IC alum’s world premiere of ‘Milkweed’ explores intimacy of education and legacy

By Georgie Gassaro, Staff Writer • March 5, 2026

“Milkweed” is an introspective exploration of the commonalities between physics and theater, both as educational disciplines and bases for existential thought about mortality, purpose and human legacy. Evaluating the “charged space between students and teachers,” the plot follows two parallel dynamics: a renowned physicist receiving acting lessons from his graduate acting student, who is taking his class as an elective, and a theater professor mentoring a physics student with a growing passion for acting.

Opera in Ithaca strives for intergenerational connection

By Sofia Fitzgerald, Assistant Design Editor • November 20, 2025

Opera is considered a timeless art form. As a collection of music written by hands of the past and recited by voices of the present, it evokes the ornamental style of Baroque-era artistry with an added contemporary presence. But opera is more than a relic for preservation: it is a medium for communicating universal themes and enlightening multigenerational audiences. And as Ithaca’s own professional theater company, Opera Ithaca, celebrates its 10th Anniversary Season, those principles are what guide its future.

Ithaca theaters adjust to COVID-19

By Gabrielle Topping, Staff Writer • September 11, 2020

The fall seasons at Ithaca College’s Department of Theatre Arts and local theaters in Ithaca will look different this year because of the coronavirus.

Female-focused story takes the local stage in play

By Julia DiGeronimo • February 6, 2020

From left, Mikaela Izquierdo as Jessie, Melissa Miller as Lina and Erica Steinhagen as Adrienne rehearse for "Cry It Out."

Local play provides insight into life as an immigrant

By Kara Bowen, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • January 24, 2018

The cast and creative team of the play "Ironbound," written Martyna Majok, involve three Ithaca College alumni, two professors and a current student.

Professor sets goal to raise $50,000 in one year

By Madison Moore, Contributing Writer • October 2, 2017

Margaret Shackell-Dowell has raised $25,078.25 thus far in her 50-for-50 initiative to raise $50,000 for organizations before March of 2018.

Professor’s ‘Birds of East Africa’ swoops into Kitchen Theatre

By Olivia Riggio, Staff Writer • February 8, 2017

The Kitchen Theatre Company is presenting a play written by Wendy Dann ’93, Ithaca College associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts.

Ithaca College students celebrate MLK’s legacy with service

By Maura Aleardi, Staff Writer • January 31, 2016

The sounds of power tools and laughter echoed in the halls of the New Roots Charter School Jan. 30 as Ithaca College students worked together with one goal in mind: giving back.

New Kitchen Theatre play directed by Ithaca College professor

By Silas White, Contributing Writer • September 22, 2015

The play was directed by Wendy Dann, associate professor of theatre arts at Ithaca College.

Semi-autobiographical play explores friendship and growth

By Steven Pirani, Life & Culture Editor • January 21, 2015

"Count Me In," written by and starring Rachel Lampert and directed by Emily Jackson, is being performed at the Kitchen Theater from Jan. 14 to Feb. 1.

Review: Emphatic writing stands out in emotional play

By Anna Sernau, Staff Writer • April 17, 2013

Dramatic acting stumbles in Kitchen Theatre Company's production of "The Motherf**ker with the Hat."

Review: Cast drives dysfunctional family-themed play

By Anna Sernau, Contributing Writer • March 5, 2013

Performances shine in Kitchen Theatre Company's "Crooked," a coming-of-age play written by Catherine Trieschmann.