N E W S L E T T E RNOVEMBER 2014

SO LONG HUTONG: MARGY STOVER’S MONTH IN CHINA

Academy teacher shares her stories about her trip as part of the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program

Visual Arts Department Chair, Margy Stover, applied and was awarded the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program scholarship. Stover spent a month in China immersed in the culture with other educators—experiencing Chinese traditions first hand.

In her application to the program, Stover expressed interest in learning more about urbanization in China and ties to Chicago’s development at the start of the 20th century. Specifically she questioned what is development and is the impact on the social and urban fabric.

Before departing, Stover spent time at Stanford University taking classes on Chinese culture, something she noted was extremely helpful and informative for her trip. While in China, the group spent time in Chongquig, Shanghai and Beijing among other cities and towns. As part of the trip, Stover attended a talk on the People-to-People Exchange with Secretary of State John Kerry at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square.

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program is run though the U.S. Department of Education and this specific

trip was partnered with China Education Association for International Exchange. This program is designed with the intention of providing American educators with seminars abroad to improve knowledge and understanding of different cultures. In her presentation Stover mentions the importance, particularly in the field of design, of understanding the Chinese culture and traditions.

Alumni Feature(2)

AIDS Benefit Recap(2)

Barbara Gaines of Chicago Shakespeare Theater stops by

The Academy (3)

Upcoming Events(4)

RENÉE FLEMING CONDUCTS MASTER CLASS WITH ACADEMY STUDENTSAs part of the Academy’s Prodigy Institute Program, Academy students meet and perform for the world renowned vocalist with other Chicago-area music students through partnership with the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Along with other Chicago-area aspiring musicians, The Academy’s Music Department had the privilege of attending a master class with one of the most impressive classical vocalists of our time, Renee Fleming. The class held at the Merit School of Music, featured five student vocalists performing for Fleming. Each student was given specific feedback and pointers from the master herself.

Academy junior, Elenna Sindler sang “L’ho perduta” from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. Following her performance, Fleming was able to relay advice specifically about her range.

“She gave me the confidence I needed to continue to work on my upper range,” said Sindler, “It was an amazing experience. I loved meeting and performing for her!”

The Academy’s Prodigy Institute provides professional level artistic experiences like this master class for students throughout the year. For more information about the program and official Academy Prodigy Partners please visit the Academy’s website (chicagoartsacademy.org).

Sketch by Stover inspired by her time in Chongquig, China

IN THIS ISSUE

N E W S L E T T E R

A L U M N I P R O F I L E

Stephen Gawrit, Theatre ‘04

This year, The Academy welcomed Stephen as President of the Alumni Association and ex-officio on the Board of Trustees. Here’s about what Stephen has been up to since graduating from the Theatre Department in 2004.

During the day, Stephen is a Director of Sales for heartbase, Inc. By night he freelances as a theater artist—working as an actor, sound designer, playwright, composer, and director. Recently known throughout Chicago for his exceptional sound design, he is also the playwright and composer of two original musicals Hammer (The Right Brain Project) and Stalk (La Costa Theatre Company) and the sci-fi original The Archivist (The Right Brain Project).

Stephen looks forward to following in the footsteps of recent Alumni Association presidents Preston Miller ’06, Lisa Burback ’00, and Eric Ellis ’93 to engage The Academy’s talented alumni.

One of The Academy’s most treasured traditions, the AIDS Benefit, concluded another successful run—but this year was a little different. For opening night, a special guest sat in the front row. Justin Tranter (‘98, Musical Theatre), the founder of this student-run variety show, stopped by for the first time since directing the show himself in 1997. Since Tranter started the AIDS Benefit, Academy students have raised tens of thousands of dollars for area AIDS research, support and care organizations. This year, Student Director Elise O’Connell chose for proceeds of the event to go to Chicago’s Circle of Friends at Lurie Children’s Hospital. The money raised through ticket sales and silent auction will be donated specifically toward research for children with AIDS/HIV.

Tranter said of his visit, “[I am] beyond honored that the tradition is still alive.””

• Aaron Morganstein(‘01) shot the cover of National Geographic. • Brittney Mack (‘07) won a ‘Zoni’ for Best Actress in a Supporting Role–Musical • for her work in ‘Avenue-Q’. This award is part of the Arizonia Theatre Awards of Excellence. • Justin Tranter (‘98) wrote two chart-topping songs, Fall Out Boy’s newest single and Nicole Scazingler’s single off her new album. • Visual Artist, Jeanette Hayes (‘06) has been featured in an article for Interview Magazine.

Have an alumni update? email artsacademynews@gmail.com!

AIDS BENEFIT FOUNDER RETURNS FOR 17TH ANNUAL SHOWSemi Precious Weapons lead singer’s first time back at the show he created 17 years ago

Student Director Elise

O’Connell [right] with

Academy Alum, Justin

Tranter [left]. Photo by Thomas Mohr

Tranter is now a popular

rock vocalist and is the

lead singer of the band,

Semi Precious Weapons.

In his spare time, Tranter

is a song writer, most

recently creating hits for

artists like Fall Out Boy

and Nicole Scherzinger.

The Circle Series, hosted by The Academy Parent Alumni Committee, highlights one performance or exhibit in each arts department throughout the year. This year’s season kicked off with the Visual Arts Alumni Exhibit and Student Sketchbook Show, featuring alumni artists Lindsey Meyers (’94) and Mattie Hillock (’09).

Meyers gave an energetic and informative talk prior to the opening of the exhibit. She is a self-taught 35mm photographer and mixed-media artist and opened the gallery Beauty & Brawn in 2012. Meyers was chosen to participate in the inaugural SEED Chicago Kickstarter project with the

Mayor’s office, was highlighted as a SCORE Chicago Featured Business Owner, and is a member of Chicago Ideas Week CIW Co-Op.

As a classically trained visual artist, Mattie Hillock has shown work in Chicago, New York, Paris, and Venice. Hillock is experimenting with ‘digital symbiosis’ in his most recent work. He graduated from the Pratt Institute with a BFA in Painting.

For more information on joining the Academy Parent Alumni Committee please email Julie Levar at jlevar@chicagoartsacademy.org.

CIRCLE SERIES SEASON UNVEILEDC I R C L E S E R I E S C A L E N D A R

NOVEMBER 15 @ 7PMRagtime + post-show discussion panel

JANUARY 17 @ 7PMSenior Choreographed Dance Concert + reception at Ruth Page Arts Center

TBD (JANUARY or FEBRUARY)Jazz Festival at Jazz Showcase

MARCH 6 @ 7PMSpring Theatre Production

MARCH 12 or 13 @ 7PMMedia Arts: Winter Juried Show

A L U M N I U P D A T E S

#ICYMI: In Case You Missed It,

Here’s What’s Been Going on at The Academy

BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTSThe Chicago Academy for the Arts welcomes four new members to the Board of Trustees

Mike Finnerty is a Managing Director of Kaufman Hall and a member of the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions group. His son Mark is a sophomore in the Musical Theatre Department.

Stephen Gawrit (Theatre ’04) serves as President of the Alumni Association and ex-officio on the Board of Trustees. Stephen currently serves on The Academy’s Executive Search Committee for a new president. (See Alumni Profile for more information about Stephen)

Marypat Mulholland is Head of Institutional Sales for Wells Fargo Securities’ Midwest Region. Her daughter Olivia is a freshman in the Visual Arts Department.

James Wersching is the President of The Academy’s Parents Association and serves ex-officio on the Board of Trustees. He also serves on the Executive Search Committee. His son, Jim, is a senior in the Music Department.

2015-16 Application Deadline: December 4thClick here to forward the application to a friend or future artist.

NOVEMBER 2014

A I D S B E N E F I T

T H E B A L D S O P R A N O

F I G U R E D R A W I N G S H O W

Photographs from this year’s AIDS Benefit and The Bald Soprano have been taken by the talented Tom Mohr. More of his

incredible work can be found here.

AN EVENING WITH BARBARA GAINESAcademy guests spent time with the Artistic Director & founder of Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The Academy celebrated our Leadership Donors on October 14th with an evening featuring a conversation with Barbara Gaines, founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Gaines’ extraordinary vision has been recognized with multiple honors, including: the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards for Best Production and for Best Director.

The evening was overflowing with energy, and guests were thrilled to hear the wisdom (and wit!) of Ms. Gaines. Her conversation with Principal Patera touched on a variety of themes, including the importance of

mentorship in the lives of young artists, the extraordinary impact theater has on the lives of those who experience it, and why on earth Shakespeare never wrote a two-person play.

Donors enjoyed delicious selections from Old Town restaurants Kamehachi, Bistrot Margot, and Orso’s Italian Restaurant. The Academy extends a big thank you to Ms. Gaines, Jane Sahlins, Richard Turner, Giulia Sindler, and all of the participating restaurants.

Thank you to all who support The Academy, your support is not only critical to our students’ success, but vital to the broader cultural community.

Academy Principal,

Jason Patera [left] with

Barbara Gaines of

Chicago Shakespeare

Theater [left].

Photo by Academy Alumna, Lindsey Meyers

(‘94)

Mike Finnerty

Marypat Mulholland

James Wersching

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U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

JANUARY 2015

MUSICAL THEATRE

Ragtime

November 14, 7 PM**November 15, 3 & 7 PM

November 16, 3 PM

MUSIC

Fall Jazz Concert

November 176:30-7:30 PM

ADMISSIONS

Parent Coffee for Prospective Parents

November 18 9:30-11 AM

MEDIA ARTS

MonstersDepartment Show

November 20, 4:45 PMNovember 21, 4:45 & 7 PM

MUSIC

Classical Recital

December 14:45 & 7 PM

ADMISSIONS

Applications Due!

December 4

THEATRE

Semester Showcase

December 5, 7 PMDecember 6, 3 & 7 PM

ADMISSIONS

Audition Day for Applicants

December 6

THANKSGIVING BREAK: NOVEMBER 26-28 • HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

ACADEMIC FINALS: DECEMBER 15-17 • GOOD LUCK STUDENTS + TEACHERS!

WINTER BREAK: DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 2 • HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

MUSIC

Classical Vocal Studio

January 12, 6:30 PM

DANCE

Senior Choreographed Showat Ruth Page Center of the Arts

January 16, 7PM**January 17, 2 & 7 PM

VISUAL ARTS

Winter Juried Show

January 22, 5-7 PM

MUSICAL THEATRE

Shakespeare Production

January 23, 7 PMJanuary 24, 3 & 7 PM

** Indicates an Academy Circle Series eventPlease note, dates and times are subject to change. Visit chicagoartsacademy.org for up-to-date information & ticketing.

SAVE THE DATE • May 12, 2015Gala Performance Tickets on sale February 1, 2015

Season of Concern Benefit at Stage 773Academy Theatre students volunteered to usher at the Season of Concern Benefit on Monday, November 10 at Stage 773. There, they had the chance to meet Steppenwolf Ensemble members Rhondi Reed and John Mahoney (also a long-time Academy supporter). Thank you to Academy and Season of Concern Board Member Richard Turner for making the invitation to our students to meet these wonderful Chicago artists.Do you have news or updates for us at The Academy?

Things you’d like shared with our entire community?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! artacademynews@gmail.com

or mkolosky@chicagoartsacademy.org

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