In The Director's Chair: Steel Magnolias

Professor Jill Lincoln* is responsible for bringing our next production to life, the comedy-drama Steel Magnolias, opening December 2. As you will see from the story below, this event is a unique experience for all involved.

To begin, one of the women who played "Shelby" in the original production is now directing at APU. Also, Prof. Lincoln had the opportunity to meet the story's author, Robert Harling, who told her all about his sister, whose life and death was the inspiration for Shelby's character.

This production has a particular poignance for Prof. Lincoln, as her sister has the exact same type of diabetes that Shelby had in the play. This influenced her direction as it is based on memories of the near death experiences her sister has had.

APU's production of Steel Magnolias is sure to bring about, in the words of Truvy, "laughter through tears ... my favorite emotion." You may purchase tickets to this show here or learn more about our 2010-2011 season productions here.

*Jill Lincoln, M.A., is an assistant professor in the Department of Theater, Film, and Television, where she instructs acting classes, on-camera classes, and directs productions such as the Hollywood Showcase and an original sitcom.

During the last twenty years, Lincoln has worked in regional theater, Broadway, film, and television, as well as instructed at several universities and schools. In addition, Lincoln co-founded and acted as artistic director of the Brennan/Gould Acting Studio in Los Angeles. Her mission is to train aspiring young artists in the techniques and skills needed to become transformational actors and better the future of American theater, film, and television.

A Year with Frog and Toad - Set and Prep

10 Questions with...Kendra Schneider

Interview with Kendra Schneider the Stage Manager for Evita

1) What would be your dream role? Tracey Turnblad from Hairspray


2) If there was a movie based on your life who would you pick to play YOU? (Laughs) Jeffrey Martinez…no…who would I have play me? Well, Meryl Streep could play anyone, but I would have to say Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray.


3) What inspires you? Lots of things inspire me. My mother inspires me to reach for any goal because she has made it happen for her own life. Even her faith in me inspires me to do more. My friends also inspire me to be a better person.


4) Hidden talents? I can make a three leaf clover with my tongue. I can also do a pretty good Stitch impression from Lilo & Stitch.

5) Do you have any phobias? I am really afraid of moths!



6) If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower? I always say I want the power to read people’s minds, but then I think that my life would be miserable. So, I think that I would want to be invisible. It would be cool to have a Harry Potter invisible cloak. Does that make me a creeper?



7) Mac or PC? Mac



8) If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be? Mac & Cheese. Velveeta and shells style.



9) Name two things you simply have to do in your lifetime: I would like to have a family and be a teacher at some point in my life.



10) What's the best advice anyone's ever given you? Never let your fear limit you in what you do. If it scares you, you should probably do it. I learned that from Bart McHenry.

Kendra Schneider is a Senior Theater Arts Major from Greeley, CO. Her previous APU credits include Antigone, Joe, Racing Demons and Archie and Emma. She also was Assistant Director/Stage Manager for the Night of One Acts (2009) and Makeup Artist for 42nd Street, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Music Man and Once Upon a Mattress. She will be making her directing debut this spring with The Most Massive Woman Wins in the One Act Play Festival.

Evita Opens October 1st, 2009, Get your Tickets at - www.apu.edu/theater or 626-815-5494.

Evita Rehearsal Video

Get a sneak peek at Evita, which opens Octboer 1st at APU. Get your Tix today at www.apu.edu/theater or 626-815-5494.

Evita Fun Facts...

Evita will be taking over the APU Main Stage starting October 1st ... let's take a look at how this musical came to be.

1) Evita began as a concept album and gradually made its way to Broadway over a period of 2 years. It was a collaboration between legendary songwriters Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, also responsible for Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

2) The story follows Evita from the age of fifteen to thirty-three.

3) The original 1978 London production was directed by the renowed director Harold Prince.

4) Evita has been portrayed by such differing personalities as Patti LuPone, Elaine Page, and Madonna.

5) The Broadway premiere of this musical was located at ... The Broadway Theater.

6) Tim Rice became so fascinated by the person of Eva Peron that he eventually named hs first daughter after her.

Now it's YOUR chance to see this all for yourself as our production of Evita is running October 1-17. Tickets are available by calling (626) 815-5494 or by visiting www.apu.edu/theater.

See you at the show!

Sources: wikipedia.org and ibdb.com