Theatre Newsletter
Students, new and returning, gathered on the Allaert stage for the 2019-20 Theatre Department picnic. After completing the first day of classes, students, faculty and staff enjoyed pizza, cookies and lots of exciting information about the Galvin Fine Arts Center's upcoming season.
Galvin's 50th anniversary is a special season that began with Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies in the intimate Studio Theatre. The dramatic play, about a war photojournalist, was directed by SAU junior Luke Peterson. It debuted September 5-7.
Next is an instrumental group, 6-Wire, that will perform traditional Asian music. SAU faculty member and pianist Marian Lee will collaborate with the group for a night of excerpts from "The Butterfly." The show is at 7:30 p.m. on September 14 in Allaert Auditorium.
After that is this year's musical, Big Fish, directed by guest director Jay Edelnant. Students will also work with guest music director Saul Nache and guest choreographer Andrea Moore for this production. This musical covers the story of a son struggling to understand his father, who tells fantastical stories from his past that include mermaids, giants, witches and more. Performances are October 4-6 in Allaert Auditorium.
This year's children's show, directed by Daniel Rairdin-Hale, is The Little Prince. This play is an adaption of the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and was adapted by Rairdin-Hale and SAU alum Aaron Randolph III. Performances will take place in Allaert Auditorium on December 7 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
To round out the fall semester, the students of Dr. Corinne Johnson's directing class will hold a Directing Showcase in SAU's Studio Theatre. This showcase will present their work from the semester through several one-act plays.
To start off the spring semester, dance group Chicago Dance Crash will take to Allaert Auditorium on January 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Then, The Shape of Things, directed by SAU junior Ellie Larson, will be presented in the Studio Theatre. This play, which focuses on a college student's changes after entering a new relationship with a graduate student, will debut February 13-15.
Shortly after that show closes, Mexico Beyond Mariachi will fill the Galvin Main Stage on February 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Completing the 2019-20 Galvin series will be Dancing at Lughnasa, directed by Dr. Corinne Johnson. This memory play that recounts a young boy's past in Ireland will be April 17-19 in the Allaert Auditorium.
This season will be packed with a lot of great art, but the students learned that is not all this season has to offer. After Big Fish, first-year students will have the opportunity to participate in the Fresh Face Revue. This gives them the opportunity to perform anything of their choosing on the Galvin Main Stage. It is one night of great performances and a great way to meet the new talents.
In addition, the Theatre Appreciation Club also has a lot to offer and will host events like a Miscast Cabaret, 24-Hour Play Festival and potentially a theatre field trip.
Kris Eitrheim spoke about the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, what it entails, and how to get involved. He also introduced the two Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominees for this year so far: juniors Tyler Hughes and Ellie Larson for their performances in Tartuffe.
Eitrheim also introduced the award-winning tech team members: junior Anthony Duckett, sophomore Sam Lange, and senior Mel Maylum. Tech Team is looking for one more member this year and will be announcing try-outs soon.
The Theatre Department's scholarship recipients were introduced as well as the newest Kennedy Scholarship recipient: first-year Quinnie Rodman. The recipients of the McKinley-Manning Scholarship were also introduced: senior T.J. Green and Duckett.
At the meeting's conclusion, many students stuck around to meet one another and talk about possible opportunities to get involved during the school year.
SAU's Theatre Department looks forward to welcoming new students and wishes everyone good luck on the 2019-20 academic year!
To purchase show tickets or learn more about the Galvin Fine Arts Center, visit www.sau.edu/galvin.
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