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Three guest artists featured in SFA's 'The Tempest'
Leading the cast as Prospero, the usurped Duke of Milan, is John Phillips, professional actor and SFA theatre alumnus. Since graduating from SFA in 1999, Phillips has worked for four seasons with the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wis. "I was fortunate to be offered an internship with them," Phillips explained. "And they have invited me back three years in a row." Phillips recognizes the value of the classical training he has received with the company. "They do some of the best classical work in the nation." His roles with American Players include Cassio in "Othello, " Albert in "The Play's the Thing" and Oliver in "As You Like It." Phillips has also worked for three years in New York. And while he is beginning to do some film work, he said his heart will always belong to the theater, particularly performing Shakespeare. "Where else do you get the opportunity to say lines with such beautiful, beautiful words?" he asked. Playing the role of Gonzalo, Prospero's friend and wise councillor, is Kyle Kennedy, newly hired assistant professor of theatre at SFA. Kennedy received his Master of Fine Arts in theatre from the University of Texas and then moved to New York where he worked steadily as an actor for several years. New York credits include "Romeo and Juliet," "The Foreigner," "Catfish, Guns and Corndogs," "Peter and the Wolf, " "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" and "Murder at Mincing Manor." He also studied Shakespeare with Sir Peter Hall and with Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Mass. Kennedy has previously taught at Galveston College and Manatee Community College in Florida. He continued to work as an actor, performing in notable theaters such as Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado, Jobsite Theater in Tampa Bay and the Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota, Fla. Television and film credits include "Ballad of the Sad Caf," "City Hall," Die Hard III" and "Central Park West." Kennedy said he welcomes the opportunity to share the stage with his students. "If I'm going to espouse theories or discuss techniques, I need to be able to demonstrate them as well. I hope I never cease becoming a student of acting." Alan Nielsen, SFA professor of theatre, is portraying Alonso, the King of Naples. This is the third time he has appeared in a Shakespearean play directed by Clarence W. Bahs, director of the SFA School of Theatre. "The students know Alan as a director, but once he gets on the stage, he's an actor, ready to receive input and direction," said Bahs. The veteran actors enhance the production in two main ways, according to Bahs. "First, they take the show to the next level in terms of quality. And, second, their presence gives the students an opportunity to work side by side with professionals, to become co-laborers in a joint venture." "The Tempest" is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, University Series and School of Theatre. Show time is 7:30 p.m. in W.M. Turner Auditorium. Prior to the opening night performance on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the college will host a 6:45 p.m. reception honoring the event's sponsor, Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. At 7 p.m., attendants will hear an informative talk on "The Tempest." Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.
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