Angela Fredrick
Entertainment Editor

Theatre department rides
its' own coat tails

Sinclair's production of "The Overcoat" raised audiences to their feet in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center. Bravos, whistles, foot-stomping, and hand-clapping were some of the reactions people who had the opportunity to view the performance.

"The Overcoat" was one of the seven productions honored out of more than 900 in the national finals of the 28th annual American College Theatre Festival. This was a major accomplishment and surprise to many considering Sinclair is a two-year college. Many of the people involved with the production of "The Overcoat" agreed that making it to the nationals is the highest point in their careers or life.

Rajmund Klechot is an internationally renowned mime who offered his expertise as a guest director for the pantomime adaptation of "The Overcoat." He also co-founded the Warsaw Mime Theatre and performed with Poland's National Pantomime Theatre.

Another honor for "The Overcoat" is the fact that Sinclair President Dr. David Ponitz and the dean of fine and professional arts, Dr. Clarence Walls, were audience members in D.C. Dr, Robert MacClennan, professor and chairperson of theatre and dance said, "It was an honor to have them there. They went out of their way to make it there."

Congratulations to the whole company of "The Overcoat."

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

Thomas Schorgl, President
Culture Works, Suite 100
126 North Main Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Dear Mr Schorgl:

It is a pleasure to write this letter on behalf of the Sinclair Community College theatre program and their production of The Overcoat. This production was unique in its artistic vision, pedagogical methods and educational objectives. Seldom, if ever, has a college or university theatre program devoted its efforts to have students learn such a difficult art form: Polish Mime. The project began with a concept that is laudable, indeed, but it did not end there.

The most unusual element in this venture [to have a community college students study Polish Mime] is that fact that they accomplished it with distinction. The story has been told elsewhere but deserves repeating. The fact that this particular production, The Overcoat, was a success on-campus might be assumed as a "given." What is highly noteworthy is the fact that it was invited to Regional American College Theatre Festival in January 1996 and from there invited to the Kennedy Center for the National American College Theatre Festival in April 1996. During the past year, over 900 colleges and universities entered productions in to this national competition. More than 20,000 students participated as actors or tech crews in these campus entries. From that long list, 7 productions were invited to The Kennedy Center and The Overcoat was one of those 7! This is the equivalent to having a football team invited to the Orange Bowl or a basketball team making it to the NCAA final four.

As you can tell from the tone of the letter, the production of The Overcoat distinguished itself in those circles where college theatre is scrutinized with a highly critical eye. Not only was it a judges' selection for excellence, but the production also enthralled the audiences at The Kennedy Center. The Overcoat was the "talk of the Festival."

Therefore, I highly recommend Sinclair Community College's production of The Overcoat for the Culture Works Opus Award.

Sincerely,

Lauren Friesen
Chair, Region III American College Theatre Festival
Goshen College
Goshen, IN 46526

JOHN GLENN
   OHIO

United State Senate
Washington, DC 20510-3501

Cast and Crew of The Overcoat
Sinclair Community College
444 West Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Dear Friends:

    I am delighted to congratulate you on winning the opportunity to bring the Sinclair Community College production of The Overcoat to the Kennedy Center for the American College Theatre Festival.

    The theatre serves as both friend and critic of human values, human aspirations and the human condition, and is a vital part of the cultural life of our communites. I am proud of the hard work and dedication each of you has invested in this dramatic production. I am especially proud of your extraordinary cultural-educational partnership with the Polish pantomime artist, Rajmund Klechot. This highly original production makes a substantial contribution to the international understanding and respect.

    Annie joins me in thanking all those who have made this event possible, and in wishing you all the best with this and future productions.

    Best regards,