Announcements
August 2012
Campus memorial service for Mack is Sept. 7
A memorial service to honor Greenlee School faculty member Barbara Mack will be held Friday, Sept. 7 (2 p.m., central campus north of the campanile, program begins at 2:30 p.m.). A reception will follow the program. Mack, an associate professor and assistant director of ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism, died unexpectedly at her home Aug. 23. She was 59. Memorials made to the ISU Foundation in Mack's name will support undergraduate student scholarships in the Greenlee School.
SAC poster sale extended
Due to its popularity, the poster sale sponsored by the Student Activities Center has been extended. The sale will continue Sept. 4-7 (9 a.m.-6 p.m., MU Cardinal Room). There are thousands of posters to choose from, most priced between $8 and $12. Proceeds from the sale support art programs at the Memorial Union.
Cross country races will benefit 4-H camp scholarship fund
The Iowa 4-H Foundation is sponsoring a series of cross-country races at the Iowa 4-H Center on Oct 13 (first event starts at 8:30 a.m.). Registration proceeds will support summer camp scholarships for kids. Events on cross country trails at the camp, located near Madrid, include 12K and 4K races and a 1-mile family fun race/walk. Entry fees include a T-shirt and post-race brunch. Race details, including registration, race routes and checkin information, is online.
Veterinarian will give lecture on horse lameness
Dr. Anthony Webber will present a public lecture, "Lameness Diagnosis in Horses: A 40-Year Perspective," on Sept. 6 (noon-1 p.m., 2226 Veterinary Medicine). An equine specialist, Webber has spent decades working in equine orthopedics and equine lameness, including work with throroughbred race horses. His talk is the Kramer-Marks Equine Seminar in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
U.S. Highway 69 is open
After being closed for reconstruction most of the summer, U.S. Highway 69 from Ames to Story City has reopened. The project originally was slated for completion in September.
Summer hours at Reiman Gardens end Labor Day
Reiman Gardens' extended summer hours (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) will continue through Labor Day, Sept. 3. The butterfly wing closes at 4:30 p.m. The outdoor gardens, conservatory complex and gift shop will return to regular hours (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily) on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Tickets available Aug. 30 for Brantley Gilbert concert
Tickets go on sale Aug. 30 for country singer Brantley Gilbert's Oct. 26 (8 p.m.) concert at Hilton Coliseum. ISU students will be emailed a discount code with ticket prices of $30 (floor) and $23 (100/200 levels). There is a limit of one ticket per ID. Tickets for the public, faculty and staff are $37 (floor) and $30 (100/200 level). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, the ISU Athletics ticket office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. All tickets will be honored as general admission.
Osborn Club lecture is Sept. 10
Douglas Gentile, associate professor in psychology, will present "The Five Dimensions of Video Game Effects on Players" at the Sept. 10 Osborn Club lecture (7 p.m., Gold Room, Hilton Garden Inn, 1325 Dickenson Ave.). The lecture, which follows a club member dinner, is open to the public.
Paid opportunity: Become a Cyclone aide
Cyclone aides have the opportunity to:
- Complete over 100 hours of public speaking, professionalism, communication and leadership training
- Introduce new students to Iowa State
- Assist with orientation and Destination Iowa State
- Share your Cyclone pride
Information sessions:
- Sept. 12 (7-8 p.m., MU Room 3512)
- Sept. 17 (5-6 p.m., Room 60, Hixson-Lied Student Success Center)
- Sept. 18 (6-7 p.m., MU Room 3534)
Hold the date: "The Way Up" conference is Nov. 1-2
The 26th annual "Way Up" conference, aimed at developing women leaders for higher education in Iowa, will be held Nov. 1-2 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel. More information, including the schedule and registration, is online.
Deadline to submit HRI pursuit funding proposals is Sept. 21
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development is accepting proposals for pursuit funding to assist faculty teams with preparing large-scale extramural grants in the areas of animal, human, plant and environmental health. The intent is to support the expansion or formation of multidisciplinary research teams. The submission deadline is Sept. 21. More information about Iowa State's Health Research Initiative and pursuit funding options is online.
Comedy show in the M-Shop Thursday is free
Comedian Nick Rutherford will be featured at a free show Thursday, Aug. 30 at the MU Maintenance Shop (9 p.m.). Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; space is limited and patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Admission is free. Rutherford is a founding member of the sketch comedy troupe "Good Neighbor," a writer for Adult Swim and a performer with Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He has been the featured comedian at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, The New York Underground Comedy Festival and The SF Sketchfest.
Honors program seeks spring seminar proposals
The University Honors Program committee invites proposals for Honors seminars for Spring 2013. Proposals are due Sept. 14 in the Honors office. Honors seminars are small, one- or two- credit courses that give Honors students an opportunity to examine topics of current or special interest in an active learning environment. For Spring 2013, the Honors program seeks proposals from experienced instructors at any level on a wide range of topics. Seminars generally are limited to 17 students and offered on a satisfactory/fail basis. The Honors program will allocate $500 to Honors seminar instructors to be used for professional development. More information is available online or by contacting Honors faculty director Susan Yager, 294-4372.
Upcoming employee wellness opportunities
- Iowa State faculty and staff may form teams (2-10 people) with co-workers, family or friends and participate in the 2012 Next Step Challenge, Sept. 10-Oct. 19. The ISU Group ID is LHISTATE. Cost is $10 per team member. Each member will receive a pedometer, weekly motivational email, personal tracking page, access to recipes and workouts, and opportunities to win prizes. Register by Aug. 28 to receive the pedometers before the challenge begins; registrations after Aug. 28 will incur a $5 shipping fee for the pedometers. Register online or call 888-777-8881. Registration closes Sept. 21.
- Iowa Health's HeartReach Mobile Lab will do screenings at ISU on Oct. 17 (7:10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). The lab will be parked in lot 29, north of the Communications Building. Contact Iowa Health, 866-935-5432, for more information or to make an appointment.
Reiman Gardens offers half-price admission during home games
Beginning Sept. 1, Reiman Gardens will offer half-price admission during its regular hours when the Cyclones have a home football game. Regular admission prices are $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Because of the gardens' close proximity to Jack Trice stadium, parking will be limited on game days. Visit Reiman Gardens online for more information.
Obama visit Tuesday will limit access to central campus
As part of President Barack Obama's visit to central campus Tuesday afternoon, the university will limit street and sidewalk access on central campus. The area that is being secured for this event will include nearly all of central campus -- bordered by the campanile on the south, Curtiss Hall on the east, sidewalks south of Catt Hall on the north and the sidewalk across from Beardshear Hall on the west side. Information to help Iowa Staters navigate campus Tuesday -- whether or note you're attending the Obama event -- is online.
Volunteer and get free football tickets, parking
Keep Iowa State Beautiful and ISU Parking are teaming up to keep the tailgate parking lots clean during home football games this season. Volunteers who hand out trash bags in the parking lots for two hours on gameday will receive free admission and parking for the game. For the Sept. 1 Tulsa game, shifts are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shifts for the Sept. 15 Western Illinois match-up are 1 to 7 p.m. For more information and to sign up, contact Mark Miller at 4-1987.
Open forums set for MU associate director finalists
The Memorial Union has selected three finalists for its associate director position. The campus community is invited to attend open forums this week and next with each of the candidates.
- Aug. 29 (2:30-3:30 p.m., MU Gallery): Mark Rozanski, assistant director of the University Center, University of Tennessee
- Aug. 30 (2:30-3:30 p.m., MU Pioneer Room): Brian Stillman, assistant director, Division of Recreational Sports, University of Texas, Austin
- Sept. 4 (2:30-3:30 p.m., MU Gallery): Corey Williamson, associate director, Joe Crowley Student Union, University of Nevada, Reno
Funeral service for retired textiles and clothing professor Agatha Burnet is Aug. 28
Former textiles and clothing department chair Agatha Huepenbecker Burnet died Aug. 23 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames following a battle with colon cancer. She was 81. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way. Visitation will be held, with family receiving friends, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, also at
Burnet joined Iowa State's textiles and clothing faculty in 1956 and retired as an emeritus professor in 1993. She served as department head from 1973 to 1993. She served as national president of the American Home Economics Association, regional vice president of the academic honorary Phi Kappa Phi, on the governing boards of the Iowa State University Foundation and the ISU Alumni Association, and president of the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation Board. Her numerous awards included the The Iowa State University Faculty Citation, Alumni Medal and Order of the Knoll Faculty and Staff Award, and induction to the Iowa Home Economics Association Hall of Fame.
She is survived by her husband, professor emeritus of chemical engineering George Burnet, whom she married in 1995.
Registration is open for fall Swim & Gym
Registration is open for Swim & Gym, an after-school program that promotes physical activity for children ages 5-12 years. Staffed by physical education majors in the kinesiology department, the program includes swim lessons (5-5 :30 p.m.) and a variety of activities, such as team sports, gymnastics, fitness and dance (4-5 p.m.). The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 11- Nov. 15, in the Forker Building. Cost is $85. More information, including the registration form, is online. Questions may be directed to Jenny Smith, 294-1762.
Services pending for Greenlee School prof Barbara Mack
Barbara Mack, associate professor and assistant director of ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism, passed away unexpectedly at her home early Thursday morning. She was 59. A 26-year veteran of the ISU faculty, Mack also served as general counsel for the Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. Information about memorial services will be announced as it becomes available. Those wishing to share messages with Mack's family and collegues can send them to webteam@jlmc.iastate.edu.
Cyclone Cinema opens fall run on Aug. 23
Cyclone Cinema, a program of the Student Union Board, opens this week with eight showings of The Avengers, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. Films are shown in the Carver Hall auditorium and admission is free. The film series is open to the public. Showtimes are 7 and 10 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, except during Thanksgiving break.
Make your pet a Cyclone star
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa Veterinary Specialists and Blank Park Zoo again are sponsoring Cy's Pets of the Week this football season. Submit a photo of your pet sporting its Cyclone pride for a chance to be one of five pets recognized on the high-definition screen during a home football game. To enter, click on the "Cy's Pet" button on Cyclones.com. One of the five chosen pets also will win a gift package from the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center and Blank Park Zoo.
Reception planned for new faculty and staff
A reception for new faculty and staff will be held Sept. 5 at Reiman Gardens (3:30-5 p.m., Garden Room). A resource fair with Ames and campus-wide groups will be featured. Refreshments will be served, with a short program at 4:10 p.m.
Start time adjusted for football opener
At the request of Fox Sports and the Big 12 Conference, Iowa State will move the start time for its season opening football game on Sept. 1 (vs. the University of Tulsa) to 2:30 p.m. The game previously was announced for an 11 a.m. kickoff. The change will provide broader exposure for the game on Fox Sports Net.
Honors program seeks research mentors for spring
Faculty and other researchers with active projects are invited to participate as mentors in the University Honors Program's spring 2013 research program. First-year Honors students are initiated into the world of scholarship as they conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students can be mentored directly by the faculty member or a post-doc or graduate student member of the team, with the faculty member serving as the supervisor of record. Students and mentors are matched based on mutual research interests and needed skills. Students work either three or six hours per week; the mentoring relationship may continue beyond the semester at the mentor's discretion. Interested individuals should log in to the mentors website and complete the Mentor Information Form by Sept. 14. Questions may be directed to Dana Schumacher, 294-0172.
New Biotechnology Council members named
Aaron Gassmann, assistant professor of entomology; Kristen Johansen, professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology; and Jeanne Serb, associate professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, have been selected to serve three-year terms on Iowa State University's Biotechnology Council. The council makes recommendations to the Office of Biotechnology on program activities supporting biotechnology research, education and outreach. News release.
October dates set for girls' career conference
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering has announced October dates for its "Taking the Road Less Traveled" career conference for girls in grades 6-12. The conference exposes participants to career paths within science, technology, engineering and math, and includes presentations by professional women, hands-on activities and tours. The dates are: Oct. 11 (grades 9-12), Oct. 18 and 25 (grades 6-8). New this year is a workshop for educators and parents. The cost per participant is $8. More information, including the registration form and pre-conference activities, is online.
You still may apply to 2012-13 undergraduate research program
The Office of Student Financial Aid still is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Program, which matches outstanding juniors and seniors with faculty members for a hands-on experience in a formal research environment. The intent is to encourage the students to pursue graduate study. The work study split this year is: faculty sponsor (40 percent of the wages), college work-study program (60 percent). Guidelines and the application form for faculty and students are online. For more information, contact Julie Arnold, 294-0103.
Employee wellness event is Aug. 29
All faculty and staff are invited to attend an employee wellness presention, "Eating to Reduce Inflammation," on Aug. 29 (12:10-12:55 p.m., 192 Parks Library). No reservations are required. Feel free to bring your lunch.
VPRED office launches redesigned website
On Aug. 15, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development flipped the switch on a redesigned website. The site was reorganized to prominently feature the tools and resources that researchers need most. It also provides space for important stories, news, initiatives and announcements for ISU's research and economic development community and partners.
Use the feedback button at the bottom of the website to comment on the redesign or share any other questions or suggestions.
Reminder: ISU has an ethics hotline
Iowa State contracts with a third-party hotline vendor, EthicsPoint, to allow anonymous reporting of activities that may involve criminal, noncompliant or unsafe behavior impacting ISU. You may submit a report online or by calling (toll-free) 866-384-4277.
Poster sale at MU runs Aug. 18-24
The Student Activities Center is hosting its annual poster sale at the Memorial Union Aug. 18-24 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily). The sale will be in the Pine Room (off the Commons) Aug. 18-19 and the main floor Cardinal Room Aug. 20-24. Selections include art prints, movies, music and pop culture; most posters are priced between $8 and $12. Proceeds support art programs at the MU.
Swing dance is on the MU Terrace Aug. 25
The Student Union Board is hosting an outdoor Swing Dance Saturday, Aug. 25 (8-11 p.m., outdoors on the MU terrace). The Sentimental Swing Band will perform fun dance tunes and dance lessons will be available (8-8:30 p.m.), courtesy of the Cyclone Swing Society. The dance is free and open to the public.
ISU AfterDark kicks off Aug. 24
ISU AfterDark, student-run free events for students at the MU on Friday evenings, will hold its first event Aug. 24 (9 p.m.-1 a.m.), built around a superheroes theme. Activities include a magic show ( 9 p.m.), interactive comdedy show (11 p.m.) and green screen photos, bowling, karaoke and bingo throughout the night. An ice cream sundae bar opens at 10:30 p.m. Feel free to dress up or wear a T-shirt in honor of your favorite superhero.
Engineering dean search committee to host open forums
Members of the search committee charged with finding the next College of Engineering dean will seek input for the position description during two open forums: Aug. 28 (4:10-5 p.m., MU Oak Room) and Aug. 29 (4:10-5 p.m., 207 Marston). Search committee co-chairs David Holger, associate provost for academic programs and dean of the Graduate College, and Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean of the College of Design, and senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert will lead the forums. Questions and nominations may be directed to Penni Bryant.
Auditions for "The Nutcracker Ballet" are Sept. 9
Dancers from local dance studios are invited to audition for Stephens Auditorium's The Nutcracker Ballet on Sept. 9 (noon-7 p.m., Stephens). Audition registration begins at 11:15 a.m. Arrive early to complete forms prior to the audition times. To complete the audition card and forms in advance, visit the Iowa State Center or Robert Thomas Dancenter websites. For more information about the auditions, contact the Robert Thomas Dancenter at 233-0826.
Three performances of The Nutcracker Ballet will be held Dec. 8-9.
Use caution driving through campus
As students return to campus, remember to exercise caution while driving. Increased foot traffic will make driving difficult, especially on Osborn Drive. Try to refrain from using Osborn during class exchanges, opting for other perimeter campus routes.
Graduate students: Get to know the Library
Iowa State Library is offering a workshop for graduate students to learn about the Library, including how to find dissertations, influential research articles, and important journals in your subject area. The workshop will be offered twice: Sept. 13 (3-4:30 p.m.) and Sept. 14 (1-2:30 p.m.). Register now to reserve your seat by clicking on one of these links: Sept. 13 or Sept. 14. Contact Jody Kalvik, 4-6117, with questions.
Register for teaching tips, weekly teaching news from CELT
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) invites faculty and staff to register for its bi-weekly Teaching Tip and weekly teaching news emails. The CELT Teaching Tip provides timely and relevant content about teaching best practices, pedagogy, resources and technology. Subscribe to Teaching Tip.
The weekly teaching news email offers information about events including workshops, teaching and learning circles, and other teaching-related events. Subscribe to weekly teaching news.
English course offered for international visitors
The Intensive English and Orientation Program will offer an English enrichment course for international visiting scholars, faculty, staff and graduate students this fall. Session 1 (Sept. 4-Oct. 16) will focus on professional academic oral skills. Session 2 (Oct. 18-Dec. 6) will focus on conversational skills, cross-cultural comparisons and current events. Participants may register for one or both sessions; cost per session is $250. The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays (5-6:30 p.m.). An informational meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 23 (5 p.m., 406 Ross). Applications are available on the program's website. For more information, email Joan Chamberlin.
Center, ISU Dining will host Ames networking event Aug. 23
The Iowa State Center and ISU Dining will host the Ames Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours" networking event Aug. 23 (5-7 p.m., Scheman Building) with a state fair-inspired theme. Complimentary food and beverages will be served, and activities will include a "guess the number of items" to win tickets and "cast your vote" (with a corn kernel) for your favorite show in the 2012-13 Performing Arts Series. All ISU employees are welcome.
Open forum is planned Aug. 16 for SAC position
Carolyn Duven, residence hall coordinator at Iowa State, is the third candidate to interview for the Memorial Union's Student Activities Center leadership and service coordinator. An open forum with Duven is planned for Aug. 16 (1-2 p.m., MU Maintenance Shop). All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend.
Design team to present courtyard concepts at public meeting
Conceptual plans and ideas for the future of the Iowa State Center courtyard will be presented at an open meeting on Monday, Aug. 20 (5 p.m., 179 Scheman). Members of the Sasaki Associates design team will share initial concept alternatives. A site master plan is part of the $2.55 million project to upgrade and enhance the courtyard area. The meeting is free and open to the public.
EAP provider offers webinar on its services
Des Moines-based Employee and Family Resources, the university's provider for employee assistance program (EAP) services, will host an orientation webinar Sept. 12 (8:30-9 a.m.) on how to use the services available to ISU employees and their family members. Both PC (Windows 7, Vista, XP) and Mac (OS X, 10.5 or newer) users can participate. Space is limited; register online now.
ISU joins service-oriented Iowa Campus Compact
Iowa State recently joined the Iowa Campus Compact, a network of Iowa colleges and universities focused on promoting civic engagement by students. Members of the group are committed to the public purpose of higher education, including service-learning opportunities that engage students and impact communities.
"Iowa Campus Compact is a perfect fit with Iowa State¹s land-grant mission,² said President Steven Leath. "Working with students to become engaged in their communities is at the heart of what we do, and their service helps make Iowa a great place to live and work."
Comments sought on draft policy: Youth activities, pre-collegiate programs and camps
Are you involved in ISU programs that involve working with children younger than 18 years? If so, you're invited to review Iowa State's draft policy on youth activities, pre-collegiate programs and camps. Comments should be sent to policy@iastate.edu by Sept. 4.
Aug. 30 welcome event planned for black faculty and staff
An Aug. 30 kick-off reception (4-6 p.m., Multicultural Center, MU) has been planned to help relaunch the Black Faculty and Staff Association. Designed to cultivate and connect black faculty and staff with the greater university community, the BFSA provides a support system and platform to share thoughts, concerns, needs and ideas to support the university's mission. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Audrey Kennis, 4-8469.
Discrimination/harassment prevention training is free
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance invites all ISU employees (faculty, merit, P&S) to attend a general session on discrimination and harassment prevention. The 90-minute session will be offered several times each month this fall. Registration, including dates and times, is online via AccessPlus (once logged in, under employee tab, click on HRS training to see sessions listed alphabetically). Questions may be directed to Sara Brock, 4-7612.
Extension and Outreach schedules town hall meetings
Extension and Outreach wants to hear from Iowans about how Iowa State, in partnership with counties, can best serve citizens. Five town hall meetings have been scheduled across the state, including one Monday, Aug. 27, at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial Union Sun Room. Cathann Kress, Extension and Outreach vice president, and Terry Maloy, Iowa Association of County Extension Councils executive director, will participate in these conversations with Iowans.
“We are committed to listening to Iowans as we carry out our mission," Kress said. "We want to gather feedback about what we are doing well, where we need to improve and what needs to be addressed. All Iowans – citizens, community leaders, decision makers, partners, staff and extension council members – are welcome.”
Town hall meetings also will be held:
- Monday, Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m., Atlantic: Cass County ISU Extension and Outreach Office, 805 West 10th St.
- Monday, Sept.17, 10:30 a.m., Storm Lake: Prairie Lakes AEA Conference Room, 824 Flindt Drive
- Tuesday, Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m., Oskaloosa: Mahaska County ISU Extension and Outreach Office, 212 North I St.
- Wednesday, Sept.19, 10:30 a.m., Waterloo: Waterloo Center for the Arts, Law Court Theater, 225 Commercial St.
Reminder: Register for new faculty orientation events Aug. 14-15
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching will hold a university teaching seminar Aug 14 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Scheman Building) for all new teachers, including teaching assistants. The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost invites all new tenure-eligible faculty to an orientation session Aug. 15 (7:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens). Registration for both events closes this week.
Traffic congestion likely during student move-in
Students living in the residence halls this year will be moving back Aug. 14-17. The residence department suggests that faculty and staff avoid areas where move-in congestion may occur, including Union Drive in the southwest part of campus and Beach Road on the east edge.
Open forums set for student activities post
Two candidates will interview on campus for the leadership and service coordinator position in the Student Activities Center at the Memorial Union. This position coordinates leadership development conferences, community service events and the alternative breaks program; and serves as adviser to Dance Marathon, Freshmen Council and other service-focused student groups. Interested faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in an open forum for each of the candidates, to be held in the MU Maintenance Shop (2-3 p.m.) on these dates:
- Aug. 10: Kevin Merrill, ISU College of Human Sciences
- Aug. 13: Jessica Wilke, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Reporting process for work injury is streamlined
Staff in Human Resource Services and Environmental Health and Safety have combined the First Report of Injury and Accident Investigation online forms into a single form, creating a more efficient and user-friendly process for employees and supervisors who need to report a work injury. The change is effective Aug. 2.
The updated First Report of Injury system can be found in the same location (in AccessPlus and the "Employee" tab, click on "work injury" in the left column). The accident investigation report, which is used by EH&S staff, is accessed via a new "supervisor" tab in the online form.
Questions regarding the new process may be directed to HR Services, 4-3753.
Summer session ends Aug. 3
Iowa State's summer term concludes on Friday, Aug. 3. Students who completed their degrees during summer session have the option to participate in the May or December commencement activities.
Classes for fall semester begin on Monday, Aug. 20.
Arts and events
'Die Fledermaus' is a farce of mistaken identity, flirtation and a practical joke with unanticipated consequences. It opens Nov. 7 in Fisher Theater.
