Announcing a "Monstrously" Exciting Season!
BOONE, N.C. - The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to announce a dynamic line-up of diverse programming to celebrate their 35th anniversary season, all centered around the unifying theme of "monsters." Four major fall productions are scheduled from September through November in various outdoor locations across campus and on the stage of the Valborg Theatre. Tickets for all 19 performances are now available online through the department website at theatreanddance.appstate.edu, as well by phone or in person at the Schaefer Center for the Arts box office.
While theatrical events have been part of the university since at least the early 1930s, the Department of Theatre and Dance (T&D) wasn't established as a separate academic entity until 1989, having previously been housed within Communication Arts. The current T&D Department Chair is Professor Michael Helms, who stated that he and his colleagues are excited about their upcoming slate of offerings.
Photo by Bob Brodd
"This season we chose the theme 'monsters' and carefully picked productions relevant to the current climate that might hold up a mirror to the world and show them who, exactly, the real monsters are." Helms noted that the campus community will experience a wide variety of shows that exemplify many different monsters in society. "We wanted to showcase how different monsters can appear in society and how it's all simply based on our perception of them."
Audiences can expect a whirlwind of different experiences, from modern-day devised pieces to the intellectual salons of 18th century France, to a grim Norwegian village. "These productions are both highly entertaining and deeply relevant in today's world, and I'm looking forward to our department bringing these performances to the High Country," said Helms.
In addition, the department is highlighting the talents of its students not only on stage but behind the scenes as well. Both the First Year Showcase and the Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble will premiere never-before seen works created by theatre and dance students and faculty.
A full listing of the Department of Theatre and Dance Fall 2024 season is as follows, with additional information available at https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/:
Climate of Change, performed by First Year Students
September 26 – 27 and September 29, 2024
Performances take place in Durham Park or, in case of rain, I.G. Greer Studio Theatre
Coordinators/Mentors: Professor Marianne Adams and Dr. Gina Grandi
Students $7, Adults $12
The First Year Showcase connects first-year and new transfer students with upper-level students and faculty/staff in dance and theatre. Throughout the process, students form a new artistic community. This inclusive, site-specific campus production incorporates anyone who is interested in majoring or minoring in any of the six-degree concentrations within the department. 'Climate of Change' is this year's theme for students to investigate, create, collaborate and devise as they begin their Appalachian State University experience
"Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight"
Patriarchy is the monster!
by Lauren Gunderson
October 2 - 6, 2024
Valborg Theatre
Directed by Dr. Ray Miller
Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
Tonight, 18th century scientific genius Emilie du Châtelet, and romantic companion to France's preeminent literary star, Voltaire, is determined to answer the question - love or philosophy? In this highly theatrical, fast, funny, sexy rediscovery of one of history's most intriguing women, Emilie defends her life and loves leaving a legacy that echoes its way into our hearts and minds today. Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. "This ambitious, non-linear experiment is a highly theatrical romp that literally crackles with electricity." ~LA/OC Examiner
Photo by laurengunderson.com
"Let the Right One In"
A literal vampire is the monster! Also, bigotry.
by Jack Thorne, based on the novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist
October 30 – November 3, 2024
Valborg Theatre
Directed by Dr. Derek Davidson
Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
Oskar is a bullied lonely teenage boy living with his mother on a housing estate at the edge of town, when a spate of sinister killings rocks the neighborhood. Eli is the young girl who has just moved in next door. She doesn't go to school and never leaves the flat by day. Sensing in each other a kindred spirit, the two become devoted friends. What Oskar doesn't know is that Eli has been a teenager for a very long time. "Let the Right One In" is an enchanting, brutal vampire myth and coming-of-age love story adapted from the bestselling novel and award-winning film. It is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Jack Thorne
Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble
November 20 - 24, 2024
Valborg Theatre
Coordinated by Sherone Price Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
The Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble (FADE) is a popular semi-annual concert featuring Appalachian faculty and students showcasing their talents in choreography and performance. The 2024 FADE includes original choreography by Dance Studies faculty members Emily Daughtridge, Sherone Price, and Chris Yon. Student choreographers creating new works for this program are Madeline Cefalu, Lauren Martin, Sarahann McIntyre, Avery Smith, and Maggie Talton with eight different pieces being performed each night of the concert.
Please note that evening curtain times are 6 p.m. for the First Year Showcase, and 7 p.m. for all other productions with Sunday matinees starting at 2 p.m.
This media release is authored by students enrolled in the THR 3445 Arts Management course in Fall 2024.
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About the Department of Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance's mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more here.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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