Practice begins the first day of classes for students in the Theatre Department. They need an early start since the first performance of the year will be Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy, which runs from September 28 to October 1, and then again from October 6-9.

Student and member of the Theatre Department, Dave Aspro, calls it a, “crazy modern comedy centered around a quite unique love triangle.” It is a story about a blind date that turns into a comedy complete with therapists, a waiter and a Snoopy doll. Beyond Therapy has been performed on Broadway with cast members that include John Lithgow and David Hyde Pierce.

Other productions that are planned are Hair, which will run in November with auditions held within the first month of school, and Ring Round the Moon in March.

Hair will be the first musical the department has put on in two years. It is about a political group during the 60’s that i7s fighting against the Vietnam War.

Jean Anouilh’s Ring Round the Moon is a play of love, money, and greed set in a winter garden. There is also the annual performance of The Toys Take Over Christmas in December as well as A Festival of One Acts to close out the school year in April.

Tickets for all shows go on sale September 8th, except for The Toys Take Over Christmas, which will go on sale October 13th. There are also subscriptions available for the entire year that will allow you to get tickets for the Christmas show early. A student does not have to be involved in the Theatre Department to be a part of a performance.

The University Players is a recognized club sponsored by the SGA. It is a club that is always looking to expand as well as always looking for new members with no experience necessary. The University Players put on a cabaret as their first performance last year and plan more this year. The Theatre Department offers classes that allow students to learn all aspects of production including acting, directing, set design, etc.

Classes offered by the department include Intro to Acting, Fundamentals of Scenery, Lighting Design, and Directing. Students work on the production of the plays to earn credit and valuable first hand experience. Come to a show this year, or better yet, come to them all to support the hard work everyone puts in for each performance. Tickets go fast for all shows so get them early.