The upcoming student production “Winsor & Gertie” sparks an unprecedented collaboration between animation, theatre, and music—three academic disciplines within the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at The University of Texas at Dallas.
The play—set to premiere for two nights at UT Dallas’ University Theater on September 8 and 9—offers a first-of-its-kind production combining four live actors, restored classic animation footage, and live musicians on stage.
“I am amazed to discover the talent of our students and faculty and how this project opened up new possibilities for us to collaborate and create something together,” said Dr. Christine Veras, assistant professor of Animation & Games, experimenta.l. lab director, and co-producer of the play. “Collaboration is at the core of everything we do at the experimenta.l. lab, and I’m glad that this project allows us to expand the possibilities and use of animation beyond the traditional industry expectations.”
“Winsor & Gertie” is a co-production between Dr. Veras and experimenta.l. lab, Dr. Catherine Parsoneault, and Damian Enyaosah. Dr. Parsoneault, who serves the Bass School as clinical professor and assistant dean, as well as program head for visual and performing arts and director of music, joins Dr. Veras to produce the show with the support of a HeARTS grant.
Enyaosah, a PhD student, teaching associate, and visual and performing arts practitioner, is dedicated to enriching performances through emerging technologies. His role in directing this production aims to immerse the audience in the early twentieth-century spirit. Recent UTD graduate in Neuroscience and pianist Jess Aikman will perform with other live student musicians while also serving as music coordinator for the production.
“Our students are blending their artistic skills with contemporary technology to replicate the experience of being in a Vaudeville show, the way audiences experienced it at the Hammerstein’s Victoria Theatre in the early 1900’s,” Enyaosah said.” There is a holistic usage of artistic and technical skills in creating this show. The audience is in for an awesome, engaging performance.”
Over four weeks during the summer, a dedicated team of six undergrads and one graduate student volunteered with experimenta.l. Animation Lab, joining forces weekly to craft a captivating 14-foot-tall dinosaur meticulously. Under the guidance of Dr. Veras, the group also benefited from utilizing the makerspace at ROW for their creative endeavors—space graciously provided by Assistant Professor SV Randall. Additionally, Philip Martin, Bass School building coordinator, adeptly trained the students, equipping them with the essential skills to master the equipment and give shape to the dinosaur.
For both nights, the public will be able to engage with Donald Crafton, renowned animation historian and playwright of “Winsor & Gertie,” during a pre-show talkback session with Dr. Veras focused on the play’s research, history, and creation.
UT Dallas students, faculty, and staff can present their Comet Card at the University Theater box office on the performance day for complimentary access, subject to seat availability. Alternatively, to secure their spot ahead of time, the audience can reserve tickets by visiting https://bit.ly/44kgN5a
For the Friday, September 8 performance, visitors can request potential complimentary permits at the link below or purchase permits directly from the parking office. On Saturday, September 9, guests can use any Green space parking spot without requiring a permit.
September 8 parking: https://bit.ly/3QLLFby
Persons with disabilities may submit a request for accommodations to participate in this event at UT Dallas’ ADA website. You may also call (972) 883-5331 for assistance or send an email to ADACoordinator@utdallas.edu. All requests should be received no later than 10 business days prior to the event.
The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at the University of Texas at Dallas is a dynamic community known for creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. With distinguished faculty in fields like animation, history, and visual and performing arts, students benefit from a tier one research university context. Access to renowned research centers and a vibrant arts scene in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex enrich the student experience.
The experimenta.l. Animation Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas, directed by Dr. Christine Veras, is a collaborative space for creative and critical animation research. Open to students, faculty, and external collaborators, it encourages experimentation with various techniques, tools, and interfaces. The lab fosters the exchange of innovative ideas that challenge traditional animation norms and explores alternative possibilities, including the fusion of old and new technologies and unconventional material animation processes.