SMTD Faculty, Student and Alumni News

The Oakland University Repertory Dance Company presented Bailamos on March 21 in the atrium of the Engineering Center on the campus of Oakland University. “Last July, I had the honor and privilege of taking a handful of students to Costa Rica to perform last year’s Engineering Building choreography for the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica,” said Thayer Jonutz, associate professor of dance and director of the Repertory Dance Company. “I created a new dance titled Bailamos, which means ‘we dance,’ based on sights, sounds, tastes and other experiences I had during that Costa Rican adventure.” This year’s show marked the sixth time the Repertory Dance Company has performed inside the OU Engineering Building. “It is not ideal, but that's what makes it unique for both the performers and the audience members,” Jonutz said. “Dancers sually perform on a sprung floor to protect their body from the impact of a hard floor. A dance audience usually sits in a tiered seating scenario. In the Engineering Building, all of this is challenged in a refreshing way. One of my favorite parts of this show is that I get to have a conversation with the audience and offer clues on meaning to the dances. This does not typically happen in a traditional theatre.” The OU Repertory Dance Company was joined by students from Oxford High School’s Dance Conservatory during the March 21 performance.

OU Professor Sara Wolf and alumna Emily Nichter performed in Alice Through the Looking Glass from March 22 – April 19 at The Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair, Mich.

'Where We Are'

The 29-hour reading, Where We Are, ran from March 28-30 in Varner Recital Hall. Where We Are, by Rae Covey and directed by Jacob ben Widmar, is a new song cycle inspired by a series of maps collected by the Hand Drawn Map Association. Described as “hilarious, striking, and devastatingly human,” the piece spans the psychological terrain of characters who find themselves caught between ‘Point A’ and ‘Point B.’

World Music at OU

On April 11, Oakland University celebrated the 50th anniversary of World Music at OU with a special concert presented by the OU African Drum and Xylophone Ensemble - Akwaaba, and the OU Steel Band – Pan-Jumbies. The program also featured internationally renowned steel pan artist Andy Narell. “Like Marvin ‘Doc’ Holladay, who started our program, Andy Narell is a pioneer of World Music Studies in the U.S.,” said Mark Stone, professor of music and coordinator of world music at OU. “While Doc introduced his jazz students to traditional African music, Narell has introduced generations of American percussionists to the steel pan.” The World Music program at OU was first established by Marvin “Doc” Holladay in 1975. Holladay was hired at Oakland University in 1972 to establish the Jazz Studies program and came to OU following two decades as a professional performing artist, including work with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, and Ella Fitzgerald. While Holladay sadly passed away on November 25, 2024 at the age of 94, his legacy lives on. “In creating the jazz and world music programs at Oakland University and introducing me to the Baha’i Faith, Doc profoundly shaped my life,” Stone said “We are all much richer for having known him and for having walked this path with him.”

On April 6, talented piano students from the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance performed solo and ensemble works at Varner Recital Hall at the Piano Area Showcase.

Joe Santoni

OU Alum Joe Santoni (‘14) returned to Varner Hall for a special concert on April 13. From the opera stage to international tours with Disney’s DCapella, Santoni has built an incredible career. He also hosted a master class/workshop on April 11, where he worked with singers and campus a cappella groups in a dynamic vocal session.

Brady Jacot and Kennedy Vernengo, talented alumni of Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, performed in Almost, Maine at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre from March 27 – April 12. This heartwarming play brings love, laughter, and a touch of magic to the stage.

Golden Grizzlies Jazz Singers

The Golden Grizzlies Jazz Singers received a standing ovation at the end of their performance at the 44^th Gold Company Vocal Jazz Festival on March 22 at Western Michigan University. The Jazz Singers were selected for Outstanding Performance at the festival, and OU students Martyna Gogoliewicz, Aniya Gray, Cristina Aldo, Mark LeMire, Cayla Stus, and Zoe Frazier received Outstanding Soloist awards. The Golden Grizzlies are led by faculty member Scott Gwinnell.

Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance recognized distinguished students, faculty, staff, and community members with MaTilDa Awards, which are named to honor Matilda Dodge Wilson, during the Young Choreographers Forum on April 12, the Gala Concert on April 12, and the Senior Celebration on April 15. A full list of this year’s award recipients can be found here. In addition, SMTD recognized faculty and staff members who have achieved 5+, 10+, 15+, 20+, or 25+ years of service.

OU’s Brass Band put on a stellar performance at the North American Brass Band Association Championships, which took place April 10-11 in Fort Wayne, Ind. They competed against many brass bands across North America and secured 2^nd Place in the First Section. On top of this win, the OU Brass Quartet won 3^rd place in the Brass Ensembles competition.

Lara Alami

Lara Alami, who recently graduated with her Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy, had her original composition, Use Your Voice for Kindness, premiere at A Beacon of Hope: The Music of Detroit Composers, presented by the Community Chorus of Detroit, along with works by Stacey Gibbs, Brandon Waddles, Dorian Dillard II, Edward Maki-Schramm & more. The event took place on May 16-17 at Christ Church Detroit.

Senior Showcase in Chicago

The 2025 acting class had a very intense four days in Chicago for their senior showcase. They attended masterclasses and panels with industry professionals at the Acting Studio Chicago, showcased their skills for multiple talent agents, and attended several performances.

In April, The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival gave out Commendations of Distinguished Achievement from the National Awards Committee. OU’s production of Caribbean Dreamin’ received 10 awards, including: Denetria Gibson and Tuger Xiong in Choreography; The Company for Theatrical Collaboration; Jaci Taylor for Costume Design; Jaci Taylor, Trish Brown and Crystal Orser for Crafty Construction; The Company for Theatre for Young Audiences; Crystal Orser for Properties Design; Trish Brown for Scenic Design; The Company for Student Centered Production; The Company for Production of a Devised Work; and The Company for Audience Interaction.

The Assembly Quartet

The Assembly Quartet — featuring Oakland University’s Dr. Jeffrey Heisler on soprano saxophone — released The Pedagogy Project, Volume 1: (Some) Assembly Required on Mark Records. This exciting album debuted alongside the Quartet’s featured appearance at the 2025 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, TX. This release is the first in a multi-volume initiative designed to expand the saxophone quartet repertoire with accessible, high-quality works ideal for advanced high school and early college ensembles. You can listen to the album here.

Congratulations to Dr. Deborah VanderLinde, professor emerita of music education at Oakland University, on the forthcoming release of The Oxford Handbook of Special Music Education and Music Therapy, coming Fall 2025. This significant work underscores Dr. VanderLinde’s enduring contributions to inclusive music education and therapy.

Before departing on their international concert tour on June 23, The Oakland Chorale presented a special Bon Voyage Concert on June 21 at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit. The tour is generously sponsored by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Office of the Provost.

Eleven Oakland University students, along with several OU faculty members, including musicians and designers, and videographers, will be traveling to Costa Rica this summer to perform a brand new piece called “Why Do Trees Hide the Splendor of Their Roots?” They will also collaborate with students from the university in Costa Rica while they are there. The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Dance, Music, and Communications. The work will be captured using a virtual reality video camera with future plans to create an immersive experience as a record of the trip.

Two of Kitty Dubin’s playwriting students — Elizabeth “Lizzy” Richard and Jennifer Ward — had their plays, The Spy and First Christmas, selected and performed at the Art Speaks New Play Festival held in Midland, Mich. on May 31. 

On May 30, Special Lecturer Milica Govich Vukasovich filmed a small, co-starring role as Dr. Hawkins on the season opening of Criminal Minds. The next day, she shot a short film with alums from her graduate school alma mater, Ohio University, entitled All The Things Never Said. “I believe the team is hoping to get it into their OU screening that takes place in Studio City every August,” she said.

Lily Talevski in 'Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story'

Lily Talevski (BFA ’18), recently starred in a Lifetime Movie Network film called Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story. “I played Lisa Stasi, who to this day remains to be a cold case even after John Osbourne (convicted serial killer) admitted to stealing her newborn daughter (Heather Stasi (Robinson) ) and staging a ‘private adoption’ to his brother and sister-in-law. His claims were that Lisa Stasi ran away and willingly gave her daughter up, but the proof of multiple killings of other young women during that time suggested he probably murdered Lisa Stasi as well, and the remains were never found.” Talevski said the film was shot in West Virginia and she had a blast working with the film team, including the director. “Lee is the coolest and set the tone for a really magnificent set on location,” she said. “This is pretty heavy stuff and there's a lot of exposition that needs to be laid out with these biopics and she has such a great eye to concisely tell the story through picture while collaborating with actors, camera crew, sound, etc. She held it down and we all had a lot of laughs on set at the same time because hey, we gotta laugh through all the really traumatic stuff we're shooting!” Talevski said when she first started learning about her character, she was deeply moved by Lisa’s story. “The first picture I saw of her, she had this huge smile, a glimmer in her eye and I just thought, look at this young woman, she's you, she's me, she's all of us, taking life's challenges and joys as they come as anyone else and now, we have this whole story kind of dedicated to trying to figure out what happened,” Talevski said. “It was fascinating. I loved my short time working on this project.” The film premiered on June 7 on Lifetime.

Faith Green at rehearsal

Faith Green (BFA, musical theatre, class of '26) is currently in rehearsals for Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Williamston Theatre. It is her first time working in an Equity theatre. The hilarious and touching play runs June 26 - August 3 in Williamston, Mich. Discounted tickets for previews and always $10 for students with a college ID.  Other Oakland artists in the play include Sam Transleau (faculty) scenic designer, Bailey Graham (BFA, theatre design and technology, class of '25) assistant scenic designer and Karen Sheridan (emeritus faculty) director.

Michael Gillespie and Karen Sheridan

Theatre Professors Emeriti Michael Gillespie and Karen Sheridan are contributing their institutional knowledge and materials to the Music, Theatre and Dance archives. They've been in the belly of Kresge to see what already exists and are working with the excellent archivists there who are delighted have them to flesh out the collection. Between the two of them (and with former colleagues' input), they have information and materials on over 180 productions!

Alexander Hernandez

Alexander Hernandez (BFA musical theatre, ‘25) has understudied a number of roles at Meadow Brook Theatre including for the current show Shear Madness. Also in the cast is Professor Lynnae Lehfeldt. Hernandez is also working on a film project at University of Michigan.

Anna Kamryn Marck in performance (Photo by Crystal Orser)

Anna Kamryn Marck (BFA musical theatre, '15) was commissioned by Lorenzo Cultural Center to write a biographical play to accompany their March/April exhibit Leading Ladies of Michigan's Past.  She decided to write a three-person play about the women of Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills. The play, Three Needles & Suture, was performed at the Center in April and in May at the farm itself to enthusiastic audiences. Christa Koerner (OU costume shop supervisor) was the costume designer, Karen Sheridan (professor emerita) directed.

Marck was also honored to be selected as one of the 2025 Mackinac State Historic Parks Artists-in-Residence. The program is designed "to promote and encourage the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island.” She will be working on this new play in residence in the U. P. in August.

Alta Boover (music faculty) and Jacob ben Widmar (theatre faculty) will perform Souvenir, a play with music about Florence Foster Jenkins and her accompanist Cosme McMoon in the Varner Recital Hall on September 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Based on a true story, it is a fun and touching look at the real-life relationship between a singer and her accompanist. Karen Sheridan (faculty emerita) directs.