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NAME:
Address:
Dr. Susan D. Speers
School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Admin.
University of Akron
Akron, Ohio 44325-l005
PHONE: Cell: (330) 256-7604; Office: (330) 972-59ll; Home: (330) 864-6469
VITA : Fsll, 2016
EDUCATION:
Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara, l982 (Theatre)
Dissertation: The Development and Achievement of The Acting
Company under the Artistic Direction of John Houseman
M.A., University of Houston, l973 (Theatre)
B.A., University of Houston, l972 (Theatre)
B.A., University of Houston, l972 (English)
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE:
Artistic/Executive Director, Prodigal Productions, 2002-present
Coordinator, Arts Administration Program, University of Akron, 1994-95
Director, School of Theatre Arts, University of Akron, l988-94
Producer/Director, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Summer Shakespeare 1994-01
Artistic/Managing Director, Theatre L'Homme Dieu (semi-professional
summer stock theatre), l982, l983, l985 - l993
Chair, Region V North, American College Theatre Festival, l984-87
Vice-Chair, Region V North, American College Theatre Festival, l98l-83
Artistic/Executive Director, Susan Speers School of Dance 1966-68
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
University of Akron, l988-present, graduate and undergraduate courses
St. Cloud State University, l979-88
University of Houston, Central Campus, l978-79
University of Houston at Clear Lake City, l978-79
University of California at Santa Barbara, Teaching Assistant
Robert E. Lee High School, Houston, l973-74
Susan Speers School of Dance l966-68
CREATIVE/RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
Summary of plays directed 2004-2016:
POSSUM DREAMS by Ed Falco, NYC premier, Theatre 54 (54 th St.,
Broadway), Producer (Prodigal Productions LLC,) Jan.2015
ZOO STORY by Edward Albee, Director, Rethinking Race Week, UA
Spring 2014
JOSEPHINE BAKER, The Black Pearl, Playwright, Director, Choreographer,
UA, Fall 2012
RACE by David Mament, Director, Rethinking Race Week, UA, Spring 2012
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TAMMY FAYE by Fernando Dovaliea
and JT Buck, 1 hour version,ACTF Region II, Fringe Theatre, Jan.2012
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TAMMY FAYE by Fernando Dovalia and
JT Buck,Director, premiere prod., Sandefur Theatre, September, 2012.
MISS JULIE by August Strindberg, Director, none too fragile, (professnl.
theatre), Nov., 2011
THE COLLECTION by Harold Pinter, Director, none too fragile (professnl.
theater, Nov. 2011
MISS JULIE by August Strindberg, Director Sandefur Theatre, September, 2011
THE COLLECTION by Harold Pinter, Sandefur Theatre, September, 2011
SHOT! by Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon,Director, EJ Thomas Stage Door,
Part of Rethinking Race Week, UA, February 2011.
Scenes from TAMING OF THE SHREW, Director, English Dept celebration of
Shakespeare’s Birthday, Martin Center, April, 2010.
FOR COLORED GIRLS WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENOUGH, directed
By India Burton, Choreography by Susan Speers, Spring, 2010..
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by Shakespeare, Director, Daum Th., Nov.’09
BIG RIVER by William Hauptman and Roger Miller, Directed and
Choreographed, Daum, Spring 2009.
THE GOAT or WHO IS SYLVIA by Edward Albee,Director,Studio28, Nov.’08
BOOK OF DAYS by Lanford Wilson, Home for the Arts, paid actor, Aug.’08.
5th OF JULY by Lanford Wilson, Director,black casting, week long residency of
Lanford Wilson as Mary Myers Lecturship, November, 2007
STRING OF PEARLS by Michele Lowe, Director, Weathervane Thet, June, 07.
INHERIT THE WIND by Jerome Lawrence and Robert.Lee, Director (&film),
Daum Theatre, February, 2006.
(SABATICAL SPRING 2005: STUDIED WITH ‘SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY’, MA.)
FENCES by August Wilson, Director, Sandefur Theatre, November, 2004.
THE TROJAN WOMEN by Ellen McLaughlin, Director, UA, Sandefur Theatr
Spring, 004
OPEN MIC NIGHT by Rick Ferguson, Acted (Peggy Richnavsky), Independent
Film, Directed by Rick Ferguson, Cleveland, entered in several
festivals. Spring, 2004
(ABOVE RESUME FROM 2004-2016, dates designated at end of event. Following dates are by season.)
Spring, 2003:
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP by Charles Ludlam, Directed,
Weathervane Playhouse, paid. January, 2003
STATE OF SIEGE by Albert Camus, Acted (Judge’s Wife, etc.), Directed by
Tom Cullinan, Bad Epitaph Co., Cleveland Public Theatre, good
reviews, paid. Summer, 2003
BILOXI BLUES by Neil Simon, Directed, Kent Stage Players,
Kent, paid.
HOMELESS TEEN GIRLS Monologues by Susan Speers, Wrote
and Directed, 6 U.A. actors, 4 performances for Project Rise
conference entries: Summa Hospital, Fairlawn Hyatt Hotel, Garfield
High Sc., and at state conference in Columbus, OH at Holiday Inn,
“Homeless Education, No Child Left Behind”
Fall, 2002: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare,
Directed original rock musical, University of Akron,
Sandefur Theatre, good ACTF review
IRISH LULLADIE by Jan Kennedy, Directed and acted,
Warren Country Clud Dinner Theatre, paid.
Spring, 2002: THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM by Urey & Waldman, Directed,
University of Akron, Sandefur Theatre, good ACTF review.
AS BEE’S IN HONEY DROWN, Acted (Alexa), Directed
by J.T.. Buck, North Canton Playhouse.
THAT AIN’S SHAKESPEARE
by Jan Kennedy, Directed and
Acted (Mercedes Meriweather), opened new murder
Mystery dinner performances, Warren Country
Club, Warren, OH, paid.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT, Staged reading directed by
J.T. Buck, Gay Pride Week, performed twice:
U.A. Student Union, and Youngstown St. Univerity.
Fall, 2001: SIX DEGREE’S OF SEPERATION by John Guare, Directed,
North Canton Playhouse, paid.
WEDDING BIZARRE, Acted (Mother of Bride), Directed by
J.T. Buck, Tree City Players.
MAIN COURSE MURDER by Jan Kennedy, Acted (Brenda),
Directed by Diane Gray, Lolli’s Dinner Theatre, paid.
Summer, 2001: TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare, Produced
th
and Directed, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 8 yr. hired, paid.
MURDER MEDIUM RARE by Eileen Moushe, Rusty Nail, Kent, paid.
Spring, 2001: DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Goodrich and Hackett, Directed,
Tree City Players, Kent
.
WIT by Margaret Edson, Acted (E.M. Ashford), Directed by Neil
Thackaberry, Actor’s Summit Theatre, Hudson, professional, paid.
AMY’S VIEW by David Hare, Acted (Esme), Staged reading directed
by J.T. Buck, Weathervane Playhouse.
THAT AIN’T SHAKESPEARE by Jan Kennedy, Acted (Mercedes
Meriweather), Directed by Diane Gray, extended run at Lolli’s Dinner Theatre,
paid.
Fall, 2000: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST by Oscar Wilde, Directed,
University of Akron, Sandefur Theatre, good ACTF review.
THE HOLLOW by Agatha Christi, Acted (Veronica Crayel), Directed
by Jim Fippin, Coach House Theatre.
THE JUDAS KISS by David Hare, Directed two staged readings for
two theatres: U.A. Sandefur Theatre 11/3 and Weathervane
Playhouse, 11/12.
THAT AIN’T SHAKESPEARE by Jan Kennedy, Acted (Mercedes
Meriweather), Directed by Diane Gray, Lolli’s Dinner Theatre, Canton, paid.
Worked with “Safe Landing: Project Rise” researching stories
of homeless teenage boys and girls to write monologues
for Project Rise conference presentations.
Summer, 2000: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare,
th
Produced and Directed, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 7 year hired, paid.
COMEDY CLUB CAPER by Jan Kennedy, directed by Don Marshall,
Acted (Rosanne), Lolli’s Dinner Theatre, Canton, paid.
Spring, 2000: THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams, Acted
(Amanda), Directed by Tom McChesney, Church Street Th.
STONEWALL JACKSON’S HOUSE by Jonathan Reynolds, Directed
Staged reading, Weathervane Playhouse, 3/19, paid.
STONEWALL JACKSON’S HOUSE by Johnathan Reynolds, Directed
Theatre Guild production, opening lead actress
Hospitalized, 5/10, Sandefur Theatre.
Fall, 1999: Height of conflict with Lavelli, height of depression, but
did teach my constant load of 4 courses, 12 hours.
Summer, 1999: AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare, Produced and
Directed, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 6th year hired for position/summer
Shakespeare program, paid.
Spring, 1999: TARTUFFE by Moilere, Acted (Madam Parnelle), Directed by
Penny Frese, Weathervane Theatre.
Speaker: "State of Theatre Arts Today", Weathervane Women's Brd.
HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES by Alan Ayckbourn, Acted (Fiona),
Directed by Bill Feuder, Canton Playhouse.
SONGS OF IRELAND, 3 hour review of Irish songs and dances,
Directed, E.J. Thomas Hall, paid position, second year hired by Hibernians.
A PIECE OF MY HEART by Shirley Lauro, Directed staged read.
, Weathervane Theatre, paid.
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE by Arthur Miller, Acted staged reading,
Weathervane Theatre
Fall, 1998: CINDERELLA by Rogers and Hammerstein, Acted (Stepmother),
Directed by Brad French, Weathervane Theatre.
Originated, taught 6 wk. seminar "Acting for Lawyers", Congress
Lake Country Club, paid.
Speaker: "ARTS ADVOCACY", Arts Magnet Students, Firestone H.S.
& St. VIncent's High School
Speaker: "CREATIVITY IN CLASSROOM TEACHING", In-Sservice
Day, St. Vincent's HS
Summer, 1998: MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR by Shakespeare,
Produced/Directed, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, paid; Acted half of run:
Mistress Ford
Traveled to China with son, PEOPLE TO PEOPLE (Shanghei, Yangze
River, Bejing)
Spring, 1998: Actor, Cleveland Public Theatre's New Plays Festival,
cast in 3 new plays, Jan.(paid)
Restaged THE KATHY & MO SHOW, invited back to Cabaret Dada,
Cleveland & U.A. Robertson Hall for Women's History
Month; January thru April (paid)
ON BORROWED TIME by Garson Kanin, Acted (Aunt Demi), Directed
by Kitty Brown, Weathervane Theatre
Fall, 1997: THE KATHY & MO SHOW by kathy Najimy, Mo Gaffney,
Directed, Cabaret Dada, Cleveland (paid).
BORN YESTERDAY by Garson Kanin, Acted (Mrs. Hedges), Directed
by Glenda Brown, Weathervane Theatre.
Summer, 1997: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS by Shakespeare,
Produced/Directed, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, paid.
Governor's Institute, taught gifted high school students course in
Musical Theatre, paid.
LOVE & DANGER by Imani Harrington, Acted (Salome), Directed by
Abraham Celaya, Cleveland Public Theatre, paid.
Spring, 1997: STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Acted ( Blanche), Directed by
Michael Wise, Canton Players Guild
A DOLL'S HOUSE, Adapted and Directed, University of Akron
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES, Acted (victim), national television segment,
paid (SAG), continue to get residuals into 2003=wow!.
Fall, 1996: A CANDLE LIT, new play by Frances Madeson, (Ms. Jackson),
Directed by Jan Brumle, Hired by Cleveland Public Theatre
New Play Festival, TO HELL WITH MACHIAVELLI by Howard
Slaughter, Directed, University of Akron
Summer, 1996: Governor's Institute, taught gifted high school students
Shakespeare course, lined up Shake & Co. teachers, pd.
OTHELLO, Producer and Actor (Emelia), organized Stan
Hywet/Shakespeare & Co./University of Akron affiliations, raised $5,000 for
educational outreach;
arranged for professional director & Equity actors
to work on OTHELLO for Stan Hywett, UA students.
Spring, 1996: Shakespeare & Co. professional training in January
Intensive, Bennington, VT; used sabbatical to do
extensive study with Shakespeare & Co. directors
and to produce special summer production for Stan Hywett.
Fall, 1995: ANNIE, Actor (Miss Hanagan), Directed by Tim Tavcar,
Weathervane Theatre
COWBOY MOUTH, Actor (Cavale), Directed by Sean McConaha,
Cleveland Public Theatre
Summer, 1995: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Directed own musical
adaptation; Hired by Stan Hywet Hall, summer Shakespeare production
Spring, 1995: OKLAHOMA!, Actor/Dancer, Directed by W.P.
Dramak, Goodyear Community Theatre
AMERICAN TALES, Actor/Dancer, Directed by Tammy Shanley,
University of Akron
Fall, 1994: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Directed and Choreographed,
University of Akron
Summer, 1994: TAMING OF THE SHREW, Directed; Hired by Stan Hywet
Hall, summer Shakespeare production
HEIDI CHRONICLES, Actor (Jill, Debbie, Lisa), Directed by Lucia
Columbi, Weathervane Theatre
Spring, 1994: BIG RIVER, Actor/Dancer (Miss Watson, Sally Phelps, Tart),
Directed by Rick Lombardo; Players Guild of Canton (acted in play thru June,
1994)
STEELE MAGNOLIA'S, Actor (M'Lynn); Directed by Henry Bishop;
Good Year Community Theatre
Spring, 1994: Traveled to ÇHINA (Hong Kong, Guilin, Bejing, Xian, Dong
Jo) for general research of human behavior
of foreign culture, delagate with PEOPLE TO PEOPLE
(entered in resume for personal diary info)
Fall, 1993: MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, Directed; University of Akron
Traveled to LONDON to research current theatre, saw seven
professional productions
Summer, 1993: Theatre L'Homme Dieu: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S
DREAM, Directed and Choreographed musical version
KATHY AND MO: PARRALLEL LIVES, Directed, fund raiser
for scholarships, University of Akron
LEND ME A TENOR, Acted (Diane), Directed by Jack Reuler
Summer, 1993: Theatre L'Homme Dieu: ArtisticDirector /Producer of 33 rd
Season of Theatre L'Homme Dieu (Hiring personnel consisting of
approximately 50 staff and artists every summer, cast all shows):
NOISES OFF
BABY
A MISDUMMERS NIGHT'S DREAM
FENCES
LEND ME A TENOR
GHOST STORIES
Spring, 1993: ARMS AND THE MAN, Directed, Weathervane Theatre,
Akron
THE NIGHTINGALE, Choreographed, The Magic Theatre, Barberton
KATHY AND MO: PARRALLEL LIVES, Directed, University of Akron
Summer, 1992: CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, Directed;
Academy of the Arts, Queensland University; Brisbane, Australia
Theatre L'Homme Dieu: BIG RIVER, Directed and Choreographed
Theatre L'Homme Dieu: Artistic Director/Producer of 32nd
Season of Theatre L'Homme Dieu (Hiring personnel consisting of approximately
50 staff and artists every summer; cast all shows):
BIG RIVER
RUMORS
MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!
NUNSENSE
OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY
NOISES OFF
Fall, l99l: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Directed; E.J. Thomas Performing
Arts Hall, Nov. 22-23
Summer, l99l: Theatre L'Homme Dieu: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS,
Directed and Choreographed
Theatre L'Homme Dieu: Artistic Director/Producer of 3lst
Season of Theatre L'Homme Dieu (Hiring personnel consisting of
approximately 50 staff and artists every summer; cast all shows):
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
THE CEMETERY CLUB
DEATH OF A SALESMAN (African American cast)
DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP?
HE TAVERN
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME
ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR
Spring, l99l: Traveled to Prague, Moscow and Leningrad with 30 other
theatre educators as part of the Ambassadors Abroad program organized by
ATHE. Researched theatre in Russia by attending theatres and visiting with
theatre educators and professionals.
Arranged guest artist visit to U.of A.for director from Prague,
Gave him housing for 5 weeks, allowing our students
To work in class with him as well as director of production.
Fall, l990: THE MEDEA MYTH, Director and Choreographer;
University of Akron; Entered as Participating production in Region III
American College Theatre Festival, juried locally and regionally.
Organized NOW "Take Back the Night" march/open. night, Nov. l4;
Organized "Women in the Arts" panel and celebration, Nov. 28,
featuring Ellen Stewart (LaMama Theatre) two day residency, with Josie Abady
from Cleveland Playhouse, Linda Thomas-Jones from Cleveland, andBarbara
Banta from Minneapolis.
Summer, l990: Theatre L'Homme Dieu: THE FIVE DANCING PRINCESSES,
reDirected with rewrites; original musical, good reviews
STEELE MAGNOLIAS, Actress (Truvy). Directed by David Young
From Washington, D.C.
Artistic Director/Producer of 30th Season of Theatre L'Homme
Dieu (Hiring personnel consisting of approximately 50 staff and artists every
summer, cast all shows):
GUYS AND DOLLS
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
DRIVING MISS DAISY
THE FIVE DANCING PRINCESSES
STEELE MAGNOLIAS
GREATER TUNA
THE BOYS NEXT DOOR
SISTERLY FEELINGS
Spring, l990: Organized and directed promotional video featuring the
University of Akron Department of Theatre Arts (available).
PETER AND THE WOLF, Directed and Choreographed, with Akron
Symphony Orchestra, Civic Theatre, March l0, l990.
Fall, l989: FIVE DANCING PRINCESSES by Randy Latimer and Susan
Speers;
Directed and Choreographed; University of Akron; Entered as
Participating production in Region III East American College Theatre Festival,
juried locally and regionally (script available upon request)
Summer, l989: Organized, wrote and directed promotional video
Featuring Theatre L'Homme Dieu as summer program of the University of
Akron Department of Theatre Arts (available).
Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
DON'T DRINK THE WATER, Directed
CLOWN'S PLAY, Director
THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF l940, Acted
Spring/Summer l989: Artistic Director/Producer of 29th season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu, established 3 year commitment
from Theatre L’Homme Dieu Board of Directors to hire
me as Artistic Director from University of Akron, established
summer stock experience for 20 students from UA every summer
(this outreach program lasted 5 years thru 1993, allowing
UA students exceptional experience of working with
professionals at a summer stock theatre on a lake in MN.;
in 1994 St. Cloud State Un. Claimed the theatre back, as it was
their theatre….our loss, but a GREAT 5 years for our students);
hired personnel consisting of approximately 50 staff and
artists every summer, cast all shows:
GODSPELL
SOCIAL SECURITY
BROADWAY BOUND
THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF l940
BORN YESTERDAY
I'M NOT RAPPAPORT
CLOWN'S PLAY
THE NERD
DON'T DRINK THE WATER
Spring, l989: TWELFTH NIGHT, Director, University of Akron,
juried locally and regionally
Fall, l988: SCAPINO', Director, University of Akron, juried locally and
regionally, good reviews at both levels
(Spring, 1988, hired at Head of of University of Akron School of Theatre
Arts, Akron, OH)
Summer, l988: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
HELLO, DOLLY', Actor
THE MIDDLE AGES, Director
SCAPINO!, Directed
Spring/Summer l988: Artistic Director/Producer of 28th season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu (last of 6 years as Art.Dir. based in
St. Cloud MN. where I started teaching 9 years ago
as an Instructor, worked my way up to Associate Prof.)
HELLO, DOLLY!
THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH
THE MIDDLE AGES
UNDERCOVER
BILOXI BLUES
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
PRIVATE LIVES
SCAPINO!
Spring, l988: Chaired ACTFestivention, Mankato State University;
Toured MISS JULIE to ACTFestivention, Mankato, Director,
and Sponsored student production of UNDERCOVER at
same Festivention, both juried regionally;
Co-directed with Paul Cahill from SCSU Mass
Communications Dept. a video film of MISS JULIE on location at farm house
in Minnesota
Winter, l987: MISS JULIE, Director, St. Cloud State University, original
concept using two Miss Julie's and two Jean's to
reflect psychological complexities of each character,
(video available upon request)
Fall, l987: SCAPINO', Director, St. Cloud State University
Summer, l987: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
OKLAHOMA!, Director, Choreographer (video available upon request)
CORPSE!, Director
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME, Actress
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, Actress
Spring/Summer, l987: Artistic Director/Producer of 27th season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
OKLAHOMA!
THE WRONG BOX
BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS
CORPSE!
COVER TO COVER
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
Winter, l986: Chaired ACTFestivention at University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis; Sponsored student original production
of COVER TO COVER which placed 6th in the nation;
juried regionally and nationally
Fall, l986: Opened own small business, ice cream franchise,
WHIRLA WHIP (& lost my shirt!)
Summer, l986: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Actress
CRIMES OF THE HEART, Director
THE FORIEGNER, Director
Spring/Summer, l986: Artistic Director/Producer of 26th season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
EDUCATING RITA
ROOM SERVICE
TALLY'S FOLLY
CRIMES OF THE HEART
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES
THE FORIEGNER
Winter, l985; AMADEUS, Director, St. Cloud State University, juried
locally and regionally
Fall, l985: THE ODD COUPLE, Actress, County Stearns Theatrical Co.
Summer, l985: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
MAN OF LA MANCHA, Director
TAKING STEPS, Director
Spring/Summer, l985: Artistic Director/Producer of 25th season of
Theatre L' Homme Dieu:
MAN OF LA MANCHA
MASS APPEAL
THE ODD COUPLA
THE RAINMAKER
TAKING STEPS
THE DINING ROOM
SEE HOW THEY RUN
Winter, l984: Chaired ACTFestivention at St. Cloud State University;
Directed showcase production of original rock musical
version of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Festivention
with student costume designer, Tod Nistler, winning
Region V North costume design award and exhibiting
his costumes at the Kennedy Center; juried locally
and verbally by national critics at Festivention
THE HOMECOMING, Director, St. Cloud State University
Fall, l984: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Director and Choreographer,
St. Cloud State University, original rock musical
version, juried locally and nationally (verbal critic)
Summer, l984: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Director and Choreographer,
Hole in the Day Players, Little Falls, MN.
STAR SPANGLED GIRL, Director, Theatre L'Homme Dieu
Spring, l984: MAN OF LA MANCHA, Director and Choreographer,
County Stearns Theatrical Company, St. Cloud, MN juried
Began three year term as Chair, Region V North,
American College Theatre Festival, covering Minneasota,
North and South Dakota
Winter, l983: OLIVER', Choreographer, College of St. Benedict,
St. Joseph,MN
Fall, l983: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE, Directeor, St. Cloud State University
Summer, l983: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, Director and Choreographer
HAY FEVER, Director
May 29, l983: Birth of son, Sean-Frederick Charles Speers, single
Parent of best son God ever made!
Spring/Summer l983: Artistic Director/Producer of 23rd season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM
THE MURDER ROOM
TRUE WEST
SLEUTH
THE SUNSHINE BOYS
AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
(another show??)
Winter, l982: SLEEPING AROUND, Director, St. Cloud State University,
world premiere of play in conjuntion with Minneapolis'
Cricket Theatre's outreach program to produce
new plays; juried locally and regionally
Fall, l982: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Director, St. Cloud State University,
juried locally and regionally
Summer, l982: Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
LU ANN HAMPTON LAVERTY OBERLANDER, Director
VANITIES, Director
Spring/Summer, l982: Artistic Director/Producer of 22nd season of
Theatre L'Homme Dieu:
LU ANN HAMPTON LAVERTY OBERLANDER
THE LITTLE FOXES
HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES
OF MICE AND MEN
VANITIES
ON GOLDEN POND
DEATHTRAP
Spring, l982: COMPANY, Choreographer and Actress, County Stearns
Theatrical Company, St. Cloud
Winter, l98l: HAY FEVER, Director
Fall, l98l: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Director and Choreographer, St. Cloud
State University and Community production; juried
locally and regionally
Summer, l98l: RELATIVELY SPEAKING, Director, Theatre L'Homme Dieu
THE MERRY WIDOW, Choreograph., Quite Light Opera Co., St. Cloud
COMPLETED DISSERTATION for Ph.D from University of
California, Santa Barbara; researth done in
New York City, worked with Acting Co with Kevin
Kline, Patti LaPone, Francis Conroy, Harriet Harris,
attended Julliard as fly on wall.: The Development and
Achievement of The Acting Company under the Artistic
Direction of John Houseman
Winter, l980: CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, Director,
St. Cloud State University, juried locally
Fall, l980: THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, Director and Choreographer,
St. Cloud State University, juried locally and regionally, excellent
reviews
Summer, l980: Transcribed 50 taped interviews from research on
dissertation on John Houseman's Acting Company
SNOOPY, Choreographer, Troupe Theatre, St. Cloud
Spring, l980:THE THREE SISTERS, Director, St. Cloud State U.
Winter, l979: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Director, St. Cloud State
Hired as an Instructor at St. Cloud State University for
$15,000, first full time teaching position (having spent
1978-1979 school year teaching part time at University
of Houston and continuing work on dissertation. Out of
9 faculty in theatre at St. Cloud, only one with Ph.D., but
I was told no tenure or promotion until finished Ph.D.;
taught 9 years, promoted up to Assoc. Prof., then
hired at University of Akron.)
REPRESENTATIVE PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
(Representitive, not current or complete):
Director: SONGS OF IRELAND 1999 and 1998, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall,
paid.
Director: A PIECE OF MY HEART, staged reading, Weathervane Theatre, paid.
Director, Producer: THE KATHY & MO SHOW, Cabaret Dada & University of
A kron, paid.
Teacher: "Acting for Lawyers", 6 week seminar, Congress Lake CC, paid.
Actor: LOVE & DANGER, (Salome), Directed by Abraham Celaya, Cleveland
Public Th, pd
Actor: UNSOLVED MYSTERIES, National TV series, episode filmed in Akron, SAG,
paid.
Actor: A CANDLE LIT, (Ms. Jackson), Directed by Jan Bruml, Cleveland
Public Th., pd.
Actor: OTHELLO, (Emelia), Directed by Sherry Teitelbaum, Stan Hywet H&G, paid. Director:
TWELFTH NIGHT (2001), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (2000),
AS YOU LIKE IT (1999), THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (1998), THE COMEDY OF
ERRORS (1997), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (1995), TAMING OF THE SHREW
(1994), Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, paid.
Actor: COWBOY MOUTH, (Cavale), Directed by Sean McConaha, Cleveland
Public Th, pd
Actor: Infomercial for Krankert King Products, Hopkens Advantage
Marketing, anchor moderator in thirty minute television
infomercial, paid.
Director: CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, Queensland Conservatory, Brisbane,
Australia, Aug.,l992, paid
Director: DISMAY OF OUR LIVES, Festival of New Plays, Cleveland Public Th.,
Jan., l99l, paid.
Pre- and post- performance discussions on Chekhov's THE SEAGULL,
Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Playhouse Square Center, Cleveland
Oct., l989
ACTF Evening of Scenes from Associate Productions: SCAPINO', Region III East
American College Theatre Festival, Indiana University at South Bend,
Jan. 4, l989
ACTF Region V North Festival: MISS JULIE, Mankato, MN., Jan., l988
post performance symposium leader: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY, Sept., l986;
NIGHT MOTHER, Guthrie Theatre, September, l984.
ACTF Region V North Festival: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM as an
original rock musical, St. Cloud, MN., Jan. l985.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS (Representitive, incomplete):
Speaker: "The State of Theatre Arts Today", Weathervane Women's Board, 1999
Speaker: "Arts Advocacy", Arts Magnet Students, Firestone High School, 1998
Speaker: "Creativity in Classroom Teaching", In-service day for faculty,
St. Vincent's HS, 1998
Host: CIVIC FORUM, WAKC-TV, Channel 23 and WAKR radio, Spring l989 to
1994: Researched/presented several arts programs including interviews of Gerald Freedman,
Artistic Director, Great Lakes Theatre Festival; Josie Abady, Artistic Director, Cleveland
Playhouse and Ellen Stewart, Artistic Director, LaMama Theatre,NYC.; Peggy Elliot, President
of University of Akron, and ?, President of Kent State.
Founding Member and Workshop Leader for Explorer Scouts Theatre Arts
Post #2970; University of Akron Department of Theatre Arts, Fall, l990.
Theatre Consultant at Program on Beating Drugs, Akron Summit Community, Action Agency, Arts
Explorer Post, Wilbeth-Arlington Community Room, May 7, l989 (also organized student theatre
presentation).
Special seminar for area High School and university English teachers
on "Shakespeare for the Modern Audience", Kolbe Theatre,
April 6, l989.
Interviewed on Local Televesion and the Head of UA Dept. of Theatre Arts
l987-88; CIVIC FORUM, WAKC-TV, Channel 23 and WAKR radio, Feb., l989.
Arranged special performance of SCAPINO' for King Elementary, Dec. 9, l988
as outreach to the community and to test need for children's theatre.
Appeared as Narrator in KISMET, U.A. School of Music, Guzzetta Hall,
Oct. 2l,22, l988.
Pre- and post show symposium leader: ANNA CHRISTI film; Eugene O'Neill
Centennial Events, University of Akron, Oct. l988.
Various public presentations representing University of Akron and
Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Alexandria, Minneasota, including: radio and television interviews,
Chamber of Commerce After Hours, celebrations of Theatre L'Homme Dieu Days, Kiwannas
luncheon
programs, Theatre League luncheons, Theatre League scholarship fundraisers,
and Gala Opening Night presentations/celebrations.Past public presentations were similar at St.
Cloud State University.
MEMBERSHIPS IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES (Representitive,
incomplete):
ATHE (departmental membership
Ohio Theatre Alliance membership and area Representive, 1995, 1996
American College Theatre Festival, past Chair of Region V North, currently regional adjudicator
for Region III
Phi Kappa Phi (national honor society) member
Past member of now defunct American Theatre Association
Past member of Mid-Atlantic Theatre Association
Attended American College Theatre Festivals, Region III, Indiana
University at South Bend, Jan. 4-7, l989 and Purdue, Fort
Wayne, Indiana, Jan. l990 and Jan. l99l.
Attended Ohio Theatre Alliance regional meetings, Cleveland,
Ohio, Oct. l988; Columbus, Ohio, l989 and Cincinnati, OH,l990.
Regional judge for Ohio Thespian Society and OTA:
Judged/responded to five plays; Ohio Theatre Alliance,
Hiram College, Jan. 27, l990.
Judged/responded to six plays; Ohio Thespian Annual
Conference, Ashland College, April l4, l989.
Judged/responded to five plays; Region V High School Play
Festival, Ohio Theatre Alliance, Ohio State University
at Mansfield, Jan. 2l, l989.
Judged on Ohio Thespian Scholarship Committee, Spring, l989.
Regional judge for ACTF:
Judged Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions, ACTF Region V
North regional festival, University of South Dakota,
Vermillion, South Dakota, Jan. l4-l7, l989.
Served as critic for original play, HAIR OF THE DOG,
ACTF Region III East, University of Eastern Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI, March, l989.
Served as critic for six years in Region V North for ACTF
(copies of critiques, dates, schools available upon
request)
Attended Career Track seminar, "How to Build & Manage Your Team,"
Holiday Inn, Akron, Sept. l3, l990.
Attended ACE Conference for Heads, Orlando, Florida, Feb.l3-l7, l989
Attended Career Track seminar, "For Women Only: Stress
Management Strategies," Quacker Square Hotel, April l4, l989
Attended annual meetings for ATA in San Francisco (l984),
Toronto (l985), and New York City (l986).
Attended annual meetings for ACTF in Washington, D,C, in l984,
l985, l986, and l987.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE (Representative, incomplete):
Various School committees, when allowed to serve
Status of Women Committee, 1999
Merit Pay Committee, 1998
(have not kept records between 1991 to present, but can look up, upon request)
General Studies Committee, l990-9l
SPARC Committee, l989-90
Head of Heads, University ofAkron, l989-90
University Council member l989-1992
E.J. Thomas Task Force Committee, l989-90
Faculty Advisor: Theatre Guild, U. of Al, l988-l990
Serve on Production Document Committees and Thesis Committees for M.A. candidates
School Committees:
Recruitment, Chair
Play Selection, Chair
Searches
Promotion
Summer Programming
Curriculum
Arranged special "Alumni Night" for area alumni following performance of
SCAPINO', Dec. l0, l988
Served as representative of Dept. of Theatre Arts, University of Akron,
"Prospective Student Reception," Beachwood, OH, Jan. l989. and l990.
Faculty Advisor, "Cloud Players", SCSU, l980-86.
Faculty Advisor, "Altered State Players", SCSU, l983-l987.
Curriculum Committee, SCSU, l983-84.
HONORS AND AWARDS (Representitive, not current or complete):
Nominated for Area Arts Award Leadership in the Theatre sector of Akron,
Spring, 2002.
Kennedy Center Outstanding Achievement Award, Performance of
Excellence as American College Theatre Festival Regional Chair, Region V North, January,
l989.
Invited to present SCAPINO' in "Scenes from Associate Productions",
Region III East American College Theatre Festival, Indiana University at
South Bend, Jan. 4, l989 (one of six out of forty six entries to be invited to present).
Invited to present MISS JULIE, Region V North ACTF, Mankato, MN., Jan. l988.
Invited to become Host on local television show, CIVIC FORUM by Jewish
Community Center
Board for WAKC-TV, Channel 23 and WAKR radio, Fall, l989.to
present.
Invited to present pre- and post-performance audience symposiums for
production of Chekhov's THE SEAGULL by Great Lakes TheatreFestival, Playhouse Square,
Cleveland, Oct,89.
"Who's Who in Minnesota Women", l985-86 edition.
Invited to present post-performance audience symposiums at Guthrie Theatre
for production of Pinter's THE BIRTHDAY PARTY, Sept. l986 and
M. Norman's 'NIGHT MOTHER, Sept.,84.
Nominated for ACTF Past Regional Chair by Kennedy Center National
Committee, May, l989.
Student scholarships sought and funded by W. Mirapaul Foundation, Akron, for
Theatre L'Homme Dieu students, summers of l989 - 1993.
Grant proposed/granted by Lake Region Arts Council: $l750 to produce LITTLE
SHOP OF HORRORS at Theatre L'Homme Dieu, l99l.
Grant proposed/granted by Lake Region Arts Council: $l950 to produce
original musical, THE FIVE DANCING PRINCESSES, at Theatre L'Homme Dieu, l990.
Grant proposed/granted by West Central Arts Alliance: $l,800 to produce major
musical, HELLO, DOLLY! and one original script, UNDERCOVER, at Theatre L'Homme Dieu,
l988.
Grant proposed/granted by West Central Arts Alliance: $2,000 to produce two
original scripts at
Theatre L'Homme Dieu: THE WRONG BOX, and COVER
TO COVER, l987.
Humanities Scholar/Symposium Leader, Guthrie Theatre, l983-84.
American College Theatre Festival Executive Committee, l98l-l988.
Phi Kappa Phi, National Scholastic Honor Society, l97l-present.
University Fellowship, University of California at Santa Barbara, l977-78.
Regent's Fellowship, University of California at Santa Barbara, l976-78.
American College Theatre Festival , Kennedy Center, Excellence in Choreography Award, MEDIA, A
NOH CYCLE, l975-56.
University of Houston Graduate Fellowship, l972-73.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Developed liason between Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and The University of
Akron to associate school with summer production, until prohibited by school director, Lucinda
Lavelli, 1997. Lost position of Director of the
Stan Hywett Hall & Garden’s Summer Shakespeare productions in
spring of 2002, after starting in summer 1994 (after L’Homme Dieu went back to St. Cloud) and
turning this lousing fund raising production series around for Stan Hywett, Over an 8 year period
of excellent productions, this series grew consistently, leading to full houses and over $10,000
profit in fund raising for Stan Hywett. In the spring of 2002 Hank Lynch called me in to discuss
with me and his personnel the possibility of turning summer Shakespeare into a festival of more
than one show in the future, as “you have done such a good job that it has grown too big….. we
must do something or it will grow stagnet.” During this discussion I, as a professional courtesy,
informed that that I was having to sue the U.A. due to false accusations and retaliation and that
they might read about it in the news paper soon, so I didn’t want to blindside them….Hank Lynch
thanked me four times for telling them, as President Proenza’s wife was on their Board. The
following week he phoned me to inform me that they were going to hire faculty from Kent State to
direct for summer of 2002. U.A. lost all way around, for if their faculty don’t succeed, they don’t
succeed.
Turned four programs around in my career, when all were considered
in trouble or were in receivership: Theatre L’Homme Dieu , in receivership, raised $100,000 and
improved facilities, ran it 11 years, longer than any Artistic Director during the theatre’s 42 year
history; the American College Theatre Festival, which universities refused to
participate in until I became Regional Chair for four years and
brought innovative ideas which brought universities in a three state region together (given a special
citation by ACTF from Washington, D.C. national office); University of Akron School of Theatre
Arts, which I led
for 6 years and brought recruitment, retention, and enrollement
in classes to a 10 year high, supported by a trouble faculty until
Dean Linda Moore stepped in and stopped my career as a leader
within UA; and, finally, Stan Hywett H&G summer Shakespeare
Program, building it in 8 years to a point where they plan to create a
Shakespeare Festival (see above).
Developed liason between professional Shakespeare & Co., University of
Akron School of Theatre Arts, and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for national educational
experience for students during summer program of Shakespeare, 1996
Developed liason between semi-professional summer stock theatre, Theatre
L'Homme Dieu, and University of Akron l988 through 1993.
Established the "Artistic Directors' Hot Line," a group of 12 area leaders
of theatre organizations in Akron/Canton/Barbarton area who met monthly for 3 years,
strengthening bonds and identity of theatres in the area and establishing U.A. theatre school as one
of leaders
Served as Chair of Region V North ACTF for four years, required considerable
work and organization to turn a poorly regarded organization around - samples of required work
available upon request.
I have attended many productions at area professional,community, and
university theatres to acquire knowledge of local and regional
production resources and personnel. When
appropriate and feasible I meet with theatre
personnel to gain information and a higher profile for the University of Akron School of Theatre
Arts. I also attend numerous productions in Cleveland, New York City, Chicago, and
Minneapolis , researching current theatre trends. These activities have been ongoing to present
time.
While living in Ohio and Minnesota, I made many trips annually to Cleveland,
Minneapolis, New
York City, and occastionally to Chicago, London, and Houston,
researching trends. My contacts with national, regional and local theatre personnel are far
reaching.
Addendum January, 2012: ti serve as a personal diary.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TAMMY FAY by Fernando Dovelia and JT Buck, directed and
choreographed in August, 2011, presented in Sandefur Theatre in September, 2011.with a mixture of 1
Equity actor (Stephen Brockaway as Jim Bakker), community theatre and student actors. Speers added an
original slide/video show in a TV in the sky. Standing ovations and full houses. Play was entered into the
touring level of Region II American College Theatre Festival, (5 state region) January 2012. It was chosen
to be featured in the Fringe Theatre at the ACTF festival in Indiana University in PA for a edited one hour
version. Jim Slowiak had entered his production of THE GREAT GOD BROWN by Eugene O’Neill and
was chosen to present a 10 minute scene on another day of the Fringe Theatre.
Five of our students had partners and participated in the Irene Ryan Scholarship Akuditions. Three
of them, Bobbie from Great God Brown and Carol Eutsey and Jennifer (Jenny) Browning made it to the
second round. Carol and Jenny, both from GOSPEL, made it to final round (Carol was a 1 st alternate, so
didn’t get to audition third time). Jenny and her partner, Alex Gerrard, made it into the final round of
auditions and Jenny was given 1st alternant position to go to Washington, D.C. in April at the Kennedy
Center. This is the most successful UA has been since entering ACTF usally as non-touring entry).
After the festival, I drove student Miranda Roth to NYC to see my favorite student actor, YAN
Kiricachenko (Russian) in his first NYC production, MACBETH., directed by Stephan White. He had 3
small roles but was truly the best thing on the stage, especially as drunken door man. Miranda and Yan had
worked together as Julie and Jean in MISS JULIE. Stayed at his new bachelor’s pad. He majored in
business and already had a job a Toys Are Us corporate center in New Jersey. Great kid and wouldn’t be
surprised if he made it as a character actor. He just moved to NYC in the summer, 2011, and I told him to
sign up for acting classes after researching them and then audition, audition, audition.