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University Theatre produces cutting-edge collaboration

March 13, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Students from Western Michigan University's theatre, playwriting, dance and music programs collaborate for the first time to create the multidisciplinary production "Fuse 1," which premiers Thursday, March 20, at the York Arena Theatre in the Gilmore Theatre Complex.

Performances of "Fuse 1" at York Arena Theatre

Thursday, March 20, at 8 p.m.
Friday, March 21, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 27, at 8 p.m.
Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m.

"Fuse 1" is a celebration and exploration of the process of creating art and a fascinating experiment in collaboration and the blending of ideas. The production includes pieces written by student playwrights and works devised completely from scratch by participating actors, directors, choreographers, composers and visual artists, each bringing together programs of WMU's award-winning College of Fine Arts. Using Plato's words, "When the mode of the music changes, the walls of the city shake," as their inspiration, the artists fuse their talents to create a collective experience that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Mark Liermann, WMU assistant professor of theatre, is the producing director. He is assisted by staff member Jason Nuzzo and WMU students Amanda Cowper and Benjamin Fergus. The all-student cast includes Zack Apman, Brandon Bierlein, Tori Blade, Eric Davis, Amanda Dorsey, Joe Drake, Lauren Elliot, Leigh Fryling, Samantha Galvin, Justin Garascia, Megan Jacobson, Al Jakel, Elizabeth Jenkins, Katie Keenan, Kim Krane, Derrick Marshall, Shannon McPhee, Jeremy Neal, Danielle Percy, Jillian Rea, Marcus Ringvelski, Jerel Rubio, Rebecca Shulman, Ashleigh Twining, Cassandra Weekley, Jenny Westervelt and Courtney Yoder.

The creative team includes WMU students Kaitlyn Anderson, lighting designer, and Rachel Gruetzner, stage manager. They are joined by faculty and staff members Rhonda Cinotto, dance supervisor; David Curwen, production choreographer; and Steve Feffer, production dramaturge.

General admission seating for "Fuse 1" is $17, $12 for senior citizens and WMU employees, and $7 for students. Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmich.edu/theatre, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office, Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or downtown Kalamazoo's Epic Center Box Office. Group discounts are available.

Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu

WMU News
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