NMSU-A News
Cast of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
September 30, 2009
Contact Person: Connie Breding, 442-1340
The cast has been selected and rehearsals are underway for the New Mexico State University Alamogordo’s Theatre on the Hill production of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, a dramatization of Anne Frank’s original diary by playwrights Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.
One of the most valuable and informative artifacts of the Holocaust, Anne’s diary focuses on her daily life and the world around her. In July of 1942, fearing deportation to Auschwitz, the Franks go into hiding in a “secret annex” in the attic of Mr. Frank’s former business. Soon after, they are joined by the Van Daan family and a dentist named Mr. Dussel.
For over two years, Anne recorded what life was like in the annex–the fear, tension, frustration–and even boredom–of a life lived under very compromised conditions. Much of the diary centers on Anne’s difficult, if typically adolescent, relationship with her mother as well as her interest in the Van Daan’s teenage son, Peter. Anne also shares her hopes for her life after the war–and her dream of becoming a writer. In this way, the diary introduces readers to a very typical teenage girl–a girl whose thoughts and emotions put a human face on the almost incomprehensible horror of the Holocaust.
Playing the title role of Anne is Andrea Bond, a seventh grade student at Chaparral Middle School. The daughter of Gary and Colleen Bond, Andrea has been active in theatre since she started performing in 2003 with the Missoula Children’s Theatre traveling productions. At NMSU-A, Andrea danced the role of Blue Fish in SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL and most recently played Rowdie in THE BIG DOG’S CLUB.
According to director Connie Breding, finding “the right” Anne was very challenging. “We had many talented young gals who turned in impressive auditions, but I kept coming back to Andrea because she captured the exuberance and energy that was needed for Anne. Hiding in the Secret Annex, Anne is restricted to living in a small, cramped space, yet she always keeps an inquisitive nature and a love of life. Andrea was able to connect with that important part of Anne’s personality.”
Victoria Crosby, a student at NMSU-A, plays Margot, Anne’s older, more studious sister. Active in NMSU-A Theatre since 2006, Crosby plans to make acting her career.
Tasked with bringing Mr. and Mrs. Frank to life on the stage are Aaron Adkison and Lori Lamphere-Stewart. While Mr. Frank is Adkison’s first major role, Lamphere-Stewart is well-known to Ruidoso audiences for her many performances with Lincoln County Community Theatre.
The Van Daan family, who shares the Secret Annex, is played by Rod Barnes as Mr. Van Daan, Cari del Palacio as Mrs. Van Daan, and Jeremy Colbert as Peter. Rounding out the cast are Cliff Reisig as Mr. Dussell, Robert Trowbridge as Mr. Kraler, and Larisa Hoke as Miep.
Christina Stubbs and Cherece Laperuta, both NMSU-A students, are the Assistant Directors, while the set is designed by NMSU-A adjunct theatre faculty member Will Bartlett, who is assisted by Greg Fultz, and the members of the Stagecraft class and the Running Crew class. Leif Jones and Joe Busick will be operating the light board and the sound console, Lissa Forrest is heading the prop crew, while Stubbs also handles the duties of Makeup and Costume Designer.
Production dates for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK are November 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 22 at 2:00 at the Rohovec Fine Arts Center on the NMSU-A campus. For more information, call 439-3670.
Banned Books Read Out, 9/29
September 22, 2009
“Banned Books Week” starts this Saturday and runs through October 3rd. Once again this year we are collaborating with the Alamogordo Friends of the (Public) Library to have a “Banned Books Read Out” on the Patio.
The “Read Out” will take place next Tuesday, September 29th, beginning at 12:15. If you are interested in reading please feel free to contact us at library@nmsua.nmsu.edu, 439-3650 (front desk), or 439-3803. We also have a sign-up sheet at the library.
For more information on banned books please see some of the links below:
American Library Association’s page on Banned Books Week:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
100 Most Frequently Challenged Books in the 90’s:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999/index.cfm
There are a ton of resources out there about banned books and banned books week. Do a Google search or just click here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=banned+books
Constitution Day Panel Discussion, 9/24
September 18, 2009
Constitution Day Panel Discussion 09/24/09
12:15 - 1:00 NMSU-A Bistro
“Is Marriage a Civil Right?”
On Thursday, September 24, 2009 GOVT 100G will present a panel discussion, “Is Same-Sex Marriage a Civil Right?” in observance of Constitution Day. The panel discussion will consider the issue of marriage and the 14th Amendment, in light of California’s recent passage of Proposition 8, outlawing same-sex marriage. Rather than a debate, this event will be a thoughtful discussion of the many perspectives interpreting the 14th Amendment’s application to same sex marriage. Join us and learn more! See you there!
For background information, see this link:
http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=422
“Smart Crosswalk” Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
September 18, 2009
The sun warmed the crisp, early autumn air Wednesday morning, September 16th, as people gathered for NMSU-A’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedicating the state’s first solar-powered “smart crosswalk.” Those attending the ceremony included Mayor Ron Griggs, Advisory Board members, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Foundation members, NMSU-A faculty, staff, and students. The crosswalk was dedicated to the safety of all who cross North Scenic Drive to access the college campus.
NMSU-A purchased the crosswalk system from Lightguard Systems, Santa Rosa, CA and partnered with the City of Alamogordo for installation. To view a full video of this event, go to: everythingalamogordo.com , scroll down to “Past Events,” and click on the photo.
Nursing Scholarship Winner-Fall 2009
September 18, 2009
Nicole Pender is the 2009 Fall Semester recipient of the Dorothy K. Talbert Nursing Scholarship at New Mexico State University Alamogordo.
Underwritten by Mrs. Talbert’s daughter, Marge, and son-in-law, William Moore, this is the largest scholarship dedicated for use by NMSU-A and honors the late Mrs. Talbert’s many years of dedicated service to the nursing profession.
The scholarship pays $2,000 per semester for each of the four semesters leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing. It’s aim is threefold: 1) provide more nurses to the Alamogordo area; 2) help alleviate some of the need for students to continue working while studying; and 3) permit graduates to enter the profession in better financial health.
After graduating from Alamogordo High School in 2001, Nicole attended NMSU-A and completed her general education courses. Then she took a few years off to marry her high school sweetheart and start a family. She, her husband, and 3-year old son, Austin, live in Alamogordo.
“Nursing has always been a huge influence in my life. My mom is a nurse, and I worked at the hospital for 8 years, says Nicole when asked what influenced her to pursue this profession. I want to finish my degree at NMSU-A and be a nurse for a while before going on for my BSN.”
Adult Basic Education Classes
September 8, 2009
NMSU Alamogordo Adult Basic Education is holding registration for English as a Second Language (ESL)/ Citizenship classes and GED classes. Classes begin September 16 and 17.
Registration is required before entering into the classes. To register, visit the Adult Basic Education office located at the Tays Special Events Center for more information, or call 439-3812.
Campus Alerts Available
September 1, 2009
Students, faculty and staff can sign up to receive NMSU-A campus alerts through an e2 web-based mass notification system. These alerts would be for such things as campus emergencies and school closures.
You can receive alerts through text messaging, to your email of choice, or both. This service is limited to NMSU Alamogordo students, faculty and staff. To sign up, go to http://nmsua.edu/alerts/.
September Library Display
September 1, 2009
Hello from the Townsend Library. Our September Art display will not be featuring art. Instead, we will be showcasing the photographs of children in need of new homes. Ronny Diaz, Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruiter of CYFD Protective Services will be displaying the photographs of approximately 30 children who are currently in the foster system and who are looking for permanent homes. Currently 82 photographs are being displayed at the White Sands Mall.
These images are from a program called the Heart Gallery which was originally started in Santa Fe in 2001 and is now nationwide, with 48 states hosting the program. For more information on the Heart Gallery please visit their Web site, www.heartgallerynm.org, or contact Ronny Diaz at (575) 434-5950 ext 121, or contact Ronny Diaz at (575) 434-5950 ext 121.
