UB Theatre and Dance Presents: MFA Dance Thesis Concert

April 4, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
April 5, 2025 @ 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
UB Center for the Arts
Black Box Theatre

Choreographers:  Joshua Ikechukwu, Amelia Rojek, Dani Schofer
Concert Director:  Rebecca Chaleff
Lighting Designer, Technical Engineer, Board Op:  Matt DiVita
Assistant Lighting Designer:
  Jackie Renaud
Original Sound for Schofer:  Tim Gregor
Film Design & Creation for Schofer:  Jamie Hager
Scenic Designer for Ikechukwu and Schofer:  Jennifer Lynn Carter
Slideshow Designer for Schofer:  Jennifer Lynn Carter
Stage Manager:  Ally Hasselback
Assistant Stage Manager: 
Faith Marsala  

AUDIENCE ADVISORIES:

This production contains flashing lights and atmospherics.

*The first piece in this concert will also include Audience Participation.*

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I could not choose three more different choreographers to put on a program than Dani, Amelia, and Joshua. Yet I also could not think of three more perfect choreographers to place side by side on a program, as their work holds a powerful sense of relation despite (or perhaps because of) their variant interests and styles.

Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing their growth—both in ways that overlap with one another, and in ways that diverge from each other—as they have learned more about who they are as artists, colleagues, and people moving through the world. Watching their research and practices deepen, expand, and challenge them has been one of the greatest privileges of my pedagogical career.

In this concert, these three artists share a culmination of their time in the MFA program at the University at Buffalo. But, as I often remind them, I will invite you, too, to view this evening as a beginning rather than an end. Please join me in celebrating these talented artists as they cross the threshold between graduate study and the next phase of their lives as artists. If their work is any indication (and I believe it is), they all have exciting futures ahead.

~ Rebecca Chaleff

MEET THE DIRECTOR

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REBECCA CHALEFF is a dance scholar, performer, and dramaturg. Her academic research focuses on how politics of race and sexuality shape and are shaped by contemporary reperformance and legacy building projects. Her writing has been published in several journals, including Dance Chronicle, Dance Research Journal, and TDR/The Drama Review, as well as in the Futures of Dance Studies anthology. She also has a new essay forthcoming in Theatre Journal. Rebecca is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University at Buffalo.

PROGRAM

To See and Be Seen
Choreographer:
  Dani Schofer in collaboration with the Dancers
Set Design & Original Slideshow Design:  Jennifer Lynn Carter
Film Design & Creation:  Jamie Hager in collaboration with Dani Schofer
Sound:  “Tick of the Clock” by The Chromatics; original sound by Tim Gregor and Dani Schofer; live singing of “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler and “Nine Hundred Miles” arr. Phillip Silvey
Dancers:  Madeline Elizabeth, Charity John, Rae Miller, Shannon Nephew, Lauren Saab, Dani Schofer
Student Soloist:  Fatima Omar

Choreographer’s Notes:  This piece uses audience interaction to change the way the dancers perform through live response. We invite you to use the paper props you received to share your input when prompted!       

Program Note:  “To See and Be Seen” is a choreographic research project that reimagines the possibilities of the social spaces around us, specifically the Western proscenium stage. The piece employs chance operations, somatic grounding, and conversational active listening practices to build ongoing, improvisational connections between dancers and audience members. Relying on methods from student-centered pedagogy, the piece mobilizes the inner experience of people in the room to reveal the multidimensionality of social space. By creating together, we encourage our performance community to consider art’s potential for collective action. Audience members are encouraged to participate and play as they see fit. This piece was constructed through an ongoing mutual creative process between the University at Buffalo and PS45 The International School, and we thank all the sixth graders who contributed to the piece but could not attend/perform today.

* Special thanks to thesis committee members Prof. Chanon Judson, Dr. Rebecca Chaleff, and Dr. James Currie for their continued mentorship, and to Dr. Jennifer Gkourlias for her support in creating an after-school program with PS45 The International School in Association with this project.

5 MINUTE PAUSE

how do you fill a hole?
Choreographer:  Amelia Rojek
Film:  Rebekah Bono, Madeline Elizabeth, Amelia Rojek
Music:  
Edwin Rojek
Costumes:  Theresa Rojek
Dancers:  Marjorie Charles, Makayla Garrett, Amelia Rojek

5 MINUTE PAUSE

Branches                                                                                  

Choreographer:  Joshua Ikechukwu
Rehearsal Assistant:  Mya Tran
Musician: Dantrae Alonso
Vocalists: Alethea Odudu and Precious Alamu
Narrator:  Charity John
Music:  “Big Bang” by Dantrae Alonso, “Kitalé” by Sam-One, “Low (feat. T-Pain)” by Flo Rida, “Voodoo” by Geoff Bennett
Costume Design:
  Risikat Lamidi and Joshua Ikechukwu
Costume Assistants:  Leah McNerney and Mya Tran
Dancers:  Dantrae Alonso, Isabella Guerrucci, Annabella Hopkins, Kathryn Houle, Rachel Hunt, Joshua Ikechukwu, Lauren Jezioro, Mackenzie Leone, Bolun Li, Kiera McHerron, Aniyah Mungo, Mackenzie Pautler, Larisa Rivera Vasquez, William Schmidt, Mya Tran, Audree Woods
Set Design:  Jennifer Lynn Carter

Choreographer’s Notes:  Just as branches of a tree point to different directions, so also the dancer’s body can embrace dynamism. “Branches” critically and carefully asks questions, and in the long run suggests solutions based on experimental approaches on the ‘Adaptability and Vulnerability’ of Dancers and their bodies when they come into contact with new dance styles. “Branches” is performed by dancers with little or no experience or expertise in the selected styles of dance. The goal is to develop and strengthen a dancer's level of adaptability in rehearsal and performance. Sit back and relax as we take you through.                                           

MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS

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JOSHUA IKECHUKWU is a Dancer, Choreographer, Playwright, Director, Percussionist, and Producer. He is trained in African dance, Latin ballroom, Caribbean social, Afro-fusion, and Hip-hop dance. Joshua received his BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, specializing in Choreography and Directing. He is currently a 3rd year MFA in Dance student at the University at Buffalo. He is interested in creating works that establish a symbiotic relationship between the dancer and the audience, with inspiration from day-to-day activities that are easily relatable. His work calls for active audience engagement and interaction. He celebrates the joy of blending community with dance. His work includes ‘Across Borders’, ‘Black Tales’ and ‘Zam Ekpele’ which was also restaged at the 2024 ACDA Northeast Conference in Rochester and voted to close the Encore Gala Concert, among others. Joshua’s interest in spreading the African theatre experience led him to write, choreograph and direct his first stage play in the United States, titled “Adaobi, the Village Belle” which was performed in summer 2024 at the “People’s Park” in Buffalo.

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AMELIA ROJEK is a third-year in the MFA in Dance program here at UB. Amelia received her BA in Dance: Theory and Performance Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she also minored in Aesthetics, Art History, and Writing Colleagues. Amelia is from Buffalo, NY and is eager to finish her MFA in Dance in order to begin teaching at the university level in the Western New York area. She values process-based work with a focus on language to generate movement, along with a layering of costuming, film, and lighting to enhance her works.

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DANI SCHOFER (they/she/he) is a third-year MFA in Dance Candidate at the University at Buffalo. In addition to work at UB, Dani recently presented choreography and music compositions at the Burchfield Penney Art Museum, Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Buffalo Gay Men's Choir. Dani’s MFA thesis employs devised creation tools to restructure our collective perception of the spaces that surround us. While teaching Open Modern and Ballet at UB, Dani integrates social justice liberation practices to develop a pedagogy around radical community care. Dani's research has been presented at the American College Dance Association Northeast Conference, The National Dance Educators Organization, The International Conference of Dalcroze Studies, and the Dalcroze Society of America National Conference. After their MFA, Dani plans to relocate to a new city to pursue dance performance and choreography, pursue certification in K-12 Education, and begin certificate examinations for their ongoing training in Dalcroze pedagogy.

MEET THE PERFORMERS

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PRECIOUS ALAMU is an enthusiastic double major in Neuroscience and Linguistics, blending her love of science and language. With knowledge of multiple languages, she brings a unique perspective to her studies, exploring how language and the brain intersect. Beyond academics and research, Precious brings passion and experience to her love of singing. Having sung since childhood, she has performed in various choir settings, where her voice has been a part of diverse musical ensembles. Her varied interests in language, science, and music make her a dynamic and multifaceted individual in any environment.

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DANTRAE ALONSO is a versatile musician, producer and DJ known for his dynamic performances and diverse musical background. With over a decade of experience in music, he has honed his craft as a percussionist and as a performer, captivating audiences with vibrant sounds and infectious energy. Born into a rich musical environment, Dantrae began his musical journey at the young age of six. His passion for music transcends boundaries, drawing inspiration from his studies in both the Caribbean and the United States.

His diverse musical journey reflects his commitment to exploring new artistic avenues while staying true to his roots. As he continues to grow as a musician, Dantrae remains dedicated to inspiring others through the universal language of music, connecting people and cultures through rhythm and sound.

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MARJORIE CHARLES is a freshman BA Dance and Criminology double major from Hilton Head, SC, and is hoping to progress to a BFA for Dance. She trained previously at Bluffton School of Dance for nine years, and competed as a part of their pre-professional team. Marjie is looking forward to her four years here at UB and to expanding her artistry through her dance training. She is so excited to perform in her first show of many here at UB!

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MADELINE ELIZABETH is a choreographer, artist, mover, and teacher currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at the University at Buffalo. She has worked with renowned choreographers such as Yoshito Sakuraba and Andrea Miller, among many others. Madeline's professional experience includes performances at Nazareth University, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and an immersive dance-theater production at Rochester’s 2024 Cocktail Revival. She recently performed a self-choreographed solo in collaboration with her partner, cellist Anthony Aparicio, for DancesatMUCCC 2024 and was also featured in a duet by Mariko Yamada.

In addition to her performance and choreographic work, Madeline is deeply committed to teaching and sharing her craft. As an artist and mover, she continuously seeks to explore new forms of expression through dance, while also inspiring the next generation of dancers. Her choreography draws deeply from the human experience, crafting pieces that evoke a wide range of emotional responses. As a performer, she is recognized for her innovative use of bodily and facial expression, utilizing somatic approaches to push artistic boundaries.

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MAKAYLA GARRETT is a dancer from Baldwinsville, NY, who trained for 10 years at River Rhythms Dance Center. As a member of the elite competition team, she excelled in various styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Makayla is now a freshman at the University at Buffalo as a BA Dance major, who is hoping to advance in receiving her BFA degree in Dance. Makayla is beyond excited to continue her dance journey and contribute to her college’s dance community.

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ISABELLA GUERRUCCI is excited to be performing in the MFA Dance Thesis Concert! She is a senior Dance major from Lewiston, NY. Throughout her time at UB Dance, she has performed in ChoreoLab, ChoreoLab Informal, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Dance Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. She has also choreographed for Dancers Workshop and is excited to premiere her next piece in this year’s production! Isabella had the opportunity to serve as one of the student assistants to the director for ECS and ChoreoLab this school year. Outside of school, she has performed with a variety of companies such as Starring Buffalo, Devi Bollywood, and the Greater Niagara Ballet Company where she recently debuted as a Principal dancer for her role of Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. After graduation, Isabella plans to continue performing and teaching throughout Western New York.

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ANNABELLA HOPKINS is a junior majoring in Criminology, with minors in Dance and Social justice. Annabella has been dancing at The Dance Workshop since she was 2 years old in the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and acrobatics. She has also been involved in various dance competitions and conventions throughout her dancing career. Currently, Annabella teaches classes at The Dance Workshop for ages 2-15, in the styles of tap, jazz, hip-hop and acrobatics! Annabella is so excited and honored to be a part of Josh’s piece. Rehearsing and learning the routine has been so much fun, and she can’t wait for everyone to see it! She hopes everyone enjoys watching it and gets to see all the hard work and determination put out by the cast and choreographer!

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KATHRYN HOULE is a dedicated senior pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, with a minor in Dance at UB. Kathryn transferred to UB in 2023, and brought with her a lifelong passion for dance, having started at the age of three in her hometown of Rochester, NY. Kathryn shares her love for dance as an instructor at her home studio, and is thrilled to make her debut in her first UB dance and theatre production. She is especially honored to take part in Joshua’s MFA thesis project this semester.

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RACHEL HUNT is a sophomore BFA Dance Major. She grew up competing and studying an array of styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop at Glen Dance Studio in Long Island New York, where she also has the privilege to now teach when she is home. Rachel has performed in department shows such as Emerging Choreographers Showcase, The MFA Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. Rachel is excited to perform in Josh’s piece and is thrilled to be a part of an amazing show and cast.

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LAUREN JEZIORO is a freshman Dance BA and Mathematics BA double major with a minor in Criminology in the Honors College. She began dance at the age of two, training at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory for most of her years. She danced competitively for 10 years studying jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical styles. In the future, Lauren hopes to dance commercially, on cruises, Broadway, or as a backup dancer. She is extremely excited to begin her training at the University at Buffalo and for what awaits in the next few years!

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CHARITY JOHN is a dance instructor, performer, choreographer, and dancer from Nigeria, and a 2nd year MFA- Dance candidate at the University at Buffalo, with a concentration in African dances, Afropop, and contemporary dances. She has a BA in Theatre Arts, with a major in Dance and Acting and a minor in Speech and Rhetorical Arts, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She has performed in Danscore and Sankofa Dance Festivals organized by SUNY Brockport. She co-choreographed Black Tales for MFA Showcase last fall and was an invited guest for the 49th and 50th Zodiaque Dance Company (Fall editions) as a Musician, Vocalist, and Dancer. This year she has been a Graduate Assistant and Choreographer for Emerging Choreographers Showcase, as well as a dancer and choreographer for the MFA Showcase. Charity aims to share her knowledge and culture as she creates and builds a community through dance, theater, and performance!

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MACKENZIE LEONE is a sophomore pursuing her BFA in Dance and BA in Psychology at UB. She was recently seen performing in the Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase in November. She is thrilled to be making her collegiate choreographer debut in Dancer’s Workshop this Spring. Mackenzie grew up in Syracuse, NY, where she found her love for dance at a young age. Her passion for performing and modern dance is present every time she walks on stage. Mackenzie thanks her friends, family, and professors who have guided her over the years.

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BOLUN LI (aka Bird Bro) is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Sociology. This is Bolun’s first time performing in the MFA dance showcase, and he is grateful for the opportunity to learn and perform Joshua’s choreography. He’s especially excited to bring Locking—a funky street dance style—into the mix. Bolun hopes you all enjoy Joshua’s work, as well as the work of all the other choreographers involved.

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KIERA MCHERRON is a senior Business Administration student, minoring in Dance. She grew up studying jazz, kickline, modern, and contemporary dance at Creative Dance Arts in Round Lake, NY. She is continuing her dance education by taking classes through the UB Dance Department and being a member of the UB Kickline Club, where she currently serves as President. She is so excited and honored to be a part of Joshua’s MFA work and to have the opportunity to share the stage with so many talented artists.

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RAE MILLER (they/she) is thrilled to perform in one of their first UB Dance shows. They are a junior Sociology BA, Spanish BA, and Dance minor. They have previously performed at UB in Dancers Workshop and Emerging Choreographers Showcase. She has also worked with Impulse Dance Force, UB’s undergraduate dance club, as a space for her to develop her own choreographic works. Rae would like to thank their fiancé Hannah, her sister Evie, her mom, and Eve from Surge Dance Company for helping her get as far as she has. She would also like to thank Dani and the rest of the cast for creating such a positive and healing space to work and experiment with dance.

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ANIYAH MUNGO is completing her first year at the University at Buffalo.

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SHANNON NEPHEW is a Freshman Dance BA and Political Science BA dual major at the University at Buffalo Honors College. She grew up in Syracuse, New York. Following her undergraduate studies, Shannon plans on attending Law School. In her first semester she has performed in the Emerging Choreographers Showcase and the MFA Showcase. Shannon is very excited to be a part of multiple pieces her first semester, and can’t wait to see where the next four years at UB take her.

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ALETHEA ODUDU is a passionate singer and Operations Manager at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. With a lifelong love for music, she has been singing since childhood. A dedicated minister at RCCG in North Tonawanda, Alethea is committed to her community and faith. She studied fine arts, and her love for the arts continues to inspire her. Outside of work and music, Alethea enjoys cooking and traveling, always seeking new culinary experiences and exploring new destinations. She’s thrilled to bring her voice and energy to the stage in this exciting dance production.

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MACKENZIE PAUTLER is a sophomore Neuroscience major with a minor in Dance. She grew up primarily studying ballet, modern, contemporary, and lyrical at the American Academy of Ballet in Buffalo, where she now teaches. She is excited to perform in Josh’s MFA piece, and it is her second time performing in a UB Dance Department show. Outside of taking dance classes through the department, she is a member of Impulse Dance Force and is currently choreographing for their Spring showcase. Mackenzie is honored to dance with such an amazing cast.

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LARISA RIVERA-VASQUEZ is a current senior double majoring in Theatre and Political Science. She is thrilled to be in the MFA Dance Showcase for her final year at UB along with so many talented dancers. She’s so grateful to be part of Josh’s piece. Throughout her time at UB she has had the pleasure of being in several Departmental Productions such as Mr. Burns, PUFFS, C’est La Vie, Dancers Workshop, and The Secretaries. She would like to thank Josh and her fellow cast members for this amazing experience!

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LAUREN SAAB is a senior Dance and Political Science major from Buffalo, New York. She has performed in MFA Thesis, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and at the AKG Art Museum. She is additionally choreographing and performing in Dancers Workshop in May. She is excited to continue working with MFA students, and is grateful for the continued support from her mentors, friends, and family.

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WILLIAM SCHMIDT danced for 9 years at Kiptom Dance Studio in Buffalo, NY. As a native of Buffalo, he has had the unwavering support of his parents, who have always encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Over the years, William has participated in numerous competitions and conventions, one of which being Dance Masters of America. He recently was in a 3-week run of Newsies at the Shea’s 710 Theater. These experiences have made him enjoy the art form even more. Additionally, his favorite style of dance is Jazz, which allows him to express his creativity. Currently, William is a freshman at the University at Buffalo (UB), majoring in Dance. He hopes to achieve his goal of a career in professional dance.

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MYA TRAN is a senior UB student pursuing her BA in Dance with a minor in History. During her time at UB, she has had the privilege of dancing under a multitude of performance organizations, including Zodiaque Dance Company, Choreolab, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. She has also presented her own work for Emerging Choreographer Showcase in 2023 and 2024. She has had the honor of working with Josh since he began his journey in the MFA program and is grateful to be spending her last year working with him on his thesis! 

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AUDREE WOODS is a junior Dance BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, and Management minor. She was recently seen in the Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and as Jane Doe in UB THD’s Ride the Cyclone, for which she received a double nomination in Acting and Musical Theatre for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival: she will compete and attend the conference in January. Audree would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire cast and crew of MFA Thesis!

MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM

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TIM GEORGER (Original Sound Designer for Schofer) is a Buffalo media theorist, teacher, and artist. His work primarily works with sound, not only musically, but as a sculpted medium, and writes extensively on video games.

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JAMIE HAGER (Film Designer for Schofer) is a filmmaker from Buffalo, NY who creates genre-blending narrative and documentary films that critique social norms through an absurdist and satirical lens. Jamie’s no-budget and trashy filmmaking style is inspired by the filthiness of John Waters, and their work has been screened at the Buffalo International Film Festival, Wicked Queer: Boston’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and New Jersey’s QFest LGBT Film & Digital Media Festival. Jamie is currently finishing their MFA in Media Arts Production in the Department of Media Study at SUNY Buffalo.

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ALLY HASSELBACK (Stage Manager) is excited to Stage Manage for her first MFA Showcase Concert, after serving as Calling SM for the MFA Thesis Concert in Spring ‘24. Ally was born in Buffalo, and has returned to her hometown to work with all of the wonderful collaborators present at UB. Over the course of her 15- year career, Ally has Stage Managed across the country, in theatre, dance, opera, live concerts, corporate and live events. Ally is continuously grateful for the constant support and love of her family, including the four-legged members: Louie and Penny. Congratulations to the Directors, Choreographers, Dancers, Musicians, Designers, and Technicians involved in making MFA Dance Thesis a reality! Break legs, everyone!

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MATT DIVITA (Lighting Designer, Sound & Projections Engineer) is a Buffalo-based Lighting Designer and is thrilled to be making his UB debut with these talented Choreographers. Some of his favorite designs include: Dracula: a Comedy of Terrors, Private Lives, The Price, Thurgood, "Master Harold"...and the Boys, and Great Expectations (ICTC); American Idiot, Head Over Heels, Dog Fight (Belissima Productions); Ages (Torn Space); Choir Boy (Ujima Company); and Rent, Us & Them, The Taming, and Measure for Measure (Niagara University). Most recently, he has the honor of serving as the Lighting Supervisor for the Chautauqua Theatre Company. He can also be found as a Lighting Director at Electric City, live lighting concerts coming to Buffalo. Matthew would like to thank his wife, Karen, for all her constant love and support.

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JACKIE RENAUD (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a recent Niagara University graduate with a B.F.A. in Design and Production with a concentration in Technical Direction and Scenic Painting. Professional credits: Stage Operations Staff for Summer 2024 Season (Glimmerglass Festival), Assist. Stage Manager for Kindertransport and Tuesdays with Morrie (Jewish Repertory Theatre), Sound Engineer for Dracula, Live Audio Mixer for The Fitzgerald’s of St. Paul, Lead Elec. for “Master Harold”…and the Boys, Assist. Lead Elec. for The Fitzgerald’s of St. Paul (Irish Classical) NU Credits: Assist. Light Designer for Rent, Technical Director for The Diary of Anne Frank, Head Rigger/Assist. Technical Director for Fun Home, and Charge Artist for Peter and the Starcatcher. She would like to thank her mentor Mattie for letting her follow him around everywhere he goes. 

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JENNIFER LYNN CARTER (Scenic Designer: Ikechukwu, Schofer , Original Slideshow Designer: Schofer), or “Jenn with Two Ns,” is a Scenic Artist and passionate advocate for local theatre. Jenn has a Masters Degree (MFA) in Scenic & Lighting Design from The University of Iowa and a BFA from the University at Buffalo. In 2020, Jenn moved back to Buffalo, and is currently working as a freelance designer and scenic artist. Jenn has had the pleasure of scenic painting with The University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department, including the CAS research project An Unlikely Refuge, also with local theatre Road Less Traveled (The Light Fantastic, Shipwrecked, Our Lady of 121st Street, Burn This), Finger Lakes Opera (Two Corners & Gianni Schicchi), and City Circle Theatre Company in Iowa. You will also see this smiling person at Torn Space Theatre as the Box Office Manager. Jenn has taught at UB as well as mentored students in paint, props, & costumes as Adjunct Faculty and Interim Costume Shop Manager (2024). Her other passions include Art, Photography, Caregiving, Yoga for Kids, and her most favorite role: being the Mom of a young, wild child!!! Jenn sends out a big heartfelt “Thank You!” to her supportive spouse Charlie Carter, as well as Lynne Koscielniak, Collin Ranney, Cathy Norgren, Scott Behrend, these amazing MFA Dance choreographers Dani and Josh, and everyone along the way! :-) ❤️ Take Care; You Matter.

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FAITH MARSALA (Assistant Stage Manager) started off her technical theatre career working under the Natural Muscle Association as a scorekeeper and audio editor, and is currently the Association’s Show Manager. She previously performed in five productions throughout high school, as well as co-directed an original play written by one of her peers. During her time here at the University at Buffalo, she has been the Assistant Stage Manager for Renascence, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, and Fefu and Her Friends, and was also the Stage Manager for Fabulation, Or the Re-Education of Undine, and most recently, ChoreoLab Spring 2025. Faith hopes to pursue a career in stage management, and would like to thank her family and mentors for their support.

UBTHD FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATION

Department Chair:  Eero Laine
Associate Chair/Producing Director:  Lynne Koscielniak
Director of Graduate Studies:  Ariel Nereson
Acting Director of Undergraduate Dance:  Jeanne Palmer Fornarola
Production Manager:  Rick Haug
Assistant Production Manager:  Ally Hasselback
Technical Support:  Tom Burke 
Department Props & Paints Supervisor:  Marc Quattlebaum
Costume Shop Manager:  Max Levitt
Department Administrator:  Veronica Sedota
Senior Staff Assistant:  Rob Falgiano
Administrative Assistant:  Kristin Mann
Production Photographer:
  Ken Smith

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The UB Department of Theatre and Dance is a proud member of the UB College of Arts and Sciences. With a firm commitment to the advancement of creative research, experiential learning, and community engagement, the UBTHD 2024-2025 Production Season is administered by the Department of Theatre and Dance. We acknowledge our full faculty and staff for their part in preparing students for work on stage and behind the scenes. We thank UB Center for the Arts for their support in making these productions possible.

Special Thanks to Tom Burke and UBTHD Students in Sound & Projections.

2024-2025 Season Sponsors

UB Theatre and Dance Season Sponsors

UB Theatre and Dance wishes to acknowledge the generous continued philanthropic support of Fox Run at Orchard Park, an official contributing sponsor of the UBTHD 2024-2025 season.

Our season of programming is also made possible by ticket purchases and donations from patrons like you. We thank you for your continued support of our works. If you would like to further support THD, please visit: https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/about/support.html

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