News

Brock University receives $500,000 gift from TD

Thursday, June 02, 2011 | By Brock University

(Source: The Brock News, Friday, September 17, 2010)

Donation will go towards enhancing Brock’s environmental studies program and to support the development of downtown arts school

Today, Brock University received a significant donation from TD Bank Financial Group of $500,000 as part of the Campaign for a Bold New Brock.

The two-fold gift will help create the TD Bursary for Environmental Studies as well as support the economic revitalization of downtown St. Catharines through the new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

“Brock is moving full steam ahead with the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown campus in partnership with the City of St. Catharines and its multi-venue arts complex,” said Brock President Jack Lightstone. “We are pleased that TD is joining us to renew downtown St. Catharines and help students pursue a higher education and the Brock Both Sides of the Brain experience.”

“Our donation to Brock University will encourage student innovation, creativity and community involvement while contributing to a stronger future for St. Catharines,” said TD Deputy Chair Frank McKenna. “We’re very proud to be investing in our future environmental leaders and helping to create a modern downtown arts and learning hub.”

The TD Bursary for Environmental Studies will provide grants to full-time Brock students demonstrating financial need while pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences or studies to reduce the impact of humankind’s footprint in the world through the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences.

TD will donate $250,000 over five years towards this award. Brock will apply for matching funds through the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program to maximize the award’s endowment at $500,000.

The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown campus will receive $250,000 to help realize the unique joint venture between Brock and the City of St. Catharines to build a stunning, multi-venue arts and learning complex. The impact of the gift will assist in breathing new life and activity into the urban core, stimulating the creativity and economy of the city and region and beyond.

On the fifth floor of the historic Canada Hair Cloth building, Brock will build the TD Roof Terrace. It will have a spectacular southern view of the first Welland Canal route and the Twelve Mile Creek green space looking toward Brock’s Schmon Tower on the top of the Niagara Escarpment.

The TD Roof Terrace will serve as an informal learning student lounge and refreshment area for the more than 500 students and 40 faculty and staff who will study, teach and work at the school. Additionally, this outdoor area will provide a space for local community and university receptions and other functions.

In total, the TD gift, when combined with Government of Ontario matching funds for student awards, will result in a $750,000 investment in a Bold New Brock.

Tags: bold new brock, canada hair cloth building, miwsfpa
Categories: Media Releases, News
Theory and Practice of Drama in Education with JONOTHAN NEELANDS Six-day intensive course

Friday, May 06, 2011 | By Brock University

THE DEPARTMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS
DART 3V90: Theory and Practice of Drama in Education with JONOTHAN NEELANDS
Six-day intensive course: Monday, July 25 – Saturday, July 30, 2011

Through a combination of workshops, demonstrations, reflections, and lectures, this course examines models for the planning and teaching of process drama. It will provide the opportunity for students to examine the community effects of drama and its role in our personal and social development. This half-credit course will be intensely practical and relevant to teaching the full age range of children through to adults. The learning experiences will be supported by readings and other materials developed for sustainable learning.

Jonothan Neelands is an internationally renowned drama-in-education professor who has written extensively about the use of drama as a learning medium. He has worked with teachers of all age groups, assisting them in understanding how they may employ process drama techniques in teaching a variety of subjects. He is the National Teaching Fellow, Chair of Drama and Theatre Education and Director of Teaching and Learning in the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick and an associate of the CAPITAL Centre for creativity and performance in teaching and learning, a joint initiative between the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the University of Warwick. This project aims to improve the quality of Shakespeare teaching at all ages through an ensemble and rehearsal room pedagogic approach.

A part of the Department of Dramatic Arts Visiting International Professor program, we are pleased to offer students the opportunity to study with someone of Dr. Neelands’ caliber.

Tags: course opportunity, drama in education, dramatic arts, jonothan neelands
Categories: Department/Centre News, News
Director of cSTAC and DART Professor honoured for his contribution to the City of St. Catharines

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 | By Brock University

Pictured left to right are Professor Debra Maclauchlan and Associate Professor Peter Vietgen (Faculty of Education), Associate Professor David Vivian and Assistant Professor Virginia Reh (Department of Dramatic Arts, Faculty of Humanities)

Associate Professors Peter Vietgen (Visual Arts Education in the Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education) and David Vivian (Department of Dramatic Arts and the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Faculty of Humanities) were each presented with three Volunteer Recognition Certificates from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of St. Catharines, at the 23rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Night co-sponsored by the City of St. Catharines, the St. Catharines-Thorold Chamber of Commerce, and the Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.

Professor Vietgen was nominated by the Niagara Artist’s Centre for his contribution to the Public Art Advisory Committee of the City of St. Catharines. Professor Vivian was nominated for his service over four years as Chair of the Culture Committee of the City of St. Catharines. Both Committees of Council are actively engaged in developing new policy, advocacy, funding, recognition and opportunities in the arts and culture sector, contributing to the creation of stimulating and sustainable culturally-rich lives in the city of St. Catharines.

Given annually, the Volunteer Recognition Awards recognize those outstanding volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to an organization has made a significant difference in the community. Nominations are open to youth and adult volunteers, who are presented with their awards at a banquet hosted by the Mayor and councillors in April. This year the banquet was held at the Quality Hotel Parkway Convention Centre on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

Tags: award, centre for studies in arts and culture, cstac, dart, david vivian, dramatic arts, stac, volunteer recognition
Categories: Faculty & Instructors, News
A New Spring Session course from the Department of Dramatic Arts: DART 1F01: Acting for Non Majors

Sunday, February 06, 2011 | By Brock University

Are you interested in Acting, but not a Dramatic Arts Major?
OR
Are you a Primary/Junior Concurrent Education Student looking for an introductory course in Acting?
OR
Are you looking for an active, engaging Spring Intensive Course?

DART 1F01: Acting for Non Majors

Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 13, 2011
M T W TH F 9:00h – 16:30h TH 141

This course is a rigorous introduction to acting for non majors. There are no pre requisites and no restrictions.

Contact dramatic@brocku.ca for more information, ext. 5255
Brock University

DEPARTMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS

Tags: acting, acting for non majors, dart, dart 1f01, dramatic arts, new course, spring session
Categories: Department/Centre News, News
Dramatic Arts Mainstage production opening Feb 17, 2011: Phèdre.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011 | By mbalsom

Phèdre

Written by Jean Racine
Translated by Ted Hughes
Directed by Virginia Reh
Designed by David Vivian

Feb. 17, 18, 19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Student Matinee: Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 at 01:00 p.m.

adults $15.00
students and seniors $12.00
$5.00 matinee for Brock students and staff

The myth of Phèdre is one of the most powerful in all of classical mythology. Believing her absent husband Theseus to be dead, the Queen confesses her obsession for stepson Hippolytus, thus entering a nightmare world and spinning a tale of passion that unwinds with disastrous consequences.

Phèdre: A Primer, is an introduction to our production, prepared by our Dramaturge and Fourth Year DART student, Spencer Smith. Included are:
1) Collaboration, 2) Play Synopsis, 3) Director’s Notes, 4) Scenographer’s Notes, 5) The Playwright: Jean-Baptiste Racine, 6) The Translator: Ted Hughes, 7) Family Tree, 8) The Myths: Theseus, Phaedra, and Hippolytus, 9) The Labyrinth of Lexicon: People and Places, 10) The Many Faces of Phaedra, 11) Dramaturge’s Notes, 12) List of Figures, 13) Bibliography.

Download your PDF copy of Phèdre: A Primer (PDF, 16.1 MB)

Tags: dart mainstage, phèdre, plays
Categories: Events
Marlene Moser Memorial Scholarship

Monday, December 27, 2010 | By Brock University

The Department of Dramatic Arts lost a cherished colleague and friend, Dr. Marlene Moser, on December 21, 2010. In her honour we have established the Marlene Moser Memorial Scholarship. To contribute to this Scholarship please send donations to the attention of Norm Bradshaw, Faculty of Humanities, Brock University. The cheque or gift should be made out to Brock University and indicate Marlene Moser Memorial Scholarship. All donations are eligible to be matched dollar for dollar by the provincial government.

For more information please contact Norm Bradshaw .

Tags: marlene moser, marlene moser memorial scholarship, norm bradshaw, scholarships
Categories: Department/Centre News, Faculty & Instructors, News
DART mourns the passing of a friend and colleague.

Thursday, December 23, 2010 | By Brock University
Marlene at the Humanities Research Institute Symposium in December, 2006

It is with deep sadness and grief that we share with you the news of our dear colleague Marlene Moser’s passing on the evening of December 21, 2010.

Marlene’s courageous five year battle with breast cancer developed into metastasis this past summer. Her condition started to deteriorate rapidly Monday morning and she was admitted to the Juravinski Hospital Tuesday morning and passed away peacefully Tuesday evening surrounded by all of her family.

Marlene has been a member of the Brock Community since 2000. During her tenure as professor, researcher, creator, Director and Chair she provided leadership and love to her colleagues and students in the Department of Dramatic Arts. She was instrumental to the development of the Department as a site of luminous and rigorous investigation of theatre praxis. Her mentorship of five colleagues through tenure and promotion is but one facet of her legacy to the future of our research, pedagogy, and community. Her presence in the burgeoning theatre scene of St. Catharines was only recently curtailed as she focused her creative energies to meet the challenge of cancer – the vision of her initiatives remains undiminished and in our hearts.

Marlene fought this cancer with such strength, courage and determination. The Department greatly mourns her passing.

for more information please see her web page

see the Brock News article here

Information about the visitation and an upcoming celebration on January 4th, 2011 is found in the obituary in the Hamilton Spectator. Here are the details:

Family and friends may gather at the BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1010 Botanical Drive, BURLINGTON, on Tuesday, December 28th between 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Marlene’s life (reunion) will take place on her birthday, January 4th at the Royal Botanical Gardens at 2 p.m.

There is also an online Book of Condolence at the above webpage.

The Department of Dramatic Arts will host a memorial event in the new year, with details to come. Download the PDF for the Department of Dramatic Arts’ celebration of her life here.

In her honour we have established the Marlene Moser Memorial Scholarship. To contribute to this Scholarship please send donations to the attention of Norm Bradshaw nbradshaw@brocku.ca, Faculty of Humanities, Brock University. The cheque or gift should be made out to Brock University and indicate Marlene Moser Memorial Scholarship. All donations are eligible to be matched dollar for dollar by the provincial government.

Photos:
Memories:

Name: Derrick de Kerckhove
Location: Naples, Italy
How did you know Marlene?: I directed Marlene’s Phd. thesis
Your comments: Since I have been away in Europe most of the time since 2008, having lost touch with Marlene a couple of years after she passed her oral – brillantly – I had not heard this heartbreaking news. I remember her elegance, intelligence, determination and freedom of spirit. This is the kind of loss that sinks deep in a community. My best wishes for the recovery of this community.

if you wish to submit a comment or share a memory about Marlene, please contact dramatic.arts@brocku.ca
Tags: dramatic arts, in memoriam, marlene moser
Categories: Alumni, Department/Centre News, Faculty & Instructors, News
Earp Dance at Brock Nuit Blanche 2010

Wednesday, December 08, 2010 | By Brock University

For those of you unable to attend Nuit Blanche Brock this year, check out the short video above to see dancers Shannon Perugino and Jessica Goncalves of the Department of Dramatic Arts perform on the beautifully lit top floor of Earp Student Residence at Brock University. The original piece was performed every half hour from 6pm to midnight on the chilly night of December 3, 2010, to audiences outside on the street below as part of Nuit Blanche Brock 2010.

Performed by Dramatic Arts students Jessica Goncalves and Shannon Perugino; Sound Op: Matthew Viviano; Tech and Design Support: Doug Ledingham and David Vivian; Conceived by Natalie Alvarez. Choreography by Jessica Goncalves, Shannon Perugino and Natalie Alvarez.

Tags: david vivian, doug ledingham, dramatic arts, earp dance, earp residence, jessica goncalves, matthew viviano, natalie alvarez, nuit blanche brock, shannon perugino
Categories: Events
Professor studies dark tourism

Thursday, September 09, 2010 | By Brock University

(Source: The Brock News, Thursday, September 9, 2010)

Imagine a tourism experience where you pay to spend hours pretending to illegally cross the American border from Mexico.

You trudge through muddy fields under the blare of gunfire. You run exhausted through sewer tunnels. You are placed, scared and blindfolded, in the back of a truck, only to end up where you started — at a restaurant, gift shop and main office, and people telling you to enjoy your stay.

This is the new trend in post-9/11 dark tourism, a term that describes the act of visiting the sites of tragedies as a tourist. This experience is called immersive simulation, and Natalie Alvarez, assistant professor of Dramatic Arts, is writing a book about it.

Alvarez has received $23,449 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for her research project, “Enactments of difference: immersive simulations and performance from training to dark tourism.” Alvarez will study two types of immersive simulation: that experienced by tourists, and that experienced by soldiers who train in increasingly popular model villages to prepare them for overseas interaction with foreign cultures. Included in that is investigating how performance techniques are used in counterterrorism and intelligence training.

One dark tourism experience Alvarez will study is that of El Alberto, Mexico, where the community has been depleted by immigration to the U.S. Mexicans pay $20 (U.S.) each to be taken on an overnight fake U.S. border crossing. Ironically, the popularity of the adventure tourism has rejuvenated the town’s economy. Alvarez has twice experienced the tour, which she describes as frightening and surprisingly political, given that it’s billed as adventure tourism.

“It started with a rousing speech by members of the community about how the work is an homage to those who lost their lives crossing the border,” she said. “We sang the Mexican anthem, followed by the sounds of sirens in the distance of the U.S. border patrol and shouts telling us to start running.”

Other examples include a recreated Stalin-era Gulag prison camp in Lithuania, where people pay to spend a day as prisoners. In Liepaja, Latvia, tourists stay overnight in a naval jail.

Alvarez will also visit simulated villages used to train soldiers for duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a recreated Afghani village in Norfolk, England, and simulated Iraqi villages in California and Arizona, where actors are recruited to play insurgents and civilians.

Demand for these simulations has skyrocketed since 9/11, she said.

“A lot of performance scholars and performance artists talk about the border hysteria and the kind of war on difference that evolved from 9/11,” she said. “There seems to be a desire to rehearse encounters with the cultural ‘other’. I want to know what kind of anxieties are being played out in these scenarios.”

While on the surface, immersive dark tourism and immersive military simulation seem unrelated, “there are intersecting themes that make them worth putting together in conversation,” she said.

Alvarez will spend the next two years traveling and observing these simulations, followed by a year of writing.

Alvarez, who is cross-appointed to Liberal Arts, joined Brock in 2006. She currently serves as a co-editor of the Canadian Theatre Review’s Views and Reviews and has two forthcoming edited books: Fronteras Vivientas, an anthology of Latina/o-Canadian plays, and New Essays on Latina/o-Canadian Theatre and Performance. Both are published by Playwrights Canada Press.

Links:
• Natalie Alvarez faculty page
• Full list of Brock’s SSHRC recipients
• Past “researcher of the month” profiles

Tags: dark tourism, natalie alvarez
Categories: Faculty & Instructors, News
Brock University Wind Ensemble presents “That’s Entertainment”

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 | By mbalsom

On Tuesday, April 6, 2010, the Department of Music’s University Wind Ensemble will explore the full breadth of wind ensemble repertoire as they present a concert of musical fireworks, from Rimsky-Korsakov to John Williams, held at the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of conductor Zoltan Kalman, the University Wind Ensemble is comprised of 55 musicians drawn from Brock students, high school students, and members of Niagara’s musical community, including the Niagara Symphony and Symphony Hamilton. Seasoned professional players will perform together with university students, as well as high school students from Centennial, Welland; Holy Cross and Eden, St. Catharines; Lakeshore Catholic, Wainfleet; A. N. Myer, Niagara Falls; Grimsby High, Grimsby; Beamsville District Secondary School, Beamsville; Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, St. Catharines, and E. L. Crossley, Fonthill.

The evening program, entitled That’s Entertainment, features masterworks of the past and present including Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade; Robert Russell Bennett: Symphonic Songs; Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg: Les Miserables (featuring Vanessa Vella, soprano); George Gershwin: I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’ (featuring April Curran, soprano); and John Williams: Star Wars.

“Following on the success of the past three years, this selection of music is designed to highlight both the virtuosity and nuance of the evening,” says conductor Zoltan Kalman, a part-time faculty member in the Department of Music and principal clarinetist of the Niagara Symphony.

Such performances from the Department of Music are a key part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’s mandate in building connections between the community and the breadth of talent and creativity at Brock University.

Join us on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University, and discover classical and modern wind ensemble repertoire!

Tags: department of music, music, university wind ensemble, wind ensemble, zoltan kalman
Categories: Media Releases, News