Nov. 19, 2008
UWSP students and orchestra to
feature world premiere of “The Far Tortoogas”
Students at The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) will show
a self-produced animated film to accompany the world premiere of Charlie
Barnett’s work, “The Far Tortoogas,” performed by the UWSP Symphony
Orchestra on Friday, November 21.
The concert is part of the Music Department Scholarship Series and will
be held in Michelsen Hall at the Noel Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $7 for the public, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for youth
and free the day of the concert for students with a UWSP ID. Tickets
are available at University Information and Tickets in the Dreyfus
University Center concourse, or by calling 715-346-4100 or 800-838-3378.
Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. Tickets may also be purchased
at the door if seats are available.
Students enrolled in Communication 369: Topics in Film, led by Leslie
Midkiff-DeBauche, professor of media studies, used animation, green
screen techniques, stop motion and roto-scoping for the production
of the film. The silhouettes used in the film were designed by Shannon
Reinbold-Gee, past president of the Guild of American Papercutters whose
work has been exhibited nationally.
“Jeff Morin, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, provided
the wonderful opportunity for students with different majors and different
skills and talents to work together and learn something new to us all—stop
motion animation using silhouettes and paper puppets. We all very excited
for the premiere of the movie,” said DeBauche.
Composer Barnett has written scores for more than 400 television programs
and theatrical films including National Geographic, the Disney Channel,
“Saturday Night Live” and “The Cosby Show.” His piece, “The Far Tortoogas”
was the inspiration for the film. After the screening Barnett will conduct
a talk back session with the audience.
The UWSP Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Patrick Miles, director of
orchestral activities, will also perform Hector Berlioz’ “Le Corsaire
Overture” and Arthur Sullivan’s “Overture to the Pirates of Penzance.”
The UWSP Choral Men, directed by Lucinda Thayer, professor of music and
choral director, will perform three sea shanties.
