The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival has been an Akron staple for nearly 50 years, and Heinz Poll himself was instrumental in making Akron a destination for dance. (Photo courtesy: Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival) Editor’s note: Tessa Gaffney is a graduate assistant in the Arts Admin program at the University of Akron. This is the first in a series of interviews with … [Read more...]
Millennial Theatre’s ‘Spring Awakening’ explores adolescent themes like shame, rebellion
Editor’s note: Tessa Gaffney appears in the Millennial Theatre Project’s production of ‘Spring Awakening,” which takes place Jan. 9 through 11 at Akron Civic Theatre. “The question is: shame. What is its origin? And why are we hounded by its miserable shadow?”Melchior asks in “Spring Awakening.” This is a central theme in this story written over 100 years ago, infused … [Read more...]
Theatre production brings abortion discussion out of silence
Editor's note: Tessa Gaffney is pursuing her Masters in Arts Administration at the University of Akron and is a member of the ensemble for “ Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign.” The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Akron School of … [Read more...]
‘columbinus’ opens April 19, ponders larger questions around school shootings
On April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School massacre took place. Most of us know the story by heart, so I will not recount it here. The shooting sparked debate over gun control laws, high school cliques and bullying—resulting in an increased emphasis on school security and zero-tolerance policies, and moral panic over goth culture, social outcasts (despite the fact the … [Read more...]
Urban Troubadour creates ‘roving musical adventures’ around Akron
When you think about attending a performance, where do you picture yourself? Whether it’s in a giant stadium or an intimate concert venue, the arrangement is generally the same—entertainers onstage, visibly separated from attendees, seated or standing in the designated audience section. This setup acts as a disclaimer: spectacle happens here. But what happens when we take … [Read more...]
Theatre classic Rocky Horror’s ‘time warp’ still holds lessons for today
Millennial Theatre Project brings 'Rocky Horror' to Civic Theatre stage -- Tessa Gaffney plays usherette in “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Aug. 16 through 18 at 8 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. The production is part of the Millennial Theatre Project, in partnership with LGBT Akron Arts Festival. My first real experience with “Rocky Horror” (other than reading “Perks of … [Read more...]
