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Home › News & Events › News › Arizona Spotlight: Chris Dashiell recommends standout shorts from “What’s Up, Docs?”

Arizona Spotlight: Chris Dashiell recommends standout shorts from “What’s Up, Docs?”

February 8, 2021
Still from Asian and American, directed by Andy Zhao.

“Short films don’t generally get the attention they deserve. It’s not that easy to make a short film, especially in the non-fiction category. To include enough information in such a brief format – and in a satisfying way – takes a lot of skill.” In a recent episode of AZPM’s Arizona Spotlight, film essayist Chris Dashiell chose a few examples from this year’s What’s Up, Docs, the annual program of short documentaries created by BA and BFA students at the School of Theatre, Film & Television. He focused on the personal essay documentary, in which filmmakers employ intimate stories and themes:

In Pieces of Dad, Desiree Bourret “focuses on feelings … and touches on themes that are universal. She evokes the deep sense of loss that we’ve all felt in our lives at one time or another.”

In Asian and American, Andy Zhao examines the thoughts and self-images of three young Americans of Asian descent – Japanese, Filipino and Vietnamese. “In only 9 minutes, Zhao gives us a good idea of how this double identity of Asian and American feels, and how people can come to accept and integrate both aspects in themselves. The film succeeds because of the clarity and simplicity of the style – it’s a lesson in cinematic economy.”

Challenging and quirky, Why? A Social Experiment starts from the premise of trying to get beyond a biased left- or right-wing framework. “Engaging the audience with a direct-to-the-camera address, Sarah Cowherd takes several detours around the notion of objectivity, blowing up assumptions about political opinions and the way we cover them in the media. The answer to Why? A Social Experiment is amusing and unexpected.”

Listen to Chris Dashiell’s full review at AZPM

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We're wishing the cast and crew of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR a fantastic closing weekend!

There are just four performances left of this iconic rock opera. Pre-sale tickets are now sold out, but a limited amount of free student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance in the Tornabene lobby.

Photo by Julius Schlosburg. Scenic Design by Joe C. Klug. Costume Design by Cass Frazer. Lighting Design by Ken Phillips. Sound Design by Matt Marcus. Technical Direction by Daniel Staggs. Stage Managed by Paige Suthard. Fight Direction by Brent Gibbs. Dramaturgy by Katie Browne. Music Direction by Jamie Reed. Direction, Choreography and Intimacy Choreography by Christie Kerr.
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2 days ago
Were wishing the cast and crew of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR a fantastic closing weekend! 

There are just four performances left of this iconic rock opera. Pre-sale tickets are now sold out, but a limited amount of free student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance in the Tornabene lobby.

Photo by Julius Schlosburg. Scenic Design by Joe C. Klug. Costume Design by Cass Frazer. Lighting Design by Ken Phillips. Sound Design by Matt Marcus. Technical Direction by Daniel Staggs. Stage Managed by Paige Suthard. Fight Direction by Brent Gibbs. Dramaturgy by Katie Browne. Music Direction by Jamie Reed. Direction, Choreography and Intimacy Choreography by Christie Kerr.
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Great show!!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is in full swing on the Tornabene stage! The production, directed and choreographed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, with musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed, opened on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 3.

Helping bring Kerr's vision to life is a creative team and crew made up of students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. We spoke with costume designer Cass Frazier to hear her insights on the production. Cass is in her final semester as an MFA Costume Design student. Along with 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' her recent ART credits include costume designing both 'Living Dead in Denmark' and 'Polaroid Stories' and assistant designing 'Three Sisters' and 'Head Over Heels.'

"So many things inspired me. It ranges from the power that concert culture has over fashion to 'that beaded curtain I saw in a shop window that one time.' Every single character has their own collection of inspirations." says Frazier. "And actually, I think that’s why this was such a fun production to design. There are A LOT of pop culture references in the costumes for this show – most of which I combined with more historical elements in order to keep it within the world. I challenge people to try and spot them!"

Read more about Cass's favorite costumes, what she enjoyed about the design process for the show, what she hopes stands out to audiences and more at the link in our bio.

Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets. FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is in full swing on the Tornabene stage! The production, directed and choreographed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, with musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed, opened on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 3.

Helping bring Kerrs vision to life is a creative team and crew made up of students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. We spoke with costume designer Cass Frazier to hear her insights on the production. Cass is in her final semester as an MFA Costume Design student. Along with Jesus Christ Superstar, her recent ART credits include costume designing both Living Dead in Denmark and Polaroid Stories and assistant designing Three Sisters and Head Over Heels. 

So many things inspired me. It ranges from the power that concert culture has over fashion to that beaded curtain I saw in a shop window that one time. Every single character has their own collection of inspirations. says Frazier. And actually, I think that’s why this was such a fun production to design. There are A LOT of pop culture references in the costumes for this show – most of which I combined with more historical elements in order to keep it within the world. I challenge people to try and spot them!

Read more about Casss favorite costumes, what she enjoyed about the design process for the show, what she hopes stands out to audiences and more at the link in our bio.

Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets. FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.Image attachmentImage attachment
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This weekend The Loft Cinema will present an encore screening of the independent feature-length documentary Earthbound, USA which was written and directed by Jazzy Benson and produced by UA School of Theatre, Film & Television alumni Sara Luu (BFA Film & Television, '18), Aaron Cargile (BFA Film & Television, '19) and Brittney Olsen (BA Film & Television, '18).

The film, ten years in the making, was produced locally in Tucson, Arizona. It follows the journey of American teenagers who connect on the early internet to crusade for their favorite video game, pitting their fan site against a corporate goliath and their own looming adulthoods.

“My involvement with Earthbound, USA started after meeting Jazzy Benson at the Loft Cinema's First Friday Shorts,” says Sara Luu. “I was immediately inspired by her sensibilities for independent filmmaking, so when she asked that I do production design for Earthbound, USA, which was already six years in the making at that point, I enthusiastically got involved. Our two-person team grew to include filmmakers Aaron Cargile and Brittney Olsen, both of whom I frequently collaborate with. Aaron is a top-notch documentarian and Brittney is the best producer one could ask for. These were connections made during our time at the School of Theatre, Film & Television that made this movie possible.”

The screening, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2pm, will feature a post-film in-person Q&A with director Benson and the producers Luu, Cargile, and Olsen.
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2 weeks ago
This weekend The Loft Cinema will present an encore screening of the independent feature-length documentary Earthbound, USA which was written and directed by Jazzy Benson and produced by UA School of Theatre, Film & Television alumni Sara Luu (BFA Film & Television, 18), Aaron Cargile (BFA Film & Television, 19) and Brittney Olsen (BA Film & Television, 18).  

The film, ten years in the making, was produced locally in Tucson, Arizona. It follows the journey of American teenagers who connect on the early internet to crusade for their favorite video game, pitting their fan site against a corporate goliath and their own looming adulthoods. 

“My involvement with Earthbound, USA started after meeting Jazzy Benson at the Loft Cinemas First Friday Shorts,” says Sara Luu. “I was immediately inspired by her sensibilities for independent filmmaking, so when she asked that I do production design for Earthbound, USA, which was already six years in the making at that point, I enthusiastically got involved. Our two-person team grew to include filmmakers Aaron Cargile and Brittney Olsen, both of whom I frequently collaborate with. Aaron is a top-notch documentarian and Brittney is the best producer one could ask for. These were connections made during our time at the School of Theatre, Film & Television that made this movie possible.”

The screening, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2pm, will feature a post-film in-person Q&A with director Benson and the producers Luu, Cargile, and Olsen.
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Left to right: Producer Brittney Olson, Producer Sara Luu, Writer/Director Jazzy Benson, Producer Aaron Cargile / Photo by Katie Burkholder

Right on, y’all! You’re making us very proud. I’m so disappointed I can be there for this but have an amazing show!

This week ✨ Join us for the opening night of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR!

The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the stage, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' has dazzled audiences around the planet for over 50 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. TFTV’s production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is directed and choreographed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, with musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed.

Musical Theatre senior Clayton Lukens plays the title role. "This has easily been the hardest role of my time here at @uarizona," says Lukens. "It has pushed me physically, mentally, and vocally farther than any show I’ve ever done. I’m truly thankful for Christie Kerr and Jamie Reed trusting me with this daunting yet incredibly rewarding challenge."

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will have performances through Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre. Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets.

FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg. Scenic Design by Joe C. Klug. Costume Design by Cass Frazer. Lighting Design by Ken Phillips. Sound Design by Matt Marcus. Technical Direction by Daniel Staggs. Stage Managed by Paige Suthard. Fight Direction by Brent Gibbs. Dramaturgy by Katie Browne. Music Direction by Jamie Reed. Direction, Choreography and Intimacy Choreography by Christie Kerr.
... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
This week ✨ Join us for the opening night of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR!

The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has dazzled audiences around the planet for over 50 years. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. TFTV’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar is directed and choreographed by TFTV Assoc. Professor Christie Kerr, with musical direction by Asst. Professor Jamie Reed. 

Musical Theatre senior Clayton Lukens plays the title role. This has easily been the hardest role of my time here at @uarizona, says Lukens. It has pushed me physically, mentally, and vocally farther than any show I’ve ever done. I’m truly thankful for Christie Kerr and Jamie Reed trusting me with this daunting yet incredibly rewarding challenge.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will have performances through Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre. Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets.

FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg. Scenic Design by Joe C. Klug. Costume Design by Cass Frazer. Lighting Design by Ken Phillips. Sound Design by Matt Marcus. Technical Direction by Daniel Staggs. Stage Managed by Paige Suthard. Fight Direction by Brent Gibbs. Dramaturgy by Katie Browne. Music Direction by Jamie Reed. Direction, Choreography and Intimacy Choreography by Christie Kerr.Image attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment
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Can’t wait!!

Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉

Fabulous in the Preview performance. Standing-O at the end!

Can’t wait!!

Pix looks great! Congratulations❤️

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For the first time in recent memory, the faculty of our BA in Theatre spoke with hundreds of educators and prospective students at the Arizona Thespian Festival, introducing new career preparation pathways for students interested in studying live and devised theatre and live and screen scripted work at the University of Arizona.

Workshops were presented by Rick Wamer (short-form improv), Elaine Romero (playwriting), Nikki Martinez (advanced acting techniques), Greg Pierotti (theatrical devising), Matt Denney (intimacy direction), and Roweena Mackay (dramaturgy).
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3 weeks ago
For the first time in recent memory, the faculty of our BA in Theatre spoke with hundreds of educators and prospective students at the Arizona Thespian Festival, introducing new career preparation pathways for students interested in studying live and devised theatre and live and screen scripted work at the University of Arizona. 

Workshops were presented by Rick Wamer (short-form improv), Elaine Romero (playwriting), Nikki Martinez (advanced acting techniques), Greg Pierotti (theatrical devising), Matt Denney (intimacy direction), and Roweena Mackay (dramaturgy).
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I'm glad there is an intimacy director. :)

Very nice

What's the buzz?

We hear that the first previews for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR are happening this weekend!

Get your tickets for this timeless rock opera with the iconic score that contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will run from Nov. 12 - Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre. Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets, more information on the production.

FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

Rehearsal photos by Tim Fuller.
... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
Whats the buzz? 

We hear that the first previews for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR are happening this weekend!

Get your tickets for this timeless rock opera with the iconic score that contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will run from Nov. 12 - Dec. 3 in the Tornabene Theatre. Visit theatre.arizona.edu for tickets, more information on the production.

FREE TICKETS to the production are available for all college and high school students. For details, visit azart.fyi/freetftvtix. The free student ticket program is provided by the College of Fine Arts via support from the Office of the Provost.

Rehearsal photos by Tim Fuller.Image attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment
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Looking good

Can’t wait!

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