The 3RD Annual Festival of New Student Works
WEEK 2
Welcome to the show!
We’re so happy you’ve joined us for the 2023-24 FILM SHOW at the Festival of NEW STUDENT WORK.
Our students have worked hard on these films, and they are ready to share them with you. Hours are spent on preparation, production, and post-production; the results of these efforts are presented here. Several different classes are represented by the nineteen films in the show. You will see work that originated on 16mm film and work edited from our department archives, documentaries, narratives, class exercises and experimental forms. Enjoy the show!
Some films in tonight’s program contain strong language and mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sizzle reel
Time (2023) by Grace Powell, 2’18
Optical Printing and Animation
What time is it? A playful exploration of the passage of time using analog animation and optical printing
Karma (2023) by Emma Tripp, 2’19
Digital Cinema Production
Karma is about a person who is behind on bills, and they go on a rampage to get the money they need. When they finally get the money they need, they are met with some unfortunate circumstances.
Prodigal Nephew (2023) by Mike Budich, 2’18
Film I
A young man struggling with debt seeks to claim his inheritance early by killing his wealthy uncle.
Rise of the Planet of the Robots, part I (2023) by Mal Sonie, 2’15
Digital Cinema Production
In the near future, robots have become servants for the upper class, or anyone who can afford them. Tired of the abuse, one robot decides to revolt against its oppressors, complicating its lowly life.
LIMBO (2023) by Mike Budich, 1’26
Cinematography and Color Grading
"We're sorry. The number you have dialed is not in service at this time".
LIMBO is an experimental short film tackling liminal space as well as increasing anxiety and the breaking down of a person in confinement.
Shift (2023) by Ozzie Hall, 3’07
Digital Cinema Production
This is a story about a cat that suddenly gains the ability to shape shift
The Deadline (2024) by Mike Budich, 2’16
Directing for Camera
After a writer misses a deadline, his producer is not happy.
Factory Made (2023) by Casey McKeiver, 3’10
Factory Made is about a lonely, beaten down man stuck in the never-ending cycle of work and sleep, until one day at work, a pipe bursts, spilling out toxic chemicals that mutate him into a giant. As people run and cower in fear, he undermines the expectations of the angry mob.
MOVE (2023) by Tommy Piaskowski, 3’17
Optical Printing and Animation
An animated short film exploring dynamic subject movement from bugs to spaceships. The emphasis on subject movement is the only (sort-of) throughline through the various parts of the film.
BAM (2022) by Grace Powell, 17’30
Documentary Field Production
Bam Powell has been drumming, singing, and making music for over fifty years. This is his story of life as a blue-collar musician, the fulfillment of creative freedom, and pressure of success in the music business
Make ‘Em Laugh (2023) by Steven McCarroll, 2’00
Digital Cinema Production
A performance and its aftermath
Mind Games (2022) by Grace Powell, 3’50
Film I
A young woman questions her own reality in this suspenseful short film shot on Tri-X Reversal film.
Blue Bunny (2023) by Jake Edwards, 2’37
Digital Cinema Production
Blue Bunny is a short character animation with the intention of showing that love
is more valuable than any materialistic items we can acqire. In this short animation,
the blue bunny makes a big mistake when crossing a busy road to get a fallen carrot
and is sent on a trip through the afterlife to teach him what is truly important.
The Suitcase (2023) by Brooklyn Russell, 2’37
Film I
A short story of a suitcase getting into the wrong hands. Will they get it back?
A scene from Billions (2022) by William Heard, 4’19
Directing Screen Acting
As the final for Directing Screen Acting, we were tasked to build our own film crew and shoot this specific scene from the show Billions.
The Baker (2023) by Jacob Benington, 5’51
Special Projects: Creative Promotional Videos
Emmy Lou's Cookies is a small locally owned business based out of Perrysburg Ohio.
This video was made to highlight her unique baking process and the brief history of
why she decided to pick up baking cookies and what cookies mean to her.
Dillrium (2022) by Ozzie Hall, 7‘58
Methods for the Professional Editor
This is a new edit of Delirium, written by Alex Anderson. We are introduced to David who has become increasingly paranoid due to the isolation of COVID.
A Very Strange Woman (2023) by Zoe Bensley, 16'17
Special Projects, Independent Production
After clearly committing a violent act, a woman breaks into a house in order to clean herself up but is met with the homeowner whose fascination with true crime leads to a deal.
The Botanist, a music video, 2’41
Produced by Students in Cinematography and Color Grading, Film 3510, Fall 2023
The Botanist: Directed by Holly Hey, Cinematography by Simon Huber, Music by Karson Palmer, Set Design by Jim Hill, Performed by Tevy Dembski, Aaron Smith, and Karson Palmer.
Produced with students in Film 3510, Cinematography and Color Grading (Professor Holly Hey), along with students from across the College of Arts and Letters, this project was shot over a two-day residency with visiting filmmaker Simon Huber, Bern, Switzerland.
The version shown tonight is a work-in-progress rough cut.
Week 1
Are You Smarter Than a Chronically Online Teenager
Written by Jason Klotz
Directed by Marissa McCoy
Costume Design by Christina Baker
Scenic Design by Daniel Thobias
Lighting Design by Stephen Sakowski
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager – Oliver Marconi
Cast
MAX - Brooklyn Mitchell-Nelson
CORNELIOUS - Gerardo Rosario
MARCUS - Jayy Smith
CLARA - Cadence Enck
Negotiation
Written by Gerardo Rosario
Directed by Karson Palmer
Costume Design by Bree Stouffer
Set Design by Daniel Thobias
Lighting Design by Stephen Sakowski
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager - Abby Papenfus
Cast
GOVERNOR - Brandon Camp
PL - Dayonna Embry
GA - Alyssa Augustyniak
The Summer We Stole “The Sandlot” From Blockbuster Video
Written by Karson Palmer
Directed by Gerardo Rosario
Costume Design by Kelly McBane
Set Design by Daniel Thobias
Lighting Design by Stephen Sakowski
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager - Abby Papenfus
Cast
GABE - Emile Wheeler
CHANCE - Leo Hernandez
DANNY - Aaron Smith
CASEY - Tevy Dembski
Killer Commies from Outer Space
Written by Oliver Marconi
Directed by Jason Klotz
Costume Design by Bree Stouffer
Set Design by Madi Chase
Lighting Design by Stephen Sakowski
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager - Seth Camiscione
Cast
DANA - Shelby Segall
ZIP - Isa Herrera
ZAP - Jayy Smith
ZOP - Cadence Enck
New(ish) Beginnings
Written by Tevy Dembski
Directed by Jayy Smith
Costume Design by Christina Baker
Set Design by Daniel Thobias
Lighting Design by Stephen Sakowski
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager - Aaron Smith
Cast
RIVER - Emile Wheeler
AVERY - Seth Camiscione
The Day the Kidz Stopped Boppin’
Written by Seth Camiscione
Directed by Tevy Dembski
Costume Design by Kelly McBane
Set Design by Daniel Thobias
Lighting Design by Marissa McCoy
Sound Design by Stephen Sakowski
Rehearsal Stage Manager - Shelby Segall
Cast
PAT - Nicole Dail
MANNY - Leo Hernandez
JORDAN - Aaron Smith
PRODUCTION TEAM/CREW
Producer Holly Monsos
Co-Artistic Directors Matt Foss
Kelly McBane
Production Stage Manager Abby Papenfus
Rehearsal Stage Managers Seth Camiscione
Oliver Marconi
Abby Papenfus
Shelby Segall
Aaron Smith
Production Manager Stephen Sakowski
Stage/Properties Crew Isa Herrera
Light Board Operator Aliya Kirian
Sound Board Operator Oliver Marconi
Lighting & Sound Shop Staff Aaron Smith
Mal Sonie
David Steffin
Students of THR1040 & THR2050
Costumes/Hair Crew Brooklyn Mitchell-nelson
Costume Shop Manager Kelly McBane
Costume Shop Staff Students of THR1050 &THR2050
Theatre Manager Christopher M. Montpetit
House Management Staff Alyssa Augustyniak
Production Bios
ALYSSA AUGUSTYNIAK (She/Her) – Performer – is a first year Theatre Major with a Stage and Screen Performance Concentration. This is her second semester at University of Toledo. Previous roles include: Reporter in Chicago, Ensemble in Annie, and Margot in The Diary of Anne Frank.
CHRISTINA BAKER (She/Her) – Costume Designer - is a recent graduate from the University of Toledo. She has done many shows with the University on stage, as a director, and as a costume designer, being on the design team for each Festival of New Student Work.
SETH CAMISCIONE (He/Him/His)- Playwright, Performer & Rehearsal Stage Manager– is a junior majoring in communication studies with a minor in theatre arts. Seth’s stage credits include Avery in This year's Festival of New Student Work; Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly!, Father in The Festival of New Student Works 2023, Thomas in Making God Laugh; and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Seth will also play Steve in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom this spring. Technical credits include Rehearsal Stage Manager for The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works; Costume Crew for The Diary of Anne Frank; Costume Crew and Set Construction for Hello, Dolly!, House Management for Blood at the Root; House Management for Hamlet and Props for Making God Laugh. Seth has also served as playwright for the 2023 and 2024 FNSW. Seth plans to attend grad school upon graduation.
BRANDON CAMP (He/Him) - Performer – is a Freshman from Toledo, OH majoring in Media Communications at the University of Toledo. He performed many monologues and etudes in his performance final for Acting 1 with Matt Foss. In his junior year at Bowsher High School, he acted as character Nelson Henry in the play Murder on the 518. Brandon also performed in Negotiation in Festival of New Student Work as the Governor.
MADILIENE CHASE (She/They) Scenic Designer - is a junior at UToledo with their major in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Theatre. This is Madi's 7th production with the department and has been learning nonstop the last two and a half years. They love both their jobs working for two nonprofits for the city of Toledo: Children's Theatre Workshop and Tutor Smart. They have enjoyed building props for this campy Sci-fi show and can't wait to create more theatre in the future!
NICOLE DAIL (He/She/They) - Performer – is a first year Theatre major from Canal Winchester Ohio. This will be their first role in The University of Toledo Theatre program.
TEVY DEMBSKI (They/Them/Theirs) – Director, Playwright & Performer – is a junior theatre major with a concentration in stage and screen acting. They have worked behind the scenes in Elkshire and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, acted and assistant stage managed the Festival of New Student Work 2023, acted in Blood at the Root. They are acting in and directing for the first time for the Festival of New Student Work 2024.
DAYONNA EMBRY (She/Her/Hers) - Performer – is a fourth-year theater- performance major from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Previous credits include Year of The Living Dead, Blood at the Root, and the 2021 Festival of New Student Works. She’s excited to finish her last semester strong with the department! She plans on moving to Georgia to start her career after graduation.
CADENCE ENCK (She/Her/Hers) - Performer – is a second year Theatre major and a Psychology minor. This is her second performance with the University of Toledo. In the previous semester, she was on the costume crew for The 2023 Festival of New Student Works, the assistant stage manager for the production of Blood at the Root and performed as Edith Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank this past fall. Out of school, she has worked at Cedar Point for the past two summers with the Live Entertainment Team.
MATT FOSS (He/Him) Artistic Director & Playwright Mentor – Teaching acting, directing and writing at UTOLEDO. He was named one of Austin Film Festival’s Top 25 Screenwriter’s to Watch for 2023 and just finished writing and directing an Elementary School touring production version of Comedy of Errors for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
ISABELLA HERRERA (She/Her/Hers) - Performer – is a second year Theatre Major with a concentration in stage and screen performance. Previous rolls include Ophelia in Hamlet, Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, and several rolls in the 2023 Festival of New Student Works. She will also be performing in the upcoming spring play Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom.
LEONARDO HERNANDEZ (He/Him) - Performer – is a second year Theater and Health Science dual major from Toledo, Ohio. Previous roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank and Hamlet in Hamlet. Other credits include stagehand for Blood At The Root.
JASON KLOTZ (He/Him) – Director & Playwright – is a third year Economics/Theatre double major. His previous roles include the Detective in The 2023 Festival of New Student, and Justin in last spring’s Blood at the Root. For the 2024 festival he wrote Are you Smarter than a Chronically Online Teenager as well as directed Killer Commies from Outer Space.
OLIVER MARCONI (He/Him/His) – Playwright & Rehearsal Stage Manager – is a fourth year Theatre major with a concentration in stage and screen performance from Olmsted Falls Ohio. This is his 5th production here at The University of Toledo. Previous credits include Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, The Ghost/Player King in Hamlet and Tommy/Harry in The 2023 Festival of New Student Works. Coming up, Oliver will act in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and stage manage for the debut of Spoon River Bridge, a new original musical by Karson Palmer.
KELLY McBANE (She/Her) Artistic Director, Costume Designer & Costume Design Mentor - Kelly is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Toledo and has been involved in one (or multiple) way or another for each production since she began working here. She has her BA from Slippery Rock University and her MFA from Ohio University. She is grateful for the wide variety of interesting and meaningful work that she has been a part of at the University of Toledo and is proud of all of her students and the work they have done.
MARISSA McCOY (She/Her) – Director & Lighting Designer – is a third year Psychology and Theatre double-major. She graduated from the Toledo School for the Arts with an honors diploma in theatre arts. Previous theatre work includes being the assistant light designer under Stephen Sakowski for both The Diary of Anne Frank and Blood at the Root; she has also starred as Merek in Elkshire and taken on various other roles including props manager, stage crew, and spotlight operator. She will be directing Are you Smarter Than A Chronically Online Teenager in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works this year.
CHRISTOPHER M. MONTPETIT (He/Him/His) Theatre Manager - is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, SummerTide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently a Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020.
HOLLY MONSOS (She/Her/Hers) Producer - is Professor/Chair of the Department of Theatre and Film. She first joined the UT faculty in 1991, served as Chair from 2005 - 2011, and spent 9 years as Associate Dean of the college. Prior to coming to UToledo, she spent several years as a cutter/draper in professional theatre. Holly is active regionally and nationally in her professional organization, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), where she was recently named as a Fellow for the Institute. Locally, Holly also serves as the Executive Director of Public Works Collaborative here in Toledo.
KARSON PALMER (She/Her) – Director & Playwright – is a third-year senior at the University of Toledo. Karson is a double major in English and Theatre with a concentration in Creative Writing, and Theatre Design Technologies. Karson has written, preformed, and painted many productions at UToledo. Including writing The Summer We Stole Sandlot from Blockbuster Video and directing Negotiations in this year’s 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works; and will be Debuting the new original musical The Spoon River Bridge in April at UToledo.
ABBY PAPENFUS (She/Her/Hers) Production Stage Manager - is a second-year theatre design tech major from Toledo OH! This is her first time stage managing within the department. Previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager The 2023 Festival of New Student Work Light Hang Crew & Costume Crew for Blood at the Root, Light Hang Crew and assistant stage manager for The Diary of Anne Frank.
GERARDO ROSARIO (He/Him) - Director, Playwright & Performer – is a third year Theatre Major from Puerto Rico. Previous roles include Dan Dad/Janitor in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Polonius in Hamlet, Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank and several roles in 2021 and 2023 Festival of New Student Works. For this festival he directed The Summer We Stole "The Sandlot" From Blockbuster Video and wrote Negotiations.
STEPHEN SAKOWSKI (He/Him/His) Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Lighting Design Mentor & Production Manager- Stephen is an Associate Professor at the University of Toledo and has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His work can be seen on many Live Television Events, as well as regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsie MI. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize). A selection of his work can be seen www.StephenSakowski.com. Congratulations to all of the students involved with the production on a well done!
SHELBY SEGALL (She/Her) - Performer & Rehearsal Stage Manager - is in her second year with a minor in Stage and Film Performance from Cleveland, Ohio! This is her first production with the school. Some previous work includes Aunt Edith in Charlotte's Web, Unicorn in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Ensemble in Rent, as well as stage managing for the film Eurydice in high school. She hopes to work in a social media company after she graduates.
AARON SMITH (He/They/She) – Performer & Rehearsal Stage Manager – is a second year Theatre Major with a concentration in Theatre Arts. Previously, they were a stagehand for Blood at the Root in 2023 and are a 2-year veteran member of the Rocket Marching Band.
JAYY THE CELEB SMITH (He/Him) – Director & Performer – is a Fall 2023 UT Theatre Graduate. This is his 3rd Festival of New Student Works. Some of his past works include (but are not limited to) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and a new adaptation of the play Woyzeck. He is directing the play Newish Beginnings and starring in several other roles in the festival. After this festival he is booked and busy!! He will be soon moving out of state to continue his career and pursuit of one day having his own talk show and paving the way for more African American gay males in this industry!
BROOKLYN MITCHELL (They/Them/Theirs) - Performer – is a second year Theatre Major from Texas. Previous roles include: 2 roles in The 2023 Festival of New Student Works, Costume/Hair Crew for The Diary of Anne Frank, and Voice Acted as Collin Reese Parker in The Diary of Anne Frank as well. They will also be in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom this coming Spring.
BREE STOUFFER (They/Them) – Costume Designer – is a Junior Theatre major with a concentration in Design and Technology. This is their 5th show with the University of Toledo. Previous credits include Wardrobe Crew for Hamlet, Sound Board Operator for Blood at the Root, and Asst. Costume Designer The Diary of Anne Frank.
DANIEL THOBIAS (He/Him/His) Scenic Designer & Scenic Design Mentor – Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater. He has an impressive portfolio of work which can be viewed on his web site: www.scenedesign.org.
EMILE WHEELER (He/Him) - Performer – is a third year Theatre Major from Detroit, MI. He previously played the role of DeAndre in Blood at The Root for UToledo’s 2023 Spring Production. He also wrote a play called Cheater Feeder for The 2023 Festival of New Student Works, and will be acting in two plays in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works.