Crimson and gold cast and crew in TCR’s “Intimate Apparel”
Brandon Price ’19, photo provided by Struttman Photography
Crimson and gold cast and crew in TCR’s “Intimate Apparel”
If you saw “Intimate Apparel” at Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR), you may not have realized that you were among a talented team of Kohawks. When one-third of the cast, three members of the crew and the director and assistant director are Coe students, alumni or professors — crimson and gold shine in the spotlight.
Although Coe Assistant Professor of Theatre Deanna L. Downes just wrapped her first production at Theatre Cedar Rapids, she’s no stranger to the theater or “Intimate Apparel.” This was Downes’ third encounter with the play, first as assistant director at The Guthrie and second as dramaturge at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
“Intimate Apparel” was staged in the garden level Grandon Studio at TCR. This location provided an intimate setting — an environment that allowed you to connect with each individual character.
One of those characters, Mrs. Dickson, was performed by theater major Kierra Young Bey ’19. Downes and Bey previously worked together on “Craigslisted,” an original work performed at Coe last Feb. “I knew Kierra would be a great fit for the role so I encouraged her to audition,” Downes said. “As a Coe student, I was familiar with her acting style and ethic — both of which were stellar.”
Another character, George, was performed by Brandon Prince ’19. “Brandon is a football player and playwright, but he’s also a talented actor,” Downes said. “I encouraged Brandon to audition as well.”
Additional Coe students and alumni were Assistant Director Lauren Miller ’19, Technical Director Ben Cyr ’20, Assistant Stage Manager Chelsea White ’12 and crew member Jade Riley ’17.
This is one of many examples of how Coe professors help their students both in and beyond the classroom. Coe faculty often form partnerships with community organizations, which in turn benefit Coe students. “My connection with local theater and assisting students with experiences that they wouldn’t have had otherwise — that’s what being a Coe professor is all about. This particular play required a diverse cast, I was fortunate to have talented pool students and alumni to recruit,” Downes said.