Stephens theater department welcomes Jana Robbins

The drama seemed to have dissipated as the Stephens theater department welcomed alumna Jana Robbins back to campus.

Last semester, administration revealed Robbins would serve as the guest artistic director for the 2012 Okoboji season. The decision came as a shock to the Dean of the School of Performing Arts, Beth Leonard, who had filled the position for 15 years.

But, at the welcoming event, Leonard smiled and was supportive of Robbins.

"Ever since she's left here, she's been succeeding, working, caring and waving the Stephens banner as proudly as any young woman could," Leonard said. "Yet, she takes time and is interested now in coming back and giving back yet again."

After the announcement in November, Stephens Life covered the fact that members of the faculty and students disagreed with the decision.

Not all students had the same opinion. One of these students was Dylan Shelofsky, a second-year theater student. She said she felt blessed from the moment the announcement was made that Robbins would join the staff at Okoboji.

"I'm very thankful that Beth (Leonard) is coming back, but I'm extremely grateful that we get the opportunity to work with Jana (Robbins) and get that connection." Shelofsky said.

Students originally opposed to the decision, who Robbins said were "protective of their relationship with Beth," had only positive remarks after meeting her in person. Kathleen Bryant, a second-year theater student, said she didn't feel the need to impress Robbins despite her success on Broadway.

"She emitted a Stephens, sister-like quality," Bryant said. "There was common ground, so it was easier to reach out."

President Dianne Lynch said to all of those in attendance that Leonard would be just as important at Okoboji as she has always been.

"I know there's been a lot of concern, but I have to tell you that I truly believe it's about to be the best Boji summer ever—not just for Beth, not just for Jana, but for all of us," Lynch said.

Leonard agreed and said she pictures herself performing similar duties as an executive producer. She said Robbins will provide valuable input as an outsider.

"I'm hoping we can utilize every bit of her talent," Leonard said. "She has a whole list of people we don't have access to in New York and probably the L.A. world. I'm hoping that we can somehow open those doors through Jana (Robbins)."

Robbins said that one of her goals for her time in Okoboji this summer is to not just open those doors but let students through them to network with her New York connections and, hopefully, further their careers.

"I think we have a magnificent college here... but at the same time, we're in Columbia," Robbins said. "There are a lot of people in the theater world that are not as aware of the kind of work going on at Okoboji."

In an exclusive meeting the day before the official welcome, Robbins told students she expects their best at all times during the summer program. Morgan Schoob, a second-year theater major, said that mentality is not unheard of in their department.

"I think we're going to come out completely different people," Schoob said. "I'm ready to be stripped away, terrified and excited at the same time."

The Okoboji Summer Theatre in Spirit Lake, Iowa, introduces second-year theater students to an intensive theater experience. As part of their three-year and two-summer baccalaureate program, students must complete this 10-week program, which lasts from May to August. The theme for this year's Okoboji productions has yet to be announced.