Lipscomb Theatre announces an exciting line up of productions for this year
Lacey Klotz |
The Lipscomb University Department of Theatre announces its 2015-16 theater season as it prepares for the first production to kick off at the end of this month. With partnerships through Lipscomb’s Foundation Dance Theatre and Blackbird Theater Company, there is another exciting year ahead for Lipscomb Theatre and community members alike.
This season’s productions include:
- “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abriged)” by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield
- “Into The Woods” music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine
- ELEVATE featuring Lipscomb’s Foundation Dance Theatre
- “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, in conjunction with Blackbird Theater Company
- “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” based on the comic strip by Charles M. Shulz, book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner
“Our theme this year is ‘a turn on the classics,’” said Beki Baker, chair of the theatre department and director of this year’s production of “The Crucible.” “Each play this season comes from literature that already has some sort of historical aspect to it. Whether it is a tribute to Shakespeare, classic fairytales, Salem witch trials literature or a famous comic strip, our productions this year will evoke a connection to historically developed and pop culture-embraced work.”
Lipscomb will kick off its theater season with London’s longest-running comedy, “The Compleat Wrks of Willm Shkspr,” Sept. 18-27. Directed by Nat McIntyre, this fast-paced romp features 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 97 minutes. A show made up of only three actors playing all of the roles, you won’t want to miss this show in Lipscomb’s Flatt Amphitheater.
Also this fall, the theater department will captivate audiences with a production of “Into The Woods,” Oct. 29-Nov. 7 in Collins Alumni Auditorium. Directed by Scott Baker, “Into the Woods” brings everyone’s favorite fairytales to life with an enchanting yet dark spin on a rare modern classic.
Lipscomb’s resident dance company, Foundation Dance Theatre, presents ELEVATE, which features both Lipscomb students and professional dancers, will tell stories through movement and all types of dance, Dec. 4-6. Directed by Kari Smith and Leigh Ann Ervin, ELEVATE shakes up this season and helps to further launch FDT with its second performance as a dancer training institute.
This spring, Lipscomb Theatre, in conjunction with Blackbird Theater Company, produces “The Crucible,” Feb. 19-28 in Shamblin Theatre. Directed by Baker, this production is Arthur Miller’s dramatized and partially fictionalized story of the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts during the 1600s. Blackbird Theater Company, Lipscomb’s artist-in-residence theater company, was started by two Lipscomb graduates and is commonly known as the place to go in Nashville for innovative theater.
The season wraps up with the family-friendly production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” April 8-16 in Collins Alumni Auditorium. Based on the popular coming strip “PEANUTS” by Charles M. Schulz, and directed by Lipscomb’s Kari Smith, this show brings together people of all ages to celebrate the timeless story of Charlie Brown.
Lipscomb Theatre exists to provide quality entertainment for the Nashville community and has a mission to provide invaluable training to aspiring artists in a Christ-centered environment. Baker explained that one of the ways that the faculty ensures quality training is by exposing students to different directors who are experienced and understand the value of teaching students through the process.
Emily Hughes, a senior theater major, says she is extremely excited for this season’s shows and appreciates how the Lipscomb Theatre Department has helped aid her in developing her own skills as an aspiring actor.
“Lipscomb Theatre is a very professional learning environment,” said Hughes. “The faculty brings in professionals working in the industry to help teach classes, give lectures or lead workshops. They make sure we feel confident enough to work after college by teaching us the business and ensuring we are well-rounded students.”
Hughes has also been cast as Cinderella in this year’s production of “Into The Woods” and explains that although these shows are different than ones performed in the past, they are truly shows that a wide variety of people will enjoy.
“There are some funny shows and some serious ones,” Hughes continued. “Whether you love comedies, musicals, or dramas - any one can enjoy this year’s productions.”
Baker explained how significant it is to involve the community in Lipscomb’s theater season. She explained that it is not only a great opportunity for students at Lipscomb to perform in front of audiences of all ages, but wants to serve local students and expose them to the arts.
“One of our missions as a department and part of Lipscomb University is to provide service to our community,” said Baker. “This year we are hoping to help instill educational values in our local elementary, middle and high school students. Although our “Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr” production is only 97 minutes, you learn about all 37 of Shakespeare’s most popular plays and that is relevant because you also learn about them in school. Likewise, a lot of schools read the play, “The Crucible” and if they not yet read it, they will have the opportunity to learn about the Salem Witch trials that happened in the 1600s.”
Lipscomb Theatre is also busing local students to campus for its production of “Into The Woods,” as well as their final production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and offering student matinees.
Individual ticket pricing for this seasons events are $17 for individuals, $12 for Lipscomb university faculty, staff and alumni and $5 for students. For online ordering, click HERE.
Season tickets for all five events are on sale for $63.75 as a part of the Aficionado Subscription. Order this package and receive 25 percent off of the entire season.
Lipscomb Theatre is also offering a sampler package, allowing customers to select tickets to any three shows in the season for $30.
Season tickets are also offered at a discounted rate of $42.50 for all Lipscomb University faculty, staff and alumni.
To purchase season tickets please call the box office at 615.966.7077.
For more information on this season’s shows please visit: http://www.lipscomb.edu/theater/current-season