May 1 - Choir Concert: Songs of Spring 7:30 Maddox theatre
https://www.rockford.edu/academics/ departments/performingarts/
May 1 - Last day of classes!
May 2 - PFMA trip- South Pacific at Paramount
May 3 - Directing scenes
May 4 - Dance Showcase 7:00-8:00 in Dance Studio
May 7th-24 - Artists’ Ensemble Theatre- The Murder at the Vicarage th
May 9 - Commencement
Celebrate spring with Regent Singers, the Vocal Collective, and soloists from Rockford University Performing Arts! Our spring concert salutes the wonder of spring with songs about young love, the magnificent earth, the joy of singing, and more. From madrigals to jazz arrangements, this 90minute concert will lift your spirits and leave you smiling. Come listen to the blossoming voices of Rockford Universities choral student’s on May 1 at 7:30 pm on the Maddox stage. Rockford University students get in free and tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for non-RU student/seniors.
Onstage with Artist Ensemble Theatre, the Equity Theatre in Residence at RU! When Reverend Clement offhandedly remarked that anyone who did away with Colonel Protheroe would be doing the world a favor, he never dreamed how soon he would regret those words. When Clement returns to the vicarage from visiting a parishioner, he is dreading his appointment with Protheroe. The colonel is waiting in the vicar’s study. However, he has been shot and is quite dead.The problem is that too many people in the village wanted Protheroe dead. Fortunately for the vicar and his wife, their elderly neighbor, Miss Jane Marple, already has seven suspects in mind. This was Miss Marple’s first case. Don’t miss this world premiere adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel.
Returning to the Starlight stage this summer, Aiden gets to take on the role of Joe in one of his dream shows 9 to 5
Working with the Rockford Player’s Guild, Aubry will be playing the part of Ruth in The Effects of Gamma Rays On Man In the Moon Marigolds this July in Cheek Theatre.
Working with Bluegate Musicals in Bird In Hand Pennsylvania, Isaac will be playing the role of Mitch Lee in Dear Soldier Boy, an original Bluegate musical.
Returning to the Starlight stage this summer, Jacob will take on the role of the Flut/Nigel understudy in Something Rotten
In July Rashad will be the director of the Rock Valley College Elementary, Middle School, and High School Theatre Camp, then in August Rashad will take over as Stage Manager for At Home At the Zoo, the second summer show of the Rockford Player’s Guild.
Ethan will be working with Upstaging Inc. in Sycamore IL where he will be a Stage Lighting Technician. Back in Rockford, Ethan is sound designing for The Effects of Gamma Rays On Man In the Moon Marigolds with Rockford Player’s Guild.
Performing in two Starlight shows this summer, Bruno is playing Daniel Beauxhomme in Once On This Island and Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz. .
Neumann-BFA:Acting/Directing& BA:TheatreArts&Education-‘27
Working with Starlight, Alaina will appear on stage in the ensemble of 9 to 5 while working backstage as the Assistant Stage Manager in The Adams Family
We want to hear from our Alumni and spotlight you with current projects that you are working on or have booked. Keep us up to date so we can celebrate with you and shout you out for all of your talent! Please fill out the form from the QR code or click this link.
Graduating just two years ago, it is not difficult for current students to remember or hear about the legacy of Piper Burney’s time at RU. One thing that defined her journey as a student, and now a professional actor, has been her ability to defy odds. Through her own hard work and determination, Piper was one of very few students in RUPA history to double major in Musical Theatre and Music. On top of this, Piper completed work of the highest quality in the scene shop, held a 4.0 GPA, lead her own all treble choir, and was featured in many main stage shows throughout her seasons spent at RU.
When asked about her fondest memory at RU, Piper listed her time spent working on shows, traveling to Scotland to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with friends, and her opportunities to learn so many new skills. Ultimately, though, her fondest memories were of her Senior year spring musical Songs For A New World. When looking back, she notes, “the whole process was so incredibly fulfilling both from a personal and artistic standpoint. Everything from the music composition to the final production really reminded me of why I love music and theatre.”
After graduating with her two degrees, Piper moved to Chicago where she immediately began working with Vito’s Vault –“Chicago’s finest roaring ‘20’s dinner theatre”– as a member o their debut cast. At Vito’s, where she still works while not away on other contracts, she has been able to hone the dance skills she picked up from her classes at RU as well as her natural abilities as a jazz singer. This summer Piper will be joining the entertainment team at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Il as a dancer/singer in the 50 anniversary celebration of the park. th
Between all these incredible opportunities to perform, Piper continues to defy odds working multiple jobs as a bartender and princess party performer. When she is not working, she enjoys playing card games with friends (especially Unstable Unicorns), doing her own nail designs, and finding the best bargains!
Follow her journey this summer and beyond on instagram @Piperburney
