WEDNESDAY,SEPT.5,2001
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 5A
'Stuck on Star Wars': KU grad needs a cast for his solo debut
By Mandalee Meisner Jayplay writer
The idea for KU graduate Dennis Ward's newest project, the independent film Stuck on Star Wars, has been a long time coming.
"The concept's been growing my entire life, ever since I was a little kid and saw the first Star Wars," Ward said. "Then last summer I saw a film, Free Enterprise, which was about a kid that met his hero, Captain Kirk (from the TV series Star Trek). One thing led to another, and I started writing the script."
The film is a comedy/drama centering on Zach — a Star Wars fanatic in his late 20s — whose life involves hanging out with other 20-somethings also dealing with the reality of their wasted lives.
Together, Zach and his friends build a life-size model of the Millenium Falcon in his back yard.
After a few rewrites, Ward's vision is ready for production. Now all he needs is a cast.
The casting call for Stuck on Star
Wars is from 1 to 10 p.m. today at Room 224 in the Carlson Center at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park. Those auditioning are asked to bring an acting résumé head shot and a piece ready to be performed. Ward especially encouraged re-enactments of scenes from the original Star Wars trilogy.
Filming is expected to start near the end of September and end mid-October. Completion of the film is scheduled for December.
Ward said he hoped for a large turnout at the casting call, with "a wide variety of people." People with acting experience, as well as those just beginning, are welcomed.
Ward also wants the 1977 George Lucas film to be reflected in the script.
"The biggest thing we want is people who are responsible, serious people," he said. "We basically just want people who want to be a part of (the film)."
"There are a lot of scenes that actually mimic Star Wars; some little, subtle references and blaint ones that are
"The concept's been growing my entire life, ever since I was a little kid and saw the first Star Wars,"
Dennis Ward Film writer and director
pretty much in your face," Ward said.
A few characters in Stuck on Star Wars are based on original Star Wars personalities, including Zach, who Ward describes as a cross between Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.
Another character, Allison, wears brown earmuffs in one scene — mimicking Princess Leia's signature hairstyle.
More information about the film as well as the script can be found at www.mentalwardfilm.com.
Contact Meisner at 864-4810
Changes in housing generate undergraduate desk position
By Jeremy Clarkson Kansan staff writer
Job structure changes in the Department of Student Housing have created a new desk manager position, where undergraduate students run desks in all residence halls on campus.
In the past, desks have been managed by assistant complex directors, who were live-in graduate students. By changing the system and putting undergraduate students in charge, Randy Timm, assistant director of housing, said the desk managers could get experience in supervision before leaving college.
"We want to give them an opportunity to supervise a desk so they can get an idea of what this job is going to be like," Timm said. "In doing so, we open up opportunities to give them that experience."
Timm said the desk manager position was the only new job created by the changes, but other positions had been modified. He said assistant complex directors (ACDs) now worked more directly with resident assistants.
Jon Davis, Ellsworth Hall desk manager, said he had a lot of experience for his
new job because he was a resident assistant in Ellsworth last year. The Newton senior is in charge of the desk, as well as the computer lab on the second floor.
"I make sure the desk is maintained and running." Davis said.
He said he was also responsible for hiring employees, filling out time cards, keeping forms available and working with mail. Davis said his biggest challenge was adjusting to his new role.
"You become the supervisor of people you may have worked with." Davis said.
Davis said he enjoyed his supervisor role because the new position allowed him to be more available to his employees.
"It helps because you can give a more personal touch to the desk than an ACD can," Davis said.
In the future, Timm said changes to the desk manager position would be likely. He said everyone was still learning about the new changes.
"It's a huge opportunity for us and for people in our system," Timm said.
Contact Clarkson at 864-4810
Men's KU Rugby Club
FITNESS & PHYSICALITY A vigorous contact sport that demands all-round athleticism and conditioning.
The Kansas Men's Rugby Team is working off a winning season with a record of 15-2.
Last Years Accomplishments:
Year Accomplishments:
-Big 12 Tournament, 2nd Place.
-Heart of America Rugby Tournament, Champions.
-KC Collegiate Rugby Tournament, Champions.
-Ozark Invitational Tournament, Champions.
Men's practice: Tues & Thurs @ 6:00 pm Contact: The Rugby House,841-7585 kurugbyclub@yahoo.com
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS RUGBY IS RECRUITING ALL LEVELS OF ATHLETICISM, COMMITMENT AND EXPERIENCE.
Games and practices are held at Westwick Rugby Complex
-Take Iowa south (Hwy 59) from campus, past Wal-Mart/Target, under K-10 overpass bridge and continue...
-First road, south of the bridge, is Hwy458. Take a right onto Hwy 458 heading west.
-Turn right into the Westwick Rugby Fields after approximately 2 miles. The fields are visible from Hwy 458.
Women's KU Rugby Club
AMATEUR IDEALS
Rugby is the world's most popular Amateur team sport played on all six continents and in over 100 countries.
The Kansas Women's Rugby Team is working off a winning season with a record of 11-2.
Last Years Accomplishments:
- Wichita Invitational Tournament, Champions.
-Ozark Invitational Tournament, Champions.
-Hear of America Rugby Tournament, 3rd Place.
Last spring the women also completed the first tour sweep in the history of KU Rugby, defeating teams from Scotland England and Wales.
Women's practice: Mon & Wed @ 6:30 pm Contact: Abbey Harper, 841-4691,harper23@ku.edu
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