Producer, Former Student, Distinguished Alum John Fiedler Reminisces About Working at MU with Dr. Elaine Novak
By John Fiedler
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Editor’s Note: John Fiedler, a 1973 graduate of Marshall University’s Theatre Department, went on to become President of World Wide Production at Columbia Pictures. Recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree and a Distinguished Alumni Award (1987) , Fiedler worked with the Yeager Scholars Program.
Mr. Fiedler sent this memory piece of the late Dr. Elaine Novak, who was one of his professors at Marshall, to her daughter Debbie (“Ashes to Glory”) Novak and brother. We obtained Debbie’s permission to in her words release this “wonderful tribute.” (Yes, Mr. Fiedler consented too.)
Debbie, I just learned that your mother passed away. I'm very sorry and I extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences to you and your brother.
Your Mom was a terrific teacher, a wonderful director, and one of the classiest women I ever met. She was warm, smart, tough as nails, and a person I was blessed to have in my corner. She was in complete understanding of the fragile, ephemeral component of the theatre and how truly important it was for us as students to harness our emotional investment in it in order to clearly express ourselves on stage.
No small feat.
As you know, I found my experience at Marshall University to be fairly idyllic. Further, and more important, I came to know how well I was prepared to succeed professionally because of her and her colleagues [William] Kearns, [Dr. Clayton] Page, [Stan] Witofsky, [Bruce] Greenwood, et al. I will always remember her essential goodness and grace.
I often grin at the memory of her hopping up on the stage during rehearsals in those gorgeous dresses and heels! Too, I still giggle at the memory of her furtively sending Beth McVey my way to steal me away to a music rehearsal room in a desperate effort to teach me to sing. She could not believe I could be tone deaf! I absolutely loved her.
The very best thing I can say, however, is that last year my now theatre & arts minded 12th grade son came into my office and was perusing the bookshelves and pulled off your Mom's "Styles of Acting". It now sits on the floor of his room among all the other teenage clutter and it is dog eared & underlined throughout. How cool is that?!!
NOTE: Fiedler turned producer after the executive position with Columbia Pictures. His films include “The Beast,” “Mortal Thoughts,” “Copycats” and several (“Pecker,” Cecil B. DeMented”) directed by John Waters. He is married to Bess Armstrong.
Dr. Novak (see separate story) spent 37 years teaching speech, theatre and directing plays at Marshall University. She received the 1987 WV Theatre Conference award for “Outstanding Contribution to Theatre,” the 1993 Distinguished Service Award from Marshall, and the 1996 Distinguished Arts Educator Award from the College of Fine Arts, and was inducted onto the Greater Huntington Wall of Fame by the City of Huntington Foundation.
Among other prominent names whom she taught Conchata (“Edward Scissorhands,” “Erin Brockovich”) Ferrell, Brad (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Lord of Rings”) Dourif and Broadway star Mark McVey.
The late fine arts editor of the Herald-Dispatch, Bill Belanger, wrote that Dr. Novak refused to take special credit for students who have achieved prominence in theatre and film. Belanger indicated that some of them still write to tell her what plays they are doing and to thank her for her counsel.