Making Connections to Professional Actors in NYC

Nicolai and Nadia after The Robber Bridegroom

During the spring semester senior Theatre major Nicolai Kabana was assigned a 30-minute phone interview with New York City-based professional actor Nadia Quinn as part of Theatre 412: Advanced Acting. That phone call led to a meaningful connection and an in-person meeting over the summer. We asked Nicolai to answer the question, “What was it like to interview and to meet Nadia Quinn?”

When we first got the assignment that we would be picking out of a hat a professional theatre artist to do a phone interview with I was pretty excited. I never really had the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with someone in the professional world. I knew right from the start of the interview that she was going to be completely honest with me about how things worked in the real world.

Before the interview took place I wrote out about fifteen questions that I wanted to ask her. However, we really only made it through about five of them. The reason for this was due to there being a great flow of conversation to the point that questions became more expanded than I ever thought they would be. Even though we didn’t get through all my questions she assured me that if I ever needed someone to talk to about the world of theatre that I could always talk to her. I found this to be very helpful that I could have someone to just talk to outside of the class assignment that knows about what might be ahead for me. I really took away from her how much she doesn’t limit herself in anything that she does. She's not only an actor but also a singer, photographer, and writer. So it was very nice to hear that you can do all these things and still act.

After the interview took place I found myself drawn to wanting to see her in action while she worked. From this I found myself starting to make plans to have her take my headshots. I figured she would know best since she is not only the photographer but an actor as well. Shortly after the interview took place I was once again drawn to her work. So I decided I would go see the closing performance of The Robber Bridegroom [at Roundabout Theatre Company, an Off-Broadway production]. The show overall was fantastic but getting to see her work first hand was by far the best part for me.

Nadia Quinn and the ensemble of The Robber Bridegroom (credit: Joan Marcus)

After the show came to a close I went to the stage doors and even though I wasn’t on the list she made it possible for me to meet her. It was by far one of the coolest meetings I’ve ever had. She is such a talented woman and now one of my inspirations. I look forward to seeing her work in the future because of her talent but also for who she is as a person. I’ve learned a lot here at Bloomsburg about what a professional really is but this experience with Nadia overall will be something I will never forget. This project was such a great way to make new contacts that I really hope this project becomes a yearly thing. I am super thankful that David [Miller] created this project and for the chance to get to know as well as meet such an amazing theatre artist.”

Nicolai Kabana

For more about Nadia Quinn, visit http://www.nadiaquinn.com/. Nicolai graduated in May 2016, but will return to Bloomsburg as an intern with Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble this coming season. To learn more about the Theatre program at Bloomsburg University, visit http://bloomu.edu/theatre-dance.

BU Grad pursues advanced degree in Security and Intelligence Studies

Dear Bloomsburg University students and faculty,

My name is Corey Diehl.  I attended Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania from 2009-2013, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. After spending a year outside of school, I decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.  At this program I am pursuing a Master of Public and International Affairs with a Major in Security and Intelligence Studies.

 My classes were challenging last semester, but they were rewarding.  The most challenging was a course on counterinsurgency that had us study both theoretical and quantitative work and then combine them into our own study.  I also took a course on Geographic Information Systems software to try to gain a practical skill.  I am taking Farsi and have really enjoyed the course.  Outside of courses, I am involved with two different student working groups.  The first is focused on Megacities, particularly political violence in Lagos, Nigeria.  The second is focused on the policy options available for states, particularly in the EU, to deal more efficiently with the influx of Syrian refugees.  I completed my internship requirement for GSPIA as a staff writer/social media intern for Homeland Security Today magazine.  While the organization doesn’t necessarily align with my views on certain issues, I have still found it to be a valuable experience.   I’ve also begun a second internship at the city of Pittsburgh’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS)/Fusion Center.

Thanks to a generous scholarship from the Nationality Rooms here at Pittsburgh, I was able to travel to Cairo, Egypt over the summer of 2015 in order to study Arabic.  It was my first opportunity to study abroad and Egypt proved to be an incredible experience, and I found it to be a once in a lifetime experience.  Ramadan was an incredible time and was unlike anything I personally have seen before.  The streets would be empty throughout the day, and after the evening prayer it was like the entire city came alive.  In a city of over 10 million people it is impossible to understate this.  I studied Arabic at the Fajr Center for the Arabic Language and was pleased with the class.  It was an intensive program, with class occurring five days a week, five hours per day. If any students are interested in affordable options for studying abroad I would highly recommend the center. 

Aside from study, while none of my friends wanted to do much  during Ramadan I still was able to see many of the points of interest in Cairo.  I had the opportunity to see much of Islamic Cairo.  Some examples are the Al-Azhar mosque, Muhammad Ali mosque, and the markets.  The sheer size of the minarets and mosques is indescribable.  Of course, I was intent on seeing the Great Pyramids and Sphinx as well.   To say they are impressive is an understatement.   I unfortunately was not able to travel outside of the city.  I also found the opinions of some of my Egyptian friends on what is going on in their country incredibly interesting.  Due to political conditions, I had to get to know them quite well before they spoke on a lot of issues.  However, I came to believe that the Egyptian people are not given nearly enough credit for their political awareness.  They are acutely aware of the state of the country and also aware of the limitations they have to instigate change. 

I really enjoyed being in an environment where the lifestyle and culture were so different from my own.  The most difficult transition was definitely the sense of time.  Everyone was always late if they showed up at all.  The preeminent example of this for me was when my apartment had plumbing issues.  I spoke to the plumber over the phone several times, and I heard Insha'Allah very often. This cultural tendency was initially very frustrating, but I adapted.  Overall, Egyptians are deserving of their reputation for friendliness and generosity.  A great example of this is when my neighbors had the kindness to cook my roommates and me a meal of duck and rice. 

Traveling to Egypt was truly a once in a life time opportunity and I would encourage others to do the same.  I would urge anyone planning to study abroad to seriously consider Egypt.  I would also encourage them to avoid major institutions such as American University in Cairo.  This is due to the fact that American in Cairo is incredibly expensive for foreigners.  Furthermore, I would also suggest that anyone who travels abroad try to avoid staying with other Americans.  I had the good fortune to live with several students from around the world and am better for it.  From Fiji, Germany, the UK, and of course Egypt, I truly was able to meet a wide variety of people from all over the world. 

There are several suggestions I will make for anyone who is interested in traveling to Egypt.  The first is to travel light to the country.  However, keep in mind that clothing and shoes in particular can be comparatively expensive.  In fact, domestic goods in Egypt will often be very affordable while anything imported is extremely expensive.  The second suggestion I would have would be to avoid asking for directions or anything when in a tourist area.  People will often be waiting for foreigners around such sites, and upon asking for directions they will take you to their shop.  A third suggestion would be to always travel with an Egyptian when possible.  By doing so, you will save yourself a significant amount of money and time in any activity you set out to do.  The last suggestion I have would be to remember that nobody will help you for free.  Tipping is obligatory, and the individual will often refuse it at first.  This is just a cultural politeness habit; you have to pay.

I hope anyone reading this found it helpful and would be encouraged to travel to Egypt in order to study abroad.  If I can offer anyone suggestions or aid in any way, I encourage interested individuals to email me at cod23@pitt.edu.

Sincerely,

Corey Diehl

Alumnus Applies Art

Michael Kalmbach received his BA at Bloomsburg University in 2003 and his MFA at the University of Delaware in 2008. Shortly after completing his graduate studies he accepted a position at the Delaware College of Art & Design and founded the New Wilmington Art Association, an artist collective that organized exhibitions in vacant space throughout the City of Wilmington from August 2008 to April 2013.

This work led to Michael’s involvement with the Chris White Community Development Corporation, which developed the 23-unit artist live/work space, Shipley Lofts. Kalmbach now serves the CWCDC as Board Chairman. In June 2011 he accepted a contract with the State of Delaware's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to develop a space for artists on the behavioral health spectrum. The Creative Vision Factory has been open since December of 2011 and fosters the creative potential of individuals with behavioral health disorders in a studio art environment that cultivates integration with the local community through a program of exhibitions, workshops, and communal workspace.

Kalmbach maintains his own painting practice and has exhibited work in venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, the Biggs Museum of American Art, and UnSmoke Systems.

Michael writes: "My experience at Bloomsburg University gave me the necessary foundation to create a career for myself in the arts. As a Studio Art major I benefited from supportive relationships with the faculty of the Department of Art & Art History. I was encouraged by them to pursue my intellectual interests, so I spent a great deal of time in the English and Philosophy Departments. This liberal arts background has served me well and continues to inform my work in the City of Wilmington. Since graduating I have returned to campus on a number of occasions. As my career unfolds, it’s comforting to know that I can count on the Faculty and Staff of Bloomsburg University to be there as a resource."

BU Grad Dances to Fame

Christina Davis is a talented 2013 graduate of Bloomsburg University who continues to dance her way to success across the country. She recently reflected on the impact that her education at Bloomsburg has had on her career:

“My journey as a BU Dance minor has shaped and prepared me for many events and opportunities that I have experienced as a graduate. Leaving BU with determination and prep for the dance world, I took my talents and knowledge and traveled to the state of California as a professional dancer. I was able to use everything from performance, test, and class videos to land work with amazing artists such as Emmy nominated Shane Sparks from So You Think You Can Dance, hip hop artist Lil Mama, Eric Bellinger, Meagan Good, and many more. I have been featured on a soon to be aired television show The Real Dancers of North Hollywood. I landed a job touring around China with major artists. My journey continues. I have been to auditions and strive for the best. The Bloomsburg Dance Minor taught me to think outside the box and go outside of my comfort zone in order to succeed in this industry. I am excited to continue to make dreams come true and to call myself an alumnus of Bloomsburg University!”

To watch Christina at work, check out the piece created about her after she won BET’s Lens on Talent Dance competition:  http://www.bet.com/shows/lens-on-talent/news/christina-davis-wins-lens-on-talent-dance.html

Grad Profile: Chris Ulloth, Professional Playwright & Dramaturg

Alumnus Chris Ulloth writes:

Chris and Dano Madden in a workshop of First Snow
at the 92nd Street Y. Photo credit: Miki Murata.

When I graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania last year, I moved to New York City with my newly-minted BA in Creative Writing and a minor in Theatre Arts.  I came in pursuit of being a playwright but have come to realize there was another career my education had prepared me for in addition to writing.

During my studies, Professor David A. Miller introduced me to his New York City-

based theatrical collective, The Artful Conspirators.  He took a handful of students to the city to experience the collective's Open Rehearsal Series in which a playwright, director, and actors would spend a weekend rehearsing and developing a new work by the playwright.  I do not know exactly why, but the process of developing a new play specifically for the purpose of development, not production, took me by surprise.  Maybe I thought, rather naively, that writing development ceased to exist after college, that you either learn to be a good writer and your works go on to be produced/published, or you don't and that's just too bad.  In any event, I was enamored by the process.  I found myself using the same tools for theatrical and literary discussion I learned at University, but in a professional environment.

After my studies at Bloomsburg concluded, I took an internship with the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference in McCall, ID.  There, I was surrounded by several emerging and established playwrights whose plays were handpicked from hundreds of submissions to be developed at the conference.  I noticed there were people hired by the conference specifically for the purpose of developing the plays and using those familiar tools for discussion.  It was about that time I came to realize my studies had not only prepared me to be a writer, but also a dramaturg.

What the hell is a dramaturg?  Well, the definitions vary based on the needs of the company and/or play, but essentially the function I serve is as an advocate for the playwright.  I assist playwrights with their needs pertaining to their play, which can include anything from researching the play's topics to analyzing the plot structure or character trajectories.  Little did I know, I had begun honing this skill long before I knew what dramaturgy was, back in Creative Writing workshops with Professors Claire Lawrence and Jerry Wemple.

Enamored with and exhilarated by the process of developmental theatre, I came to New York City seeking more.  In NYC I worked with id Theater (the company responsible for Seven Devils) and The Artful Conspirators as dramaturg for BAD HUSBAND, a new play by Dano Madden.  Dano, who I met through Professor Miller, is an esteemed playwright who I am proud to say has become an invaluable mentor and a dear friend to me.

Rehearsal of First Snow at the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference.
Photo credit: Sarah Jessup.

In addition to dramaturgy, I have been using my knowledge base from my studies to create programs that allow others the opportunity to develop and create.  Early in 2014 (with the help of many talented 92nd Street Y residents and staff to whom I owe so much), I started a 92nd Street Y based arts collective called the Resident Artists.  The name was remarkably uninspired for one reason: to let the inspiration come from its members without restriction.  And so, over the course of three months, we held a reading of a new play and screenplay, produced and premiered a short film, and produced a short play festival.  As our members transitioned, so did the company.  Now several of us are working with another company in which I am Co-Artistic Director with fellow Bloomsburg University alumnus Lauren M. Shover.  The company, Elephant Room Productions, will debut its first season this November which includes the development and production of new works.

While developmental theatre is part of my career, I am first and foremost a writer.  Since I graduated, I have written two full length plays which have received professional development and one short play which has received production.  My most notable work has been First Snow, a play which takes place in a town based on Centralia, Pennsylvania, and makes reference to a few Bloomsburg-inspired landmarks.  I submitted this play to the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, and lo and behold a year after my internship I was invited back to develop this play.  I am currently a playwright intern with Project Y Theatre, a NYC theatre company, where my plays have also been developed with their playwrights group.

Now I am in the midst of submission season—both submitting my own plays to theatres all over the country and working as a reader for Seven Devils—cognizant of the careers I can pursue and grateful to the educational system which has enabled my pursuit.

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To learn more about Chris, please visit: christopher.ulloth.com

Update: Chris was recently named the Associate Literary Manager for Project Y Theatre Company in New York City and is a semi-finalist for the prestigious National Playwriting Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.