Giving Voice Productions

Hook-ups and Hang-ups: College Students Speak Out. Conceived and created by: Liz Stanton, Bethany Urban, Christa Ray and the Student Ensemble at Denison University during Giving Voice Productions’ five week residency at the university. Directed by: Liz Stanton and Bethany Jean Urban. Performed by: Aleksandra Panovska, Ammon Hollister, Carly Baird, Christa Nannos, Jessica Blaise, Kaitlyn Grissom, Kristine Aman, Sydney Camel, Sam Kaiser Photo Credit: Coralline Breuer Hook-ups and Hang-ups – At Denison University the student ensemble generated the raw material for Hook-Ups and Hang-Ups: College Students Speak Out. This play focused primarily on the college experience by examining the social culture of Denison. Student interviews, research and personal writing revealed the relevant themes of self-esteem, identity, race relations, partying, hook-ups, and sexuality, which were then dramatized with respect and humor. This project would not have been possible without generous funding and support from: Denison University Women’s Studies department Laura C. Harris Fund English Department Beck Fund Theatre Department Vail Arts Series Residential Life Women’s Resource Center Alcohol, Drug and Health Education Comments from our student cast at Denison University: • • • I never knew I could be so creative. When we were limited to making moments simply with architecture, lights, sounds, or costumes/props, it really forced me to think outside the box and find ways to make theatre without any dialog.” I feel like I’m more comfortable talking about issues and topics that make people squirm. And I’m really glad for that, because those are exactly the kinds of things that need to be discussed. My experience was one of the most rewarding and liberating decisions of my time in college” ~Aleks Panovska • • • I really enjoy the vocal work. I’ve always considered myself a quiet person, but I’m realizing that I am capable of filling a room with my voice, and I’m excited to do more with that.” ~Kristine Aman • • • This process has allowed me to see many issues that I had not thought about. I have loved being able to address these issues in a creative and theatrical manner. I also want to take the emotional strength/stability that I gained here and carry it with me throughout my life.” ~Ammon Hollister • • • Every one of the workshops was exhilarating and eye-opening. It helps me to realize my creative capabilities, and expands my idea of what is theatrically possible. I have ended up creating things I would have never attempted to do otherwise.” ~Kristine Aman • • • This was an amazing experience and I would never trade it for anything.” ~Carly...

From The Realm of the Shadow: A Contemporary Dance Theatre Staging of an Epic Opera. Opera score created by Chris Mohr, Directed and Choreographed by Jeremy Williams, produced by Chris Mohr, Giving Voice Productions and Convergences Theatre Collective. Leading roles, Christa Ray, Claude Aubourg, Victor Carinha. For a complete list of the NYC cast and production team please visit: www.FromtheRealmoftheShadow.com Factions are at war. A woman is raped. A child is born whose radiance inspires healing and reconciliation. A hero’s journey, a woman’s awakening, celebration, a tragic loss. Will the factions come to peace? Composer Chris Mohr was 19 years old when he barely rescued a young woman from a gang-rape and confronted our “Shadow,” that which we reject in ourselves. The epic musical journey takes the audience on a journey through violence, trauma, healing, forgiveness, and finally that healing peace which even the most reprehensible acts cannot destroy. Chris Mohr joined creative forces with theatre artists Christa Ray (of Giving Voice Productions) and Jeremy Williams (of Convergences Theatre Collective) to create the first-ever staging of this epic music drama through dance/physical acting. Premiered in NYC May 2-3, 2013 at the Riverside Church Theater Audience Engagement events with performance excerpts and discussion with artists in Denver, CO at the Mercury Café: June 2, 2013 Boulder, CO at Naropa University, June 3, 2013 The battles between the light and dark forces inherent in the spirit world are approached in an appealing, unique and unusual way. Because of the rhythmic force… the work lends itself to a powerful dance, music and multi-media production” ~David Taylor, David Taylor Dance Theater Your production was just wonderful; I wanted to step outside and cry and then return to the beautiful overwhelming music.” The “opera” was beautiful in all ways… it is a dance performance that tells a powerful story. I would love to see a big budget production with your vocalists and choir and all the instruments. This is a beautiful work of art.”...