The Department of Theatre and Dance will host its annual picnic tonight.
This picnic will start at 5 p.m. in the Quilhot Black Box Theatre at the Sage Center for Performing Arts.
Anyone interested in the 2023-2024 Tower Players or Tower Dancers onstage or backstage should attend, Professor of Theatre James Brandon said. The picnic is the annual kickoff for the department and leads into cold reading auditions, auditions without preparation beforehand, for the fall productions, Brandon said.
The dinner with pizza and sandwiches will last close to an hour before auditions from 7 to 10 p.m., according to Christopher Matsos, associate professor of theatre. Auditions are not required to attend the picnic but will cast for the two fall productions: an adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” directed by Matsos, and “Hamlet,” directed by Brandon.
“No need to be nervous about the process,” Matsos said. “It’s painless, and a great way to make new friends. All are welcome to sign up to audition, regardless of past experience.”
While auditions may seem like the main focus, Matsos said the picnic highlights other important aspects of the theater department, including information about the Tower Dancers, directed by Holly Hobbs, assistant professor of dance. Matsos said the design faculty will also discuss work in the three professional design studios – lighting, scene shop, and costume shop, Matsos said.
“The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a large number of opportunities for students at all levels of interest and experience,” Matsos said. “Whether students are considering auditioning for a Tower Players production or dance concert, volunteering for backstage opportunities, or making new friends who love the arts, the theater picnic is the best way to get started.”
Junior theater major Emily Griffith said she has attended the picnic the past two years and is looking forward to attending this year. Griffith said the event is a great way to meet fellow students and upperclassmen interested in the theater department.
“My very first week on campus, I went to the theater picnic and decided to sit beside a group of girls who looked like they knew what they were doing,” Griffith said. “The girl I sat right next to, Brooklyn Little, ended up becoming one of my closest theater friends, has been my director, and even took me on as her little in the theater honorary.”
Professors and returning students alike are excited for the year ahead.
“We are eager to welcome back our returning students,” Matsos said, “but the picnic is also an invigorating chance to meet new students and launch the year with new friends.”