College of Marin Drama Department Presents Retrospective Gallery Exhibition Fundraiser Commemorating 50 Years of Performances
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2015
KENTFIELD, CA – As a fundraiser for the College of Marin (COM) Drama Department, a retrospective gallery exhibition celebrating 50 years of performances will be open to the public.
This exhibition is a true multimedia event featuring almost 3,000 photographs, a collection of hundreds of reviews and programs, audio clips featuring directors, actors and set designers, and video clips of past performances.
Former students and faculty can travel back in time and find themselves as they walk through the gallery and celebrate their contributions to the department’s history. Current students and faculty can learn about the legacy they are carrying on.
“The idea for the 50 year retrospective was born out of the desire to reflect on the accomplishments of the students, faculty, and program as we hit this landmark Golden Anniversary,” said College of Marin’s Chair of Drama, Lisa Morse. “This gallery show celebrates the alumni who have participated over the years and the current students who are continuing a tradition of excellence that has become the hallmark of this program. It is a celebration about THEM. Without the students and their hard work and dedication, we would not have a program”
CALENDAR INFORMATION:
WHAT:
Retrospective Exhibition, Special Fundraiser for the College of Marin Drama Department
WHEN:
March 6 – March 22
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:
Fine Arts Gallery
Performing Arts Building, Kentfield Campus
835 College Avenue
Kentfield, CA 94904
ADMISSION:
Admission is free, but contributions are appreciated. Historical photographs will be available for purchase and all proceeds will benefit the COM Drama Department.
EXHIBITION TEAM BIOGRAPHIES:
James Dunn: Students have studied with Jim Dunn since he founded the College of Marin Drama Department in 1964. Jim taught full time for 30 years, and continues to teach on a part-time basis. He served as Chair of the Drama Department until 1994, directing more than 250 plays. Among his most notable is a 1971 Wild West production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, which was performed at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. To the delight of students and audiences alike, Jim continues to teach Shakespeare and direct spring productions.
During his tenure at the College, Jim received several honors, most notably, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critic’s Circle (SFBATCC) Awards for Directing, the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award for Directing, and the San Francisco Dramalogue Award for Directing. He was also nominated for the Hayward Award for Excellence in Teaching and received an Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Marin County from the Marin County Cultural Society. He also received a Milly Award for Achievement in Theatre Arts from the City of Mill Valley, California. Jim was honored to receive the 2012 Heroes of Marin Lifetime Achievement Award granted by the Pacific Sun and the Lifetime Achievement Directing Award from the SFBATCC. In 2012 the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the dedication of the College of Marin’s – James Dunn Theatre in recognition of his commitment and achievement.
Outside of the College, Dunn was the artistic director of the Marin County Mountain Play for 30 years. He has also worked as a visiting director at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, Denver Center for the Arts in Colorado, the Julliard School in New York, the Marin Shakespeare Festival, and the Marin Theatre Company.
Ron Krempetz: Ron has been the scenic designer for over 200 productions at the College of Marin since 1970. He is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Drama teaching Stage Craft and Scenic Design.
With a B.A. and M.A. from San Jose State University, Ron began his teaching career at Boise State University in 1968 and returned to the Bay Area two years later. In addition to his work at COM, Ron has created sets for many professional, educational and amateur theatre companies including: The Mountain Play, San Francisco Ballet, Marin Theatre Company, Porchlight Theatre Company, Ross Valley Players, Napa Valley Community College and numerous independent theatre productions. Outside of theatre, Ron has created theatrical environments for both retail and tradeshow clients throughout the United States and around the world, and has earned awards for both industrial and theatre projects.
Ron is responsible for combing through and organizing the department’s massive catalogue of photographs, programs, reviews, posters and videos for this exhibition.
Patricia Polen: Patricia Polen has designed over 100 shows for both professional and academic theater in her 39 years as a costume designer, receiving several SFBATCC Awards along the way. In addition to her design work, she teaches Production Stagecraft, Production Preparation for Costume and Hair, Production Crew, Stage Makeup: Theory and Practice, and Introduction to Theatre. She also works as a make-up artist for the San Francisco Opera and is the Wig and Make-up Designer/Supervisor for the Portland Opera. She has a growing interest in the design and construction of puppets and hopes to share that interest in future productions.
David White: David White has been the technical director at COM since 1986. In the five years between his high school graduation and employment at the College, David worked in the Bay Area professional theatre world, learning new techniques and honing his stagecraft. In his many years at COM, David has built, lit, and sometimes even costumed, well over 100 shows. During his summer vacations, David works for a design-build firm constructing displays for the California State Fair. He has received numerous awards for these displays, including “Best of Show”.
ABOUT COM DRAMA DEPARTMENT:
College of Marin Drama productions have entertained audiences for 50 years while providing students opportunities to study with professional instructors. Support of this production and others enables the Department to continue the mission of educating students and enriching the community.
Fundraising money from last year allowed the COM Drama Department to finish this year’s season of shows but without a budget increase, the Department must rely on public support more than ever going forward.