Community Calendar

Actor, Director, Writer Marnie Andrews will present a public talk in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Lecture Hall at 6 p. m., Thursday, January 29. The presentation is presented free of charge and the public is welcome to attend.

Residing in New York City, Marnie Andrews is a special guest artist working with Eastern Illinois University's Theatre Department. During her residency she will be working with students and directing the department's spring production of Agatha Christie's The Mouse Trap, which runs March 5 through March 8.

The title of Andrew's January 29 public address is "Fools and Crazy People: Notes on an Adventurous Life" and will focus on her experiences of pursuing her passions in the arts. "I want to
emphasize to those interested in pursuing a career in the arts, that it's possible to make a living, but make a plan and prepare to work hard and prepare for disappointments," she said. Andrews added there is 80 to 90 percent unemployment in professional theatre. "If the calling to be an artist is real the person will follow their passion and continually train in their craft. "Whatever you have a hunger for that is where you will excel. If you are willing to learn you can do any job."

Marnie Andrews recently appear in the film, HITS, directed by David Cross,. The film was chosen for the 2014 Sundance Festival. She ahs guest-starred in numerous prime time movies and dramas including ER, Murder One, Wonder Years, and a recurring role in Reasonable Doubts. Her 40 years of stage credits include leading role in such carried shows as Camelot, The Killing of Sister George, The Fox Passion, and The Glass Menagerie. She was honored with both Dramalogue and Garland Awards in Los Angeles.

The heart of Andrews' work centers on the development of new plays. As actor, she premiered and won accolades in Los Angeles for her performance in Caffeine Society, a play she helped to
develop in New York with Merely Players, the company that helped launch the careers of playwrights Jose Rivera and Jeffrey Hatcher. Her next role is Emily in a world premiere of "The Realization of Emily Linder," which will run April and May of 2015, at the New Jersey Repertory Company.

The Doudna Fine Arts Center is located at 1860 South 7th Street in Charleston on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. Convenient free parking is located near the fine arts center. To arrange accommodations for those needing special assistance, contact Doudna Fine Arts Patron Services at 217-581-3110 or doudnatix@eiu.edu.