(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released the following statements after learning of the Iowa Board of Regents' selection of a new University of Iowa President.  J. Bruce Harreld was selected as the new University of Iowa president and will succeed Sally Mason who has transitioned to president emeritus.

"In recent years, the Iowa Board of Regents has conducted effective, nationwide searches for new presidents to lead Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa. With each search, the Board has worked diligently to find a president that fits each institution's unique challenges and characteristics," said Branstad. "I congratulate Bruce Harreld on becoming the new president of the University of Iowa and look forward to working with him to ensure Iowa students have access to high-quality, affordable higher education while ensuring that our colleges and universities play a key role in by converting university research into career opportunities for our graduates. "

"Leading a search for a new university president is just one of the critically important roles of the Iowa Board of Regents. I commend the Board for their thorough and deliberative search for a new University of Iowa President that allowed for the public to share their input and meet the finalists," said Reynolds. "I look forward to the opportunity to meet Bruce Harreld and learn more about his vision for the University of Iowa as we continue to work to keep the cost of college education in Iowa low while simultaneously ensuring that each of our students are prepared with an education that allows them to compete for a career in the global economy."

###

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will hold auditions for its holiday production of Oliver! on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Sunday, September 20 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Community of Christ Church, 2121 S. Ridge Road in Coralville.

Oliver! is the beloved musical based on Charles Dickens' novel, Oliver Twist. Director Elizabeth Tracey is also looking for performers of all ages to fill out a large ensemble, including young orphans, young thieves and cutpurses, and Londoners of all ages. Ms. Tracey will consider gender-blind casting.

Those auditioning should prepare 16 bars of a song that demonstrates your ability to communicate a character and should bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Songs from the musical are welcome and a British accent is encouraged but not necessary for the audition.

Callbacks, if necessary, will be held Sunday September 27 starting at 7:00 PM.

Audition walk-ups are welcome but priority will be given to those who fill out an audition form and schedule an appointment. To schedule an audition, complete and submit the audition form at www.citycircle.org.

MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Head to Timber Lake Playhouse on Saturday, September 26th for a private screening of Sweet 16, fictional narrative film shot entirely in Carroll County. The film will be shown at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Ticket prices for the screening are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 18. All proceeds will benefit the Timber Lake Playhouse.

Sweet 16 is a coming of age story about a rural teen whose world is crumbling around her who meets a twenty something slacker and risks everything at a sweet sixteen party in an attempt to find true happiness.

Lake Carroll resident, JoAnne Zielinski, and fellow DePaul University professor, Gary Novak filmed Sweet 16 entirely in Carroll County during the summer of 2011. Novak was appreciative of the experience, "Lake Carroll and the surrounding communities were a big part of the filming process. We wanted to give back to the community by holding a private screening that could somehow benefit the arts; screening at Timber Lake was the logical choice."

The film was produced through DePaul's Project Bluelight, a professional motion picture production company within the University's Digital Cinema program designed for students to get hands-on experience in motion picture production. Essentially, Lake Carroll and locations in the surrounding community became the students' classroom. In just over a month, the film crew covered a lot of ground. "The rural backdrop of Carroll County is just stunning and the perfect setting for the film," stated Zielinski. "We filmed in various locations in the area on dirt roads, in fields, at Lanark's Old Settler's Days, Bubba's, the Shannon Café, and Hunter Haven Farms just to name a few. From the volunteer firemen and women to the local police, the community was an invaluable resource; everyone we encountered was happy to participate on the film."

Auditions were held in Lake Carroll for principal roles and attracted teenagers from local area High Schools. Female cast members include Lake Carroll residents: Ashley Buettner, Charlotte Buettner, Lauren Buettner, and Page Pierson; Salma Alvarado hails from Morton Grove and Maeve Zolkowski is from Chicago. Male ensemble members include Owen Jones, Gavin Crowell, Ryan Walsh, and J.P. Walsh, all members of Chicago-based band, Give Back. The cast was rounded out with professional actors from Chicago and local talent from the Lake Carroll area.

"We are hoping to get a huge turnout for the two screenings so local area residents not only get to see themselves on the big screen but can enjoy the beauty of the environment in which they live," added Zielinski. After the screenings, members of the cast and crew will be on had to discuss the film at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse from 5:30 - 7:00pm. The Clubhouse Restaurant will offer a Sweet 16 buffet, call (815) 493-2810 for reservations.

Purchase tickets for the benefit screening online: www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, or call the Timber Lake Box Office (815) 244-2035. Tickets will also be available at the door. ####