The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film has announced upcoming changes to its production season to enhance the opportunities available for its students to produce quality theatre for community audiences.
Expected to begin in the Fall of 2016, a new collaboration between the Nebraska Repertory Theatre and University Theatre will expand the opportunities for audiences and students to engage with professional artists over a 9-month season.
“We want to embrace the traditions and history and build upon the success of both organizations, while strengthening our mission to better serve the Lincoln and UNL communities,” said Paul Steger, director of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. “Our focus is to provide the best experience possible for our theatre students and give them as many opportunities as possible to interact with theatre professionals.”
While the changes will mean the end of the summer Nebraska Repertory Theatre seasons, Steger said what they are building will be a better theatre experience for both students and patrons.
“What we envision is bringing in professional artists and directors during the academic year to work with our students and faculty on higher quality productions than what we can currently do now during the academic year or summer,” Steger said. “By combining our resources into one season, we will enhance the theatre we produce to make sure students and patrons are getting the very best experience we can offer.”
The season will consist of four productions each year (two per semester), with the opportunity for additional productions to occur in collaboration with the Lied Center for Performing Arts or other community or regional partners.
Guest actors, designers and directors potentially can come for extended periods of time during the academic year when all students and faculty would benefit from their presence. These guest artists would be available to teach classes, as well.
“This model would allow all of our students better opportunities to network with working professionals during the academic year, which combines and strengthens the missions of the Johnny Carson School and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre,” Steger said. “We want all of our students to benefit from the professionals we bring in for productions.”
David Landis, a member of the Rep Advisory Board, a frequent actor for the Rep, and the director of Urban Development for the City of Lincoln, likes the new direction for the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
“The idea of ‘Rep all year’ sounds great to me,” Landis said. “Linking professionals with students is maximized during the school year rather than the summer, and the city could enjoy home-grown, professional Equity theatre beyond the touring shows at the Lied over nine months instead of three.”
Steger envisions the guest actors working under a University/Resident Theatre Association contract to allow students and stage managers to gain valuable Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) points that are necessary to gain eventual membership in Actors’ Equity Association, the union that represents the world of live theatrical performance.
A name for the new production season has not been chosen yet. A national search for an artistic director and additional planning will take place during the 2015-2016 academic year. The University Theatre season will proceed normally next year while work continues to build and market the new production program.
Charles O’Connor, endowed dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, acknowledges the loss of the summer repertory theatre season, but says the future of theatre in the Johnny Carson School is exciting.
“We know many in the community may be disappointed to see the summer Nebraska Repertory Theatre end after 47 years of quality theatre and memorable performances,” O’Connor said. “But this is just the next logical step in building upon our successes and creating an even better production experience for both students and patrons. I think people will be impressed with the improved quality of these combined seasons. Theatre remains a vital part of our College and the University, and these changes ensure a continued quality experience for our students, faculty and the community for years to come.”
Ron Hull, senior advisor to NET and Professor Emeritus of broadcasting and a member of the Rep Advisory Board, is excited for what the future will bring.
“Combining the strengths of the University of Nebraska Theatre with the strengths of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre is a 21st century merger that will enrich the academic careers of the students in the Johnny Carson School, and it will bring enhanced theatre productions to the campus and community audiences,” he said. “I’m looking forward to many evenings of great theatre.”