Here at Gustavus, fall semester is drawing to a close. Tensions are running high, just as morale threatens to dip low as final projects and exams loom on the approaching horizon. This makes it the perfect time of year to take a break from classwork and experience one of the many performances put on by the Theatre and Dance departments.
Shared Space, the dance production, is a collaborative work that is directed, choreographed and performed entirely by students. It serves as a way for both seasoned veterans and newcomers of the art form to bring their ideas to a main stage.
The performances will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 8, 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 10, and 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 11 all in Kresge Dance Studio.
Senior Dance Honors Major, Kate Dudley, who is a co-director, choreographer, and performer in the show, was excited to let the campus see “people doing what they love”.
“The audience should expect to see some of the most talented minds and bodies that I have worked with. Each piece is so different; they are so individualized and the conglomeration of them creates an outstanding show that everyone involved should be extremely proud of,” Dudley said.
There will also be two theatre Honors Projects showcased at 7:00 p.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 in the Anderson Theatre. Additionally,Theatre Gallery will perform at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, and 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Black Box.
The Honors Projects are two separate shows, created and directed by Senior Theatre Honors Majors Andy Lupinek and Andie Broman.
Lupinek’s piece combines two of his passions; theatre and dance. In a thought provoking and visually stunning way, he expresses the struggle between choosing selfish desire or helping others. Broman’s piece explores the connections that bring people together, and push them apart.
Theatre Gallery, much like Shared Space, presents an opportunity for students to create, direct, manage, and act in a variety of theatre pieces. Short plays, written and directed by seniors, are presented alongside 10 minute shows that were recently developed by first year students in Professor Amy Seham’s playwriting class.
Gabe Berg, a sophomore theatre major, is handling several pieces in Gallery. He first became interested in directing last year, while assistant directing the J-term production. He recalled thinking “do students do things? I want to do my own show.”
Berg has found the process of directing Theatre Gallery shows to be very enlightening.
“As an assistant director, you miss a lot of the nitty-gritty things,” Berg said.
He went on to discuss how he learned what the process was truly like by having to keep track of the many various aspects of a Gallery play.
Doing most of the administration for the Theatre Gallery productions is Junior Theatre and Studio Art Major Georgia Bebler.
“This type of project is a great way to get students out of their usual disciplines,” Bebler said.
Theatre Gallery gives all students an opportunity to participate in the theatre department, whether Theatre is their major or not.
“I don’t want you to expect anything—come in blind,” Bebler said, offering advice to audience members.
With such a wide range of students writing and directing the shows, viewers need to be ready for anything.
Theatre Gallery shows involve “more experimentation, new ideas, and risks than in a mainstage show,” Berg said, making them all fun and unique experiences.
Tickets for all upcoming events are $5 for general admission and free for Gustavus students and faculty. Be sure to head to gustavustickets.com to reserve your ticket as soon as possible, as these shows will sell out fast.