1975

Winter term is in full swing up in Hanover. I have fond memories of driving from Hanover to Colorado with Annie Stockmar Upton '76 during winter term senior year, which I spent skiing (and working) in Aspen along with Tom Denison and Carol Vaughan Bemis '76. John Upton and wife Annie now live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, near Portland. John practices corporate law in a small firm of about 20 lawyers. Annie was just finishing a three-year master's program in clinical psychology when I last spoke with her at reunion. They have one girl and one boy.

Peter Hackett became artistic director of the Cleveland Playhouse, the nation's longestrunning professional regional theater, in November. He was previously resident director of the Northern Stage Company in Milwaukee, where he directed plays by Moliere, Fugard, Mamet, and Ayckbourn. Before that, he served as associate artistic director of the Denver Center Theatre Company. There he headed a major new-play development program and directed more than 20 plays, including several world premieres. Peter has been a guest artist with American Playwright's Theater in Washington, D.C., and The Playwright's Center in Minneapolis. He has also served as a screener for the National Endowment of the Arts Playwriting Program. In addition, he has been active in the field of theater education. Most recently, he held the position of associate professor for the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. Two of his student productions were invited to represent the United States in the World Theater Training Festival. Peter was a drama major at Dartmouth, and he earned an M.F.A. in directing from U.C. San Diego in 1978. He and wife Carol have a nine-year-old son, Trevor. Upon accepting this appointment, Peter said, "I believe that theater is the collective dream of a community. A good theater is the soul of a society. In order to realize this dream, first a theater must present works that speak directly to the audience it serves. Second, the theater must bring together world-class artists, craftsmen, and administrators who, united with the audience, are willing to embark on an energetic, creative enterprise. This endeavor must be driven by a single, clear, and compelling artistic vision that reflects the issues and spirit driving the community at large."

Bradley Ashley became headmaster of Foxcroft Academy in Maine last July. Previously he had been with St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont since 1980. There he served as English Department chairman, head dormitory counselor, varsity Softball coach, director of the Advanced Placement Summer Institute, and, most recently, dean of academic affairs. Brad majored in classical archeology and comparative literature at Dartmouth. He earned his M.A. in teaching from U.N.H in 1976, then began his teaching career at Blue Mountain Union School. Brad's wife, Janet, graduated from the University of Rhode Island. She performs mime and is a frequent artist-in-residence for schools as a drama director or choreographer. She has worked in programs ranging from Headstart to Senior Daycare Centers. The Ashleys have two sons, Eamon 18 and Charles 10.

I wish you all mild weather for the rest of the winter.

Until next time.

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