have been a dream to work with. Thank you for everything. Ellie Dickson is a senior dance major from Maine. She started dancing at a young age with Elizabeth Drucker’s Ballet School and continued studying there throughout high school before deciding to pursue dance at a collegiate level. She would like to thank her incredibly talented dancers for their hard work,
her parents for their love and support, and an extended thank you to her father for composing the music. Hi, my name is Julianne DiCostanzo, I am from Emerson, NJ, and I am a senior dance major with a concentration in jazz at Point Park University. Creating this piece on this amazing group of dancers has been such a great experience, and I am so grateful for all of their hard work. I am so excited to see it all come together on stage as this is my first experience choreographing a piece for a show like this. I fell in love with the theater jazz style early on in my training, and I think that this work reflects the way that love has developed over my years at Point Park as I get closer to graduation in Spring 2022. Sara Ekern is thrilled to debut Welcome to the Speakeasy as part of this fall’s Conservatory of Dance at Point Park University’s Student Choreography Project. A senior jazz dance major from St. Augustine, FL., she is excited to graduate in the spring of 2022 and experience what is next. Previously she performed Jason McDole’s piece Awaken as well as Alexa Gajeton’s Arrival. Sara thanks her parents Lisa and JR for their love and support, as well as her brother Taylor. All the thanks and love to the cast Kara Ingold, Megan Nasche, Madison Santos, and LejlaRaven Martin for their drive, dedication, and willingness to be open throughout the process. With patience, willingness, and the right mindset to trust the journey, any of us can achieve our goals and accomplish everything our heart desires. Hello! My name is Emily Jeffries, and I am a junior dance major with a concentration in jazz, and a minor in business management. I am so excited to present my work titled WOMAN, as one of my debut choreographic works here at Point Park University. I would like to thank my entire cast for being so incredibly wonderful to work with, as well as my professors and mentors here at the school that have helped me to get where I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad for being the best support system I could ever ask for; thanks for always believing in me. Merde, dancers! Sydney Fugett is very excited to premier their first choreographic work a part of the Student Choreography Project! Sydney is a senior modern dance major with a minor in women and gender studies! They are so grateful for the opportunity to showcase this work in a live setting again. Big thanks to her family for always being a support system, as well as her close friends and peers who constantly inspire their artistic voice. Hope you enjoy the show! Marcella Galvan, from San Antonio, TX, is a senior dance major with a concentration in ballet at Point Park University. She trained at Trilogy Dance Center and was a member of their pre-professional company, Insight Dance Ensemble. She has had the opportunity to train in Los Angeles, CA and New York City, NY, and has attended summer programs at Perry Mansfield, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Broadway Dance Center. While at Point Park, she has had the honor of working with and performing the work of Jae Man Joo, Matthew Powell, Kiesha Lalama, Jay Kirk, Shana Simmons, Dan Karasik, and Norbert De La Cruz III. She would like to thank her two beautiful castmates, Kyle and Aia, for going on this journey with her and her family and friends for all their support. Mom, Dad, Matt, Chloe, Nanny, Pampo, Honey, and Grandma… Thank you. Here’s to writing my own story. Bethany Hearn (she, her) is a senior dance major with a concentration in jazz. She is thrilled to be showcasing a choreographic work at Point Park University this semester! During her time at Point Park, she has had the privilege to learn from and work with many artists. Bethany wants to thank her cast for working so diligently during the process. She also sends endless gratitude to her friends and family for always being there to support her.
Lexus Hoffmann is a New York native, who enjoys being under the bright lights. She began her training at the Alvin Ailey School at the young age of five. Lexus has continued her training at Point Park University and is now a senior jazz concentration. She has been blessed to work with such a diverse set of artists in her years of training. Lexus looks forward to her future endeavors and what the world has in store for her. Thank you to my family and friends who have always supported me in my journey. Courtney Jacome was raised in the metro-Atlanta area where she trained in a variety of styles. She was fortunate enough to be able to explore her passion for choreography as a young dancer. Her first professional choreography credit came when she was 18 years old and choreographed Aladdin Jr. for Suwanee Performing Arts. Courtney followed her passion to Point Park University, where she is currently in her last semester as a senior dance major. She would like to thank her family for their support as well as her fabulous cast for all of their hard work! Giada Jiang is a senior student at Point Park University pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a dance major concentrating in ballet. Born in Italy and growing up in China, Giada started her ballet journey at Zhejiang School of Art in China at twelve. While studying in America, she has had the honor to perform the works of artists such as Pearlann Porter, Susan Stowe, Jay Kirk, and Yamoussa Camara. Looking forward to her artistic future, Giada is planning to further her education in the realm of dance and pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Lastly and most importantly, Giada would like to thank both her family, and her mentor, Judith Leifer-Bentz, for their constant love and support. In addition, she is very grateful for her amazing cast for their dedication and commitment throughout the creation process of her Student Choreography Project piece this fall. Kylee Killian is a multi-faceted artist with a passion for choreographing, performing, and creating. She is currently a senior at Point Park studying modern dance and minoring in entrepreneurship. During her time at Point Park, she has performed in works choreographed by Norbert De La Cruz III, Jason McDole, Pearlann Porter, Kiesha Lalama, and Rocker Verastique, in addition to several student choreographed works. She is a company artist with “The Pillow Project” under the artistic direction of Pearlann Porter, where she most recently performed Under The Stars at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Open Air” dance festival. Kylee teaches and choreographs at dance studios where her choreography has won numerous awards at various dance competitions. In her free time, Kylee loves to hang out with her cat Phoebe and manage her small business where she makes and sells crochet goods and handmade jewelry! Kelly Kosiek is an artist originally from Chicago who is currently in her final year of dance at Point Park. Her performance experiences are inclusive of the works of Daniel Herman, Jessica Lang, Robert McKee, Crystal Frazier, and Yamoussa Camara. Kelly is an artist in dance with choreography, teaching and performance, all of which she finds deeply valuable. Her most current work showcased here, Forceless Spaces, embodies the concept of having empty, unforced space in life to give room for authenticity, creation, discovery, and the infinite of anything to live. In any aspect, Kelly feels very blessed to be involved in the world of dance. In all she experiences, Kelly says, “I look for the beauty in every moment”. Grace LeMieux is a Colorado native who has been dancing from a young age. She began her pre- professional training at Sweatshop Dance, under Brian Young and Tami Bing, and is now a junior dance major with a concentration in jazz at Point Park University. There she was an understudy in Bound in Before, a world premiere conceived by Kiesha Lalama, and has performed original works by Al
Blackstone, Jason McDole, and Kiki Lucas. Grace is also a NYCDA College Scholarship Foundation Recipient, which goes towards her prestigious dance education at Point Park University. She has assisted world renowned choreographers such as Brian Friedman and Tony Testa around the country and overseas. Since coming to Point Park, Grace has become associate choreographer for Rocker Verastique and Danny Herman, both professors at Point Park University, creating multiple works for the Conservatory Dance Company. Keegan Lloyd - Contemplative, curious and compelled are three words that describe Keegan Lloyd not just as a dancer but as a human being navigating the journey of life. Through his training in dance, Keegan has discovered different ways of moving and expressing, as well as new ways of sharing and receiving. He is striving to create a world where we all operate from a place of worthiness and self- acceptance. In his work and interactions, he attempts to highlight what makes us human and encourages us to see the beauty in our imperfections. His mission is to help people live more examined lives through the ideas he explores within his work. Keegan is inspired by writers, spiritual leaders, and his family. He loves his dogs and would be lost without the guiding voice of Mariah Carey as he listens to it often. Breana Lochrie is a senior dance major with a minor in psychology and is from Long Island, NY. She accredits her early dance training to the Ohman School of Ballet and their amazing faculty. She started diving into choreography in high school under her mentor, Kim Cisek, who guided her throughout her high school career and led her to Point Park. She would like to thank her close family, dogs, and friends for always supporting this crazy dream. She is beyond thankful for her amazing cast for bringing this piece to life and making it such an inspiring collaborative experience. Matthew Losco was raised in New Jersey where he first began his training in a variety of styles. In 2018, Matthew received the Rising Star Award for “Outstanding Performance by Supporting Actor” from the PaperMill Playhouse for his portrayal of “Igor” in Young Frankenstein. He followed his passion for the arts to Point Park University where he is a senior dance major with a concentration in jazz and a double minor in musical theatre and business management. During his college experience, he has performed in works choreographed by Rocker Verastique, Kiki Lucas, Yamoussa Camara, Shana Simmons and Pearlann Porter. In 2021, Matthew received the Ron Tassone Memorial Scholarship. Most recently, he portrayed “Russ Cochran” in Point Park’s production of Curtains. Matthew is excited to make his choreographic debut with Ain’t We Got Fun and wants to thank his family for the support. Originally from France, Jeanne Malfanti (she, her), moved to the United States at the age of seven. She began her dance training in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In 2018, she moved to Pittsburgh to further her dance education at Point Park University where she is receiving her BFA in dance with a concentration in jazz. At Point Park, Jeanne has had the privilege of studying under many renowned artists. She hopes to continue to entertain through performance and choreography and inspire those around her to look at life a little more spontaneously. Claire Medinis - Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Claire started out as a gymnast before moving into the dance world. She is currently a senior dance major here at Point Park University and has a minor in business management. Along with dance, she loves acting, singing, and training in the aerial lyra. She is eager to share her passion for dance and entertainment to the world while spreading positivity and happiness every step of the way.
Bex Merry is currently a senior at Point Park University aiming to receive their BFA in dance and a minor in business. Bex is originally from England and trained at Pam Chater Dance Academy. After moving to Michigan in 2008, they began training at Big City Dance Center and was a part of their pre-professional company. While attending Point Park, they have also trained at intensives such as Eisenhower, Hubbard Street, and Sidra Bell’s Winter Module. Bex is so excited to get to share this piece they’ve created, with such an amazing and hardworking cast, that inspire them continuously. Lauren Michaels began her dance training with Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria, VA. She has attended summer programs at North Carolina School of the Arts, The Rockettes Summer Intensive Invitational Week, and was a lead assistant with the Commercial Dance Intensive. Lauren is currently a senior at Point Park University, where she is pursuing a BFA in dance with a jazz concentration, as well as a minor in business management. She has most recently performed works choreographed by Jason McDole and Danny Herman. Lauren is so excited to make her choreographic debut with The Chain and thanks her cast for bringing her vision to life! Emily Morrison, from Houston, TX, received pre-professional training from Leon Dance Arts. Her training earned her the opportunity to attend Point Park University. She is a senior dance major with a concentration in jazz and a minor in musical theatre. Through her dance training and experience, Emily has found her love for choreography and teaching. Her experience includes teaching for the following studios and companies: Hintze Dance Center, Fairfield Dance Center, Living Lines Dance Center and Leon Dance Arts. Emily is an award-winning choreographer whose works include pieces performed by Leon Dance Arts, The Cypress Woods Theater Company, Jordan High School Legacies, and now Point Park University. She is beyond excited to present her newest work, You Are Perfect Too. This is a dramatic piece that combines the use of dark folk music with theater jazz. Hope you enjoy the show! Reagan Nix is originally from Boulder, CO. During her time there, she cross-trained at Sweatshop LTD and at Denver School of the Arts. After graduating from Denver School of the Arts, Reagan became a New York City Dance Alliance College Scholarship Foundation recipient. Because of that, she is able to receive an outstanding education at Point Park University. Reagan is now in her senior year at Point Park University and specializes in modern dance. Additionally, she focuses her studies on business management in hopes of creating her own company. She has created choreographic works for seven years ranging from solo performances to group works. Reagan is excited to debut her latest work The Means of a Women: An ode to all women to break from their systematic environment that predetermines what it means to be successful. Payton Poole is from Tucson, AZ and has been dancing since the young age of two. Training at Tucson Dance Academy under Tammy Booth, she was introduced to many styles but fell in love with ballet, modern and jazz. This led to her attendance at Point Park University with a concentration in modern dance. She has worked with Stacey Tookey, Peter Chu, Alexandra Damiani, Rodger Van Der Poel, Omar Rivera, and Duncan Cooper along with Point Park University faculty Kiesha Lalama, Crystal Frazier, Kiki Lucas, and Dan Karasik. She would like to thank her sisters Cali and Chancey Poole for continually pushing her to grow into the human and artist she is today. Ava Shannon is a senior dance major. She is also a visual artist that specializes in paint and pastels. Ava hopes that this piece can be an explosion of color and vibrancy for all who experience it. She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support and to Pearl Anne Porter for teaching her to turn limitation into innovation.
Megan Stefanik is a senior dance major and psychology minor from the Buffalo Niagara Region of New York. She trained extensively at Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet under the direction of Monika Alch before continuing her studies at Point Park University. She’d like to thank her friends and family for their gracious support and her cast for falling so willingly into an existential crisis. Elizabeth Stephens is a senior dance major with a concentration in modern dance. Born in Louisville, KY, she has been pursuing her love for dance from the age of four. Some of her most recent performance endeavors include The Decline from a Sound and Prosperous Condition by Martha Nichols (2019) and Awaken by Jason McDole (2021). She is beyond thrilled to be bringing her choreographic debut to the stage with Converging Boundaries. She would like to thank and congratulate her talented cast for making this possible, and hopes you enjoy the show! Hannah Walker is from Virginia Beach, VA. Hannah is a 2018 graduate of The Governors School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA. During her time there, she had the opportunity to perform with The Royal Birmingham Ballet in the Virginia Arts Festival as well as participation in the Rockette Summer Intensive for several seasons. Hannah is a senior dance major here at Point Park University. She has had the pleasure of performing in various works by Crystal Frazier and Danny Herman during her time at Point Park. While in Virginia Beach, she teaches and choreographs for Elevate Performing Arts Center, where she grew up dancing. Hannah wants to thank her friends and family for all their support. She is so proud of her SCP cast and cannot wait to see their storytelling come to life on stage. Emily Walter will be graduating from Point Park University with her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Dance focused in modern. She has already received an Associate in Arts from South Puget Sound Community College simultaneously with her high school diploma. While at Point Park, her favorite works she has performed include Citizen by Yin Yue and Drive by Kyle Abraham. Emily enjoys drawing, camping, and outdoor activities in her spare time. Emily would like to thank her family as they mean the most to her. Mina Willis is currently a senior at Point Park University, pursuing her degree in modern dance and an English minor. She has had the pleasure of training with the highly respected faculty, such as Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, and Garfield Lemonius. Through the years, she has had the opportunity to train at different intensives such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, American Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Austin. She has danced in multiple performances before college and presently, allowing her to work with guest choreographers like Penny Saunders, performing with Celebrity Dance Competition as an assistant on their annual cruise, and partaking in many student choreography showcases, including her own works. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, enjoying nature, and spending time with loved ones, including all her wonderful pets.
PRODUCTION Garfield Lemonius (Artistic Director and Dean, Conservatory of Performing Arts) Lemonius’ career adventures include performing in film, contemporary dance companies, and solo guest works across the United States, Canada and Europe. He was a principal dancer with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, where he performed works by noted American choreographers, and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe. He has worked with acclaimed choreographers including Robert Battle, Colin Connor, David Parsons, Bruce Wood, Charles "Chuck" Davis, Alonzo King, Donald McKayle, and Kevin Wynn, and has performed solo works by renowned dance icons including Talley Beatty, Asadata Dafora, Jose Limon, and Martha Graham. Lemonius serves on numerous boards including the advisory board for the Pittsburgh Dance Council, the advisory committee for the National High School Dance Festival, and previously on the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) Committee on Ethics, and on panels at national dance conferences. In 2018, he received the National High School Dance Festival Outstanding Service Award, the Festival’s highest honor. Prior to serving in his current role as Dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts and Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University, Lemonius was a Professor and Dance Department Chair in the Conservatory. He continues to teach and choreograph for companies, festivals and other academic institutions across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Colleen Hooper (Chair of Dance, Associate Artistic Director) researches dance’s connection to the economy and culture, and her choreography has been presented in site-specific and traditional stage venues since 2002. New York venues include Dance Theater Workshop / New York Live Arts Fresh Tracks series, Danspace Project Out of Space, Dixon Place, BRIC Studio, DanceNow/NYC Festival, BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Joyce SoHo, and Dance New Amsterdam. In the Philadelphia region, her work was featured in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Painted Bride Art Center’s Independence Foundation Gallery for the Visual Arts, and Haverford College. She received choreographic residencies from Danceworks Milwaukee (2013), TOPAZ ARTS (2010), Dance Theater Workshop (2007), and Dancenow/NYC SILO (2004). As a performer, Hooper danced for Red Dive, George Russell, Katherine Kiefer Stark/The Naked Stark, Beau Hancock, and Merían Soto. She received a 2018 New York Public Library Short Term Fellowship for her book project, “Dance from Labor to Service.” Her writing has been published in Dance Research Journal, the International Journal of Screendance, Liminalities: A Journal of Performance Studies, Dance: Current Selected Research, and is forthcoming in Feminist Modernist Studies. She is a current member of the Equitable Arts Infrastructure Cross Campus Consortium, and she was a member of the Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS) Board of Directors 2013-2016. She earned her Ph.D. and M.F.A. degrees in Dance from Temple University and was a senior doctoral fellow in the Center for Humanities at Temple University (CHAT). She is an assistant professor of dance in the Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Point Park University. Drew Martorella (Managing Director) was formerly the Executive Director of UCCS Presents at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). There he was responsible for building support for arts and fostering community engagement through the operation of the Ent Center for the Arts and its programs including the Artists Series; Theatreworks, the region’s premiere professional theater; the Galleries of Contemporary Art, and the University Center and Event Services. He was a 2013 recipient of CU’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award and was the 2019 recipient of Drew University’s Alumni Arts Award. Prior to becoming an administrator, Martorella was a professional production manager and stage manager working for regional theatres across America including the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, New Mexico Repertory Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum. He received his M.P.A. in Non-Profit
Management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and a B.A. in Theatre from Drew University in Madison, N.J. Kim Martin (General Manager/Producer) graduated from Point Park University in 1987 where she received a B.A. in Fine, Applied and Performing Arts and graduated again in 2016 with an M.B.A. in Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management. She remained involved with the University since her undergrad and returned in 1999 as Production Stage Manager for The REP, where she also created and developed the Stage Management Program. In 2013, she was promoted to Director of Production at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and in 2016 became Producing Director. In addition, Kim has directed, acted in, produced and stage-managed over 400 productions. Some favorites over the years include: Playboy of the Western World, The Devil Inside, Becky’s New Car, The Lonesome West, Mojo, Killer Joe, The Birthday Party, Glengarry Glen Ross, Guys & Dolls, Drinking in America, Deathtrap, The Dumb Waiter, Annie, La Ronde, and Three Sisters. Joe Borsch (Lighting Designer) is a junior in the theatre production program at Point Park University, concentrating in lighting design. He is excited to join his fellow collaborators in designing the lighting for the Student Choreography Project this fall. Joe would like to thank Cat Wilson, Professor of Lighting Design, for being an excellent mentor in the production program. He would also like to thank Jeff Sherman, former Pittsburgh Playhouse Master Electrician, for his dedication to the art of making light happen. Austin Eaton (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be designing for the Student Choreography Project this semester. This is his senior year here at Point Park as a technical design and management major with a concentration in lighting. Austin has previous memorable productions here such as Cabaret, The History Boys, Contemporary Choreographers, the Student Choreography Project Fall 2019, the Raymond Laine Memorial One Acts Festival, Pippin, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Dance Nation, and Curtains. He would like to thank all his mentors who have helped him through all his years in the conservatory. He would also like to thank his friends and family for their continued support and patience through the career he has chosen. Brent Swaltek (Lighting Designer) Originally from Johnstown, PA, Brent Swaltek is a junior attending Point Park University in pursuit of his BFA in theatrical design. Brent has been in the theatrical world for seven years and has been focusing on lighting design for five years. His long-term goals are to become a lighting designer for large scale touring concerts. Jaylin Minor (Stage Manager) is a junior stage management major here at Point Park University. She has worked on many other shows like One Acts Festival, Ordinary Days, and ChoreoLab. She would like to thank everyone supporting her along the way. Alex Bayer (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore stage management major, and he is very excited to be working on the Student Choreography Project. In the past, he was the assistant stage manager for Dead Man's Cell Phone and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, both at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. He has also stage managed for William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, as well as Les Miserables. He would like to thank his parents for supporting him throughout his endeavors, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Katie Moffatt (Light Board Operator) is a new transfer dance major with a ballet concentration. Katie is
from Paso Robles, CA, and previously attended the University of California, Irvine as a dance major. Katie
is looking forward to working with everyone on the SCP production crew.
Julianne Horowitz (Crew) is 19 years old and was born and raised in New York City. Julianne graduated
from Laguardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, trained for 12 years and was dance
captain at Downtown Dance Factory’s competition studio, completed a year in Ohio State University’s
BFA dance program, and transferred to Point Park University as a dance major, jazz concentration, in Fall
of 2021.
Myah Segura (Crew) is currently a sophomore jazz concentration at the Conservatory at Point Park
University. Before coming to Pittsburgh, Myah went to LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in
NYC. She studied dance at Ballet Hispanico for three years where she did ballet, modern, and flamenco.
She was also in the company at Shuffles NYC for three years where she trained in tap and musical
theatre for 10 years. She has worked professionally for the International Dance Acclaim. Her passion for
dance was born at The National Dance Institute when she was 10. Myah studied violin and viola ages 5-
19. Her connection to dance is rooted in her music training.
Antonio Colaruotolo (Production Manager), originally from Italy, studied lighting and video production
at the New University of Cinema and Television in the Cinecittà film studios in Rome and recently
graduated from New York University in Performing Art Industry. Antonio has served as Associate
Producer for the 2020/2021 season at the Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF
Assistant Stage Manager Alex Bayer
Light Board Operator Katie Moffatt
Sound Board Operator Mary Hondal
Crew Lauren Anderson
Emma Fortenberry
Julianne Horowitz
Myah Segura
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Garfield Lemonius Dean & Artistic Director
Drew Martorella Managing Director
Kim Martin General Manager & Producer
Barbara Houston Playhouse Administrator
April Daras Chair, Department of Theatre
Colleen Hooper Chair, Department of Dance
Madison Lescallette Box Office Manager
Matt Spadaccia Patron Services Manager
Chris Hays Marketing ConsultantThanks to our season sponsor PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION STAFF James Dworek Technical Director Nick Smith Shop Foreman Austin Jenkins Carpenter/Welder Michael Montgomery Costume Studio Manager Patrick Geraci Cutter/Draper Sierra Hughes First Hand/Stitcher Katie Mikula-Wineman Properties Manager James Utz Assistant Properties Manager Katie Cook Scenic Charge Natasha Lowy Scenic Artist JC Bardzil Interim Electrics Manager Ryan McMasters Sound Designer/Audio Engineer Buzz Miller Theatrical AV/IT Jonathan Surmacz Dance Production Manager Antonio Colaruotolo Interim Dance Production Manager Aimee Coleman Dance Costumer MK Barber GRW Technical Coordinator
GIVING CIRCLE David Aleva Drew Martorella Christine Andrews Melanie Matter Cynthia Artman David McCombe Carl Ballard Marc Milgram Nancy L. Barry William Meeks Bill Beaumont Michelle Molchen Kathleen Boykin Kathie A. Nelson Carol A. Boyle Jean S. Oblawski Frank Bruns Therese M. Poland Ginger Cahoon Cynthia Rauton Robert Cahoon Jayme Russo Gabrielle Corson Beth Rushing Luciano DelSignore Mark Schiesser Joe & Barbara Greco Frank Schiller Matthew Ferry John Schlotterer Jason Fink Pat Schuetz Keith Glaser Shari Sitzberger Linda B. Hippert Randall Svendsen Alan Hornell Jack R. Tomayko Pat Hurdle Karen Tseng Angela Isaac in honor of Charles Vukotich Margie Gilfillan Don & Marilyn Jenkins Edward & Andrea Walker Drew A. Koval Diana Zabetakis Jennifer S. Lau Bruce R. Zewe Elsa Limbach
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