Media releases

• Love and power collide in fun-filled, physical comedy at Marilyn I. Walker Theatre

  Monday, October 16, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 16 October 2017 – R00186

  Media preview to be held Wednesday, Oct. 18 with public run to open Oct. 27

  A new play opening soon at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts promises a mix of live music, physical hijinks and acrobats that will make for a fun trip to the theatre.

  Pantalone’s Palace, a new script by Brock University Department of Dramatic Arts faculty member Mike Griffin, runs Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 in the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre in downtown St. Catharines.

  The plot involves hardworking Columbina who simply wants to enjoy the majestic Wooers’ Woods in peace after a long day’s work, but the greedy business tycoon Pantalone is scheming. When Columbina discovers his plot to build the biggest casino in the world, she knows she must take action. Armed with her wits and her lovesick friends, she aims to set things right in this fun-filled, fast paced, physical comedy that explores the meeting of contemporary life and classical Commedia dell’Arte.

  This is the style of theatre that invented slapstick comedy, put improvisation on the map and has influenced comedy and other forms of theatre for generations.

  Pantalone’s Palace explores a blend of classical and contemporary, shedding a focal light on some important topics of today such as workplace conditions, gender equality and sexuality. The production is a unique blend of classical elements shaken up and reframed to make sense in an ever-evolving world.

  Written and directed by Griffin, the sets and costumes for Pantalone’s Palace were designed by Brock instructor Kelly Wolf. Lighting was designed by Chris Malkowski and sound designed by Dramatic Arts alumnus James McCoy, who recently graduated from the National Theatre School in Montreal.

  The production showcases the talents of students in the Department of Dramatic Arts undergraduate program. Helena Ciuciura is the assistant director and Allie Aubry is the stage manager. Dramatic Arts student performers include: Isaac Brown, Matt Burt, Mark Dickinson, Leah Eichler, Juan-Carlos Figueroa, Mackenzie Kerr, Adrian Marchesano, Sarah Marks, Michelle Mohammed, Sarah-Jane Quinn, Naomi Richardson and Kaylyn Valdez-Scott. Other contributing artists include Gina Bastone, Mask Maker and Jenna Rodgers, Dramaturge.

  The public presentation program of the Department of Dramatic Arts is an integral part of the Marilyn I. Walker school’s mandate to contribute to regional cultural development and build community connections by engaging audiences with the breadth of talent and creativity of the students, staff, guest artists and faculty of Brock University.

  Pantalone’s Palace runs Oct. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. A sold-out show for high school students is also taking place Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

  Tickets for the show are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. There’s also a $10 group rate and a $5 eyeGo high school program rate available. Tickets are available through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre box office at 905-688-0722 or on the PAC website.

  Media representatives are invited to Media Day

  On Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m., media are invited to a preview event in the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre. Selected scenes will be presented for video and still photography on set, in costume and under theatrical lighting. Additional still photo and video content of the rehearsal process and interviews with company members may be available upon request.

  RSVPs are required. For more information or to set up interviews, contact:

  David Vivian, Director, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Brock University, dvivian@brocku.ca

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Hon doc for local business leader; Instalment of new President highlight Brock’s Fall Convocation

  Monday, October 16, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE 13 October 2017 – R00185

  Tom Rankin graduated from university more than 50 years ago, but hardly a day goes by when he doesn’t learn something.

  As the CEO of Niagara’s most high-profile construction company, Rankin still makes a point of attending conferences to learn more about his trade.

  “Let me make it abundantly clear for those entering the workforce, a new phase in your education is about to begin,” he said Friday, Oct. 13 while delivering the afternoon convocation address at Brock University. “You won’t be marked on what you learned, but you’ll be judged on how you apply your knowledge.”

  Rankin, who launched the company that would become Rankin Construction in 1978, was awarded an honorary doctorate during Brock’s Fall Convocation. A former Board of Trustees member for Brock, Rankin’s company and its related businesses now employ about 500 people. Rankin is also known for his philanthropic work, highlighted by his support of the Rankin Cancer Run, which has raised $7.5 million for local cancer care facilities.

  Speaking in front of a large crowd that included his wife and other family members, Rankin told the Brock graduates that their university education would help them learn on the job faster, “but make no mistake that your learning curve will continue to climb.”

  During the morning convocation ceremony earlier Friday, Dr. Gervan Fearon was installed as the University’s sixth President. With former President Jack Lightstone and former Interim President Tom Traves looking on, Fearon agreed to the Oath of Office delivered by Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo and then delivered his first convocation address.

  He said he was taking over the reins of a university known for “outstanding teaching and learning; excellence in research, scholarly and creative activities; and renowned university-community engagement.”

  On a day when nearly every minute was booked with ceremony, speeches and meet and greets, Fearon took a few moments to reflect, saying the day gave him the chance to look back at where he has come from, and where he’s headed.

  “You’re looking out at all the students who are starting their journey and you’re recognizing how your post-secondary education played such an important role in all of your accomplishments,” said Fearon, who started his tenure as Brock’s President on Aug. 1. “It’s a wonderful juncture that’s a culmination of the work you’ve done, but also of work to follow and what’s to come.”

  Over the two ceremonies, more than 1,000 students graduated during Brock’s Fall Convocation Friday.

  For more information, photos and video from Brock’s Fall Convocation, visit The Brock News website at brocku.ca/brocknews

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases