Generous Alumni Give to Theatre Department

In an act of generosity, $3,000 was given to the SAU Theatre Department's Studio Theatre.

Ten alumni came together this year to raise funds for upcoming productions. Traditionally, each studio show is given a budget of $1,000, but this act of charity will allow for more extravagant things, such as more complex designs and increased marketing.

Not only is the money for the Studio Theatre but also potentially for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). This diverse theatre competition, which is in Sioux Falls, SD, this year, costs the Department thousands of dollars and requires students to pay $100 to go to the festival.

The generous givers that assisted with this fund included: Max Moline '17, Thomas Hennen '00, Eric Anderson '00, Jennifer Bjorn '98, Steve Anderson '99, Kathleen Anderson '01, Katy Miller '03, Jeremy Koch '02, Kimberly Kurtenbach '96, Abigayle Allen '01, and Ryan Ohr '00. These people have agreed to assist SAU even after graduating and focusing on their own careers.

"I donated because the Studio Theatre is a place where young directors and designers can truly find their feet and learn to walk on their own," Moline said. "It's a safe environment that allows experimentation and for you to learn through your successes and failures under the supervision of Cory and the rest of the staff."

With this funding, the SAU Theatre Department will be able to allow Studio Theatre shows to reach full potential without fear of going over budget. It will also allow for more creative freedom, and as Moline said, more opportunities for students to find their own way in the world of theatre.