Berkeley Rep Announces Fellows For 2018-19 Season

Berkeley Repertory Theatre announced today that 15 young professionals have been awarded fellowships for the 2018-19 season. Theatre graduates from universities across the nation apply for this program that provides a year-long deep dive into the operations of the award-winning theatre. Fellowships cover a variety of artistic and administrative disciplines and provide specialized training that assists fellows with embarking on a professional career in the arts. Additionally, fellows participate in career development seminars, build professional contacts, and even serve as mentors themselves for Berkeley Rep's annual Teen One-Acts Festival.

"We are always thrilled to welcome a New Group of talented fellows who come from around the country to start their career," says Managing Director Susan Medak. "Our fellowship program is an important part of our mission and values, and we strive to provide fellows hands-on opportunities where they can learn and grow. We look forward to seeing how these fellows contribute to the future of theatre both during and after their experience at Berkeley Rep."

While in this program, sponsored by American Express and BayTree Fund, fellows train alongside a team of highly skilled artists, administrators, and designers to reach professional goals. Starting in July 2018 and concluding in June 2019, the fellowship provides invaluable experience to fellows and allows access into employment in the arts. Many alumni of this program continue to work as theatre administrators and practitioners, employed full time by many organizations, including Berkeley Rep.

Fellowships for the 2018-19 season have been awarded to the following:

· Suzann Cornelison, a native of Springfield, MO and graduate of Stephens College, will serve as the costume fellow under the mentorship of Costume Director Maggi Yule.

· Symone Paige Crews, a native of Durham, NC and graduate of Howard University, will serve as the stage management fellow under the mentorship of Production Stage Manager Michael Suenkel.

· Rae Lynn Crocker, a native of San Diego, CA and graduate of University of California, Irvine, will serve as the lighting/electrics fellow under the mentorship of Master Electrician Fred Geffken.

· Si Mon' Emmett, a native of Dallas, TX and graduate of University of Texas at Austin, will serve as the education fellow under the mentorship of Director of the School of Theatre Rachel Hull and Program Manager, Training and Community Programs, Anthony Jackson.

· Nina Feliciano, a native of Los Altos, CA and graduate of Santa Clara University, will work as the development/fundraising fellow under the mentorship of Associate Director of Development Daria Hepps.

· Jossue Gallardo, a native of Corvina, CA and graduate of California State University East Bay, will serve as the production management fellow under the mentorship of Production Manager Audrey Hoo.

· Courtney Jean, a native of Frederick, MD and graduate of Kent State University, will serve as Harry Weininger Sound Fellow under the mentorship of Sound Supervisor James Ballen.

· Emilia (Emi) Lirman, a native of Miami, FL and graduate of Columbia University, will serve as the Bret C. Harte Directing Fellow under the mentorship of Michael Leibert Artistic Director Tony Taccone.

· Leah Mesh-Fergueson, a native of Arlington, MA and graduate of McGill University, will serve as the company management fellow under the mentorship of Company Manager Jean-Paul Gressieux.

· Heather Moosher, a native of Rockville, MD and graduate of University of Maryland-Baltimore County, will serve as the scenic construction fellow under the mentorship of Technical Director Jim Smith.

· Hayley Parker, a native of Boulder, CO, will serve as the properties fellow under the mentorship of Properties Supervisor Jill Green.

· Kirsten Pribula, a native of Centerville, OH and graduate of Ohio University, will serve as the graphics fellow under the mentorship of Art Director Nora Merecicky.

· Madeleine Rostami, a native of Menlo Park, CA and graduate of Northwestern University, will serve as the Peter F. Sloss Literary/Dramaturgy Fellow under the mentorship of Literary Manager Sarah Rose Leonard and Director of The Ground Floor/Resident Dramaturg Madeleine Oldham.

· Brooke Vlasich, a native of Cedar City, UT and graduate of Southern Utah University, will serve as the marketing/digital communications fellow under the mentorship of Director of Marketing and Communications Peter Yonka.

· Serena Yau, a native of Walnut Creek, CA and graduate of Smith College, will serve as the scenic art fellow under the mentorship of Charge Scenic Artist Lisa Lázár.

Fellows will serve in integral capacities in this season's compelling productions:

· The 2018-19 season begins with A Doll's House, Part 2. Nora is back in this audacious Tony Award-nominated comedy. It's been 15 years since she slammed that same door on her marriage and children in the revolutionary final scene of Ibsen's signature play. Now a successful yet scandalous writer, she's being blackmailed by a judge and needs her former husband's help. But her family has a few grievances they need to air first.

· In association with Soho Rep., Fairview comes to Berkeley in October. The story begins with Beverly, who needs her mother's birthday celebration to be perfect. But her husband is no help, her brother hasn't arrived, and her teenage daughter may be in trouble. What's more, they are being watched...and judged.

· Paradise Square: An American Musical takes place in 1863 in a 20-block area of Manhattan known as the Five Points where Black and Irish Americans live side by side, work together, marry, and for a brief period realize racial harmony. However, the intensifying Civil War soon results in the first-ever Federal draft, leading to riots as whites are called to enlist while blacks are barred from serving - threatening the hard-won bonds of friendship, community, and family.

· Starting in January, Metamorphoses brings the myths of Ovid to life in a 24-foot wading pool. Through tales of passion, betrayal, hope, and transformation, Tony Award-winning writer and director Mary Zimmerman invites us into a realm of shared cultural myths and beautiful, unshakable visions.

· In March, Home features Obie Award-winning physical theatre artist Geoff Sobelle and his ensemble of actors, dancers, and designers. Their impromptu dance takes audiences to an enchanting visual and immersive spectacle that defies time and space, magically transforming mundane everyday tasks into a glorious, intimate, and profound celebration.

· The Good Book weaves together three distinct yet connected stories: a devout young man struggling to reconcile his belief with his identity; an atheist biblical scholar trying to find meaning as she faces her own mortality; and the creative journey of the Bible itself through the many hands, minds, hearts, and circumstances that molded this testament to the human spirit.

· Kiss My Aztec! is a fresh, irreverent, and outrageous satirical musical comedy could only spring forth from the insanely hilarious mind of John Leguizamo. When the Spanish set their sights on Mesoamerica and its riches, the Aztecs are like, "Hell, no!" Empowered by a prophecy promising a new leader called the Great Brown Hope, Colombina (a feminist warrior/rapper) and Pepe (a clown) plot to overthrow these Spanish colonizers. With an energetic musical fusion of bolero, hip hop, merengue, and rap, and an uproarious mashup of 16th-century and modern slang, this show celebrates, elevates, and commemorates Latinx culture. Casting for Kiss My Aztec! will be announced at a later date. Please note that John Leguizamo won't be performing this time - other fantastic actors will be performing this uproarious new musical!

ABOUT BERKELEY REP

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 5.5 million people have enjoyed nearly 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, which have gone on to win five Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, and many other honors. Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Its School of Theatre engages and educates some 20,000 people a year and helps build the audiences of tomorrow with its nationally recognized teen programs. Berkeley Rep's bustling facilities - which also include the 400-seat Peet's Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, and a spacious campus in West Berkeley - are helping revitalize a renowned city. Be a Rep. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org.

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