School Notes: David Geffen School of Drama
May/June 2011

Dean reappointed to third term

James Bundy '95MFA, who has served as dean of the School of Drama and artistic director of Yale Repertory Theatre since July 2002, has been appointed to a third five-year term by Yale president Richard Levin ’74PhD. In announcing the appointment, Levin noted Bundy’s "clear and inspirational vision and his willingness to listen," adding, "James has brought positive new perspectives to the curriculum and activities at the School of Drama. One of his signal accomplishments has been improved financial aid, which has attracted the most talented students and has further increased the competitiveness of the school." Bundy’s third term begins July 1, 2012.

Students honored with technology awards

Erich Bolton '11MFA and Bona Lee '11MFA received two of nine national student awards given by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) in March. Bolton received the Frederick A. Buerki "Golden Hammer" Scenic Technology Award and Bona Lee was selected for the KM fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award. USITT connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialogue among practitioners, educators, and students.

New plays at the Carlotta Festival

The sixth annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays, which presents three fully produced plays by graduating playwrights in rotating repertory, will take place May 6–14. The plays in this year’s festival are Blacktop Sky by Christina Anderson '11MFA, Passing by Dipika Guha '11, and The Tall Girls by Meg Miroshnik '11. The festival is named for Eugene O'Neill’s widow, Carlotta Monterey, who chose Yale University Press as the publisher of her late husband’s masterpiece Long Day's Journey Into Night. The proceeds from this publication support playwriting at Yale University.

New to the Carlotta Festival this year is a Professionals Weekend, May 13–14, which is an opportunity for theater professionals from across the country to see all three plays in just two days and to participate in a variety of other special events where they can meet the playwrights and other drama students. The weekend also includes a panel discussion with Paula Vogel, chair of playwriting; playwrights Lynn Nottage '89MFA and David Adjmi; and the three festival playwrights.