29th Summer of Mime Theatre at Kenyon School for Mime Theatre Faculty/Student Performance

Friday, July 10, 2009

7:30 PM - Bolton Theater, Kenyon College

Free Admission, Contact: Rick Wamer, 520-990-7425, ricgeocap@msn.com

For 29 consecutive summers, Kenyon College has had the rare distinction of hosting one of the nations longest standing centers for Mime Theatre training and performance in North America. This summer's season's final performance, featuring faculty members, Rick Wamer and Stephen Chipps with students of the adult seminar marks the 29th such annual performance. Showtime is 7:30 pm at the Bolton Theater of Kenyon College, admission free.

The presence of the mimes dates back to the summer of 1981 when Gregg Goldston, C. Nicholas Johnson and Deb Wasserman (the original founders of the School) hosted the first Kenyon seminar with only three to four students. Throughout the past 29 years, students have had opportunities to study under the best mimes in the world. Several visits by the late Marcel Marceau and the Polish mime Stefan Niedzialkowski have been especially memorable to the community and the students and staff of the seminars. "The gift of Marceau and Niedzialkowski, elevated our capacity to truly understand and develop our art," claims Wamer who took on the role of Artistic Director when Gregg Goldston left in 2001 to pursue interests in New York and abroad.

The students benefit from the unique approaches developed by Wamer and Chipps, founded upon the techniques and writing structures created by Marceau, Niedzialkowski, Goldston and Johnson. C. Nicholas Johnson returned for a few days to work with this year's students. "Nick has the amazing gift of helping the students see the essence of the art form. His influence is tremendous in my work, and I consider him an essential influence on the development of the students."

Next year will mark the 30 anniversary of mime at Kenyon College. Wamer promises it will be a memorable summer to look forward to.

The Faculty/Student show will take place on Friday, July 10th, at 7:30 PM at the Bolton Theater of Kenyon College, Gambier Ohio. Admission is free and donations to support the school will be gladly accepted.

C. Nicholas Johnson is the director of Wichita State University’s dance department and Artistic Partner with Sabrina Vasquez of Alithea Mime Theatre.

Nick Johnson was in Columbus for a brief visit last week, on his way to perform with the Mime school in Kenyon. He stopped by long enough for a cup of coffee and conversation beside the back yard pond. Alays a treat!