Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/223893
University of Akron Dance Company Learns STREB Technique CLICK TO VIEW Body-slamming simulcast connects UA and Brooklyn In an innovative collaboration this past spring, 20 UA dance and theatre students created an extreme-action performance with Brooklyn's Streb. Interactive video technology connected performers and audiences at UA and at Streb's SLAM studio in Brooklyn — producing a single experience in two separate locations. The April program opened with Streb performing Forces at its Brooklyn site. Then, the action switched to Daum Theatre on campus, where the UA students performed Flippy Zippys, named after The University of Akron mascot. Audiences at both locations were able to view the action. Led by UA dance instructor Kara Stewart, the UA students worked for weeks with visiting members of Streb to learn the company's strenuous techniques, dubbed "extreme action" by founder Elizabeth Streb. In March, over spring break, they traveled to the Streb studio in Brooklyn to work and perform with members of the company and choreographer Elizabeth Streb. Known for its high-flying, body-slamming, daredevil performances, Streb has been featured on such shows as CBS Sunday Morning and was part of the 2012 Olympics in London. UA dance graduate Randa Sacha '13 spent the summer as a performer and intern at the studio as a direct result of the collaboration. World premiere draws applause The world premiere of Tuning In, a new musical about the tussles and triumphs of a nostalgia radio station in an Ohio retirement community, happened this summer on the stage of UA's EJ Thomas Hall. Reminiscent of beloved Broadway musicals, Tuning In featured a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of Equity, community and student actors, singers and dancers. George Pinney, a Tony nominee and Emmy winner, was the director and choreographer and Terry LaBolt, an acclaimed Broadway conductor, was the musical director. Emmy nominee Larry Kass wrote the music and lyrics, and Kass and Ron Newell wrote the book. Tuning In was presented by Razzmatazz Productions and The University of Akron's School of Music; School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration; Kulas Concert Series; and EJ Thomas Hall. All four performances sold out. Writers Kass and Newell are now hoping to take the musical around the country, perhaps even to Broadway. 14