Virtual Theatricality Lab Presents “Dinosaurus!” Nov. 1-23

Event Date
-

Written by: Edward Mast
Directed by: Dr. George Popovich

HFC’s Virtual Theatricality Lab (VTL) presents “Dinosaurus!” starting Saturday, Nov. 1. This 3-D family-friendly play features a 20-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) and will be on stage at the Adray Auditorium.

The public performances will be on the following dates:

  • Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.;
  • Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m.;
  • Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.;
  • Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m.;
  • Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.;
  • Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m.;
  • Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.;
  • Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m.; and
  • Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m.

“Dinosaurus!” is the story of two oil explorers who discover a lost colony of dinosaurs deep beneath the earth’s surface. One of the explorers attempts to exploit the dinosaurs, while the other wants to leave their underground hideout untouched by civilization. Written by Edward Mast and Lenore Beninger, “Dinosaurus!” is directed by Dr. George Popovich, who teaches film and drama at HFC.

“Dinosaurus!” will be presented in an immersive environment. The audience will be seated onstage and will be surrounded by a physical set built and painted to match the virtual set projected in 3-D stereo on a 20x36 foot 3-D projection screen. They will wear 3-D glasses. The dinosaurs will appear to be 20 feet tall. To further the immersive environment, several 4-D effects will be created, which is a physical effect complementing an animated or virtual effect. SO WHEN THE T-REX SNEEZES, DUCK!

HFC’s VTL uses advanced cinema technology such as virtual reality, performance capture and animation to enhance live stage plays. The VTL’s production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” was a regional winner in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2003. The VTL’s production of Caryl Churchill’s “The Skryker” was a finalist for the National Bellwether Award, an award that annually recognizes outstanding and innovative programs and practices at colleges.

In addition to the public performances, there will also be private performances offered specifically for elementary schools. All school performances are $4 per student. Educators interested in bringing their students to “Dinosaurus!” should visit http://vtl.hfcc.edu/node/873. “Dinosauraus!” is recommended for grades 1-5.

Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are now on sale online to the public at http://theatre.hfcc.edu. Purchasing tickets early is strongly advised because only 80 people will be allowed in each show.

For further information, please visit http://theatre.hfcc.edu/productions/2014/dinosaurus or call 313.845.6478.

About the Production

Dinosaurus! was presented to public audiences during the entire month of November, 2014. The show played for 28 sold-out performances and broke all box office and attendance records for the 30-year history of HFC's Theatre Arts Program.

Cast and Crew

The Dinosaurs
Hark (Hadrosaur): Joanna Graham
Point (Pterodactyl): Gerry Dzublinski
Turtle (Dimitrodon): Diana Galante
KingKing (Tyrannosaurus Rex): Mike Cochran
Spike (Triceratops): Carolyn Cajas
Big (Brontosaurus): Diana Galante
ZooZoo (Hadrosaur): Carolyn Cajas
Tall (Hardrosaur): Kevin Talanges

The Humans
Peek: Michael Cochran
Bunk: Gerry Dzublinski, Matt Van Houten
The Professor: Gerry Dzublinski, Matt Van Houten
Dino Dancers: Anita Hosley-Banks, Roderick Taylor, Starsha Varner Social Science, Art and Fitness Division Associate Dean: Randall Knight
Academic Coordinators: E. Alan Contino
Administrative Assistants: Tom Berryman, Linda Prisza
Director of Theatre: Dr. George Popovich
Director of The Virtual Theatricality Lab: Dr. George Popovich
Theatre Faculty: Mary Bremer-Beer, Christopher Bremer, Gerry Dzublinski, Judy Fletcher, Gary Glaser, Dr. George Popovich Theatre and Virtual Theatricality Lab Support Staff: E. Alan Contino, Scott Ross, Michael Cochran, Edwin Bawal

Artistic Staff
Director: Dr. George Popovich
Director of Photography: E. Alan Contino
Digital Designer and Animator: Christopher Dozier
Stage Scenic Designer: Gerry Dzublinski
Costume Designer: Judith Fletcher
Lighting Designer: Scott Ross Composer: Anthony Lai
Sound Designers: Anthony Lai and Joe Giese
4D Effects Design: Dr. George Popovich
ZooZoo (Hadrosaur) Motion Capture Finale Dance Choreography: Alenna Mae Brown Live Action Dance Finale Choreography: Anita Hosley-Banks

Production Staff
Stage Manager: Reba Neely
VTL Systems Engineer: E. Alan Contino
Digital Systems Technical Director: Edwin Bawal
Traditional Stage Technical Director: Gerry Dzublinski
Carpenters: Chris Bremer, Gerry Dzublinski, Deron Porter, Michael Ross, Anita Holsey-Banks Scenic Artist: Gerry Dzublinski
Scenic Painters: Gerry Dzublinski, Anita Holsey-Banks, Reeba Neely, Michael Ross, Dominique Hurt, Erin Griffin, Josh Neilson, Josh Cliff, James Hagwood, Christian Bruce, Starsha Varner, Venita Carter, Kleopatra Fero
Master Electrician: Scott Ross
Costumes: Judy Fletcher
Sound Engineer: E. Alan Contino

Production Crew
Assistant Stage Manager: Quevie Wells
Master Carpenter: Christopher Bremer
Electricians: Christopher Bremer, Matt Van Houten, Michael Ross, William Stubbelfield Props: Gerry Dzublinkski, Venieta Carter, Josh Cliff, Pete Agar.
Costumes: Quieve Wells
Lighting: Anita Holsey-Banks, Erin Griffin
Poster and Program Design: Ashleigh Martin
Printing: Ken Donovan
Publicity: Dr. George Popovich, Gary Erwin, Mike Cochran, The Cast and Crew

Running Crew
Live Imaging System Operators: E. Alan Contino, Edwin Bawal, Deron Porter, Muhammad Abduljammi Remote Camera Operators: Muhammad Abduljami
Live Projection Technicians: Muhammad Abduljami, William Stubblefield
Sound Board Operators: Roger Taylor
Light Board Operators: Anita Holsey-Banks
Props: Ali Doppke, Mike Ross
Wardbrobe: Quieve Wells
Furry Ticklers: Michael Ross, Megan Oliver, Matt Van Houten, Erin Griffin
Fog/Wind: Michael Ross, Pete Agar, William Stubbefield, Erin Griffin, Ali Dopke
Scenery Shift: Michael Ross, Matt Van Houten
Sneeze Crew: Ali Dopke, Pete Agar,Muhammad Abduljami, Matt Van Houten Quick Change: Quieve Wells

Box Office
House Manager: Megan Oliver
Usher: Megan Oliver