Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

6/12/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- For most students, summer is a time for vacation. Robin Rose has used the summer to learn about theatre. This summer, Rose has earned the part of Ado Annie in the NSU Summer Theatre's production of "Oklahoma" which opens June 19 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

This is the ninth summer Rose has been in a Northwestern production working with director Dr. Jack Wann.

"This was the only theatrical outlet available for me," said Rose. "I have always been comfortable on stage. I have been performing since I could walk and talk. Dr. Wann gave me my start in theatre."

Rose grew up immersed in the arts. Her father Richard has been a member of Northwestern's faculty for 35 years, teaching cello and also serving as conductor of the Natchitoches ­ Northwestern Symphony Orchestra in 2001-2002. He has also been principal cellist of the Rapides Symphony and the Lake Charles Symphony. Her mother Donna is a music teacher and has been a member of the Shreveport Symphony playing flute. In addition, her brother Stephen, is principal second violin with the Cleveland Symphony. The association with Wann led to her pursuing a theatrical career.

"I grew up around music teachers," she said. "Dr. Wann gave me a great deal of attention when I was younger and spent time working with me. If he hadn't gotten that attention, I may not have pursued theatre so much. He gave me a chance to play some different roles and he put in so much time and effort that I thought I had something."

Rose attended Natchitoches Central High School, but skipped her senior year to enter Northwestern.

"I wanted to start in theatre and get as much out of Dr. Wann as I could before he goes to New York," she said. "I want to focus on theatre and haven't regretted it.

"Performing has always been in the back of my mind. I am not sure if I want to go into singing or dance. Musical theatre is my best choice because I can combine acting, music and dance. It's what I love to do."

Rose has seen the film version of "Oklahoma" several times and saw the Broadway version last year when Wann led his annual New York trip during the Thanksgiving holidays. Playing Ado Annie, who is the friend of one of the main characters Laurey, is a treat for her.

"She is one of my favorite comic characters," said Rose. "She is always optimistic and isn't much of a deep thinker. She says things I wouldn't say. Ado Annie has her foot in her mouth a lot. She is interested in Will Parker and ends up with him, but there are some distractions along the way."

Rose is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and is able to use her height to develop her character.

"A lot of it is developing body language. I am tall and take full advantage of it," said Rose. "Annie is a little uncoordinated and not used to her body. She is changing and growing and it shows in how she walks."

Tickets are available for "Oklahoma" at $10 each. The production will run June 19-22 and 24-29 at 7:30 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. For more information, call (318) 357-6891.

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