The University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts will wrap up its fall production season with an online series featuring essential workers.
Essential Workers: A Portrait brings to the screen eight individuals – a doctor, a firefighter, a farmer, a teacher, and four more – to help us appreciate why they are, indeed, essential. Over the course of eight episodes we will talk with each of them, watch as their portraits are drawn, and see a series of short plays that illuminate something special about the person and the work they do.
This production will premiere on two weekends. Part I will take place on Saturday, November 14 beginning at 8:00 p.m. CST and Part II will take place on Saturday, November 21 beginning at 8:00 p.m. CST.
Part I of Essential Workers: A Portrait
Essential Workers Episode #1 – Grocery Worker
Essential Workers Episode #2 – CDC Doctor
Essential Workers Episode #3 – Teacher
Essential Workers Episode #4 – Firefighter
Part II of Essential Workers: A Portrait
Essential Workers Episode #5 – Doctor/Educator
Essential Workers Episode #6 – Police Officer
Essential Workers Episode #7 – Farmer
Essential Workers Episode #8 – Truck Driver
Please note: Essential Workers Episode #6 – Police Officer contains adult language.
A link to view these virtual performances will be made available on the Department of Theatre Arts website on the performance dates.
If you are interested in speaking with the individuals involved in this series, please feel free to contact the following:
- Alan MacVey, director, alan-macvey@uiowa.edu
- Mady Davis, stage manager (can provide big picture look), madison-davis@uiowa.edu
- Nick Coso, associate director and scenic designer, nicholas-coso@uiowa.edu
- Alexi Bolden, actor and host, alexi-bolden@uiowa.edu
- Amanda Keating, playwright, amanda-keating@uiowa.edu
- Brooke LeWarne, essential worker-teacher, brookeallysefreund@gmail.com
The department has also created a Virtual Lobby space for our audiences to visit in advance of our performances to learn more about the productions and to celebrate the work of our students and faculty.
For those who are unable to join on opening night, all of the department’s performances from the fall 2020 season will be available on the Theatre Arts YouTube channel through December 15, 2020.
Please note: All performances are subject to change. Please visit theatre.uiowa.edu for the most up-to-date information.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Theatre Arts in advance at 319-335-2700.
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The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts is to sustain a world-class theatre arts program where we develop new work and new artists through a creative, collaborative process. With respect for the great global traditions, we push the boundaries of theatre, using sophisticated tools and technologies. Provide space for diversity and to foster social responsibility and change. Nurture student artists and their work, prepare graduates for professional opportunities, support faculty as professional artists and scholars, and engage, delight, and challenge audiences. For more information on upcoming productions, please visit us online at theatre.uiowa.edu or arts.uiowa.edu. You can also follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook and Instagram!
