Student + Alumni
RSC Theatre Alum Shannon Rafferty in the News
Wonderstudy' embraces her (4) roles
By MICHAEL ECK, Special to the Times Union
First published in print: Thursday, July 15, 2010
There are four roles in "The Marvelous Wonderettes."
There's Missy Miller. She's the nervous nelly of the group. There's Cindy Lou Huffington, the black-hearted one, dressed in pink. There's Betty Jean Reynolds, the cut-up. And there's well-meaning Suzy Simpson, not exactly the brightest bulb in the house.
Shannon Rafferty is playing all of them.
"The Marvelous Wonderettes," mind you, isn't a one-woman show. And Rafferty is not schizophrenic.
Instead, she is the sole understudy for the show at Capital Repertory Theatre, where the staff has taken to calling her the "Wonderstudy," and with good reason. You try learning four separate parts!
Read more: FULL STORY
RSC Creative Arts Therapy Alum Kathy Gavitt in the News
AGE: 54
HOMETOWN: Troy
REAL JOB: Clerk with the New York State Higher Education Services Corp.
PASSION OUTSIDE WORK: Art therapy
Gavitt recently graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a degree in art therapy and has quickly put her education to work.
She conducts art therapy classes at the Interfaith Parish Center for the Homeless in Albany, and she says using art can be an important therapeutic tool for communicating feelings.
Gavitt is also managing a New York State Council for the Arts grant that will fund temporary stepping-stone walkways in Albany parks over the summer. The walkways will be decorated by community artists, and Gavitt hopes the one planned for Washington Park becomes a permanent neighborhood fixture.
QUOTE: "Art to me is a process that's similar to the healing process. That's why art therapy is so important."
-- Kevin Harrigan
Bright Lights Big City
Alex Tarantelli '08 (right, in photo ) participated in 
SpringboardNYC, a summer training intensive for aspiring theatre artists. Administrated by the American Theatre Wing (founder of the Tony Awards), SpringboardNYC is designed for serious students looking to take the plunge into the New York theatre world. "I got to see Broadway shows, meet directors, agents and casting directors and ask questions, work on my audition pieces, and also make great friends," said Tarantelli. "After SpringboardNYC, I feel more educated, more connected, and more confident in myself, and I can't wait to try my hand in the city.
During the two week program, Tarantelli participated in training sessions and workshops that will help her find jobs in the New York theatre community after she graduates. Taught by industry professionals, sessions included audition training with directors and casting directors and seminars with the industry's leading agents, managers as well as intimate conversations with working actors from stage and screen.
For information, visit www.americantheatrewing.org/springboardnyc/
Sage on Stage
- Sage Alum Alex Tarantelli recently finished working on "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Capital Repetory Theatre in April 2010
- Sage Student David Girard is appearing in "Forever Plaid" at the Fort Salem Theatre in July 2010
- Sage Alum Shannon Rafferty is understudying 4 Roles (yes, ALL 4), in "The Marvelous Wonderettes" at Capital Repetory in July and August 2010
- Sage Alum Emily Curro recently performed in"Private Lives" at Shanghai Repertory Theater in CHINA!!
Find out what kind of Performing Arts Career you can have on stage and off. Go to our Creative and Performing Arts Pages for MORE INFO!
