Arts Anniversaries Aplenty at App State!
BOONE, N.C. – "One anniversary is cause for commemoration, but two such milestones in a single season are worthy of an unprecedented celebration." These sentiments were expressed by Professor Michael Helms, chair of the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance as each was heralded in his announcement of the spring 2025 season.
Helms revealed a dynamic line-up of diverse programming for the continuation of the department's 35th anniversary season with five spring productions scheduled from January through April in the Valborg Theatre and IG Greer Studio on the university campus. "From the intellectual salons of 18th century France in Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight to a modern-day devised piece of theatre Beautiful, Useful, True, and including a theatre for youth play The Fisherman and His Wife, based on a Brothers Grimm tale, the Dungeons and Dragons mystery, She Kills Monsters, and a half century celebration of dance during the Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble, our talented students, faculty, and staff will entertain audiences with exceptional offerings onstage."
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. "A cornerstone of our cultural identity in the department is the venerable Appalachian Dance Ensemble (ADE), founded fifty years ago in 1975," said Helms. "ADE is the creative laboratory for the Dance Studies faculty and students."
As faculty begin to dream about what type of dance that they would like to create for ADE, upper-level students audition to choreograph for their peers. The creative process continues as large numbers of students vie for approximately 45-50 dance roles.
Throughout each semester, rehearsals for six to eight different dances are held in the evenings and weekends which bring the new works to life. The original choreography for the Ensemble is primarily modern, with influences from ballet, jazz, and pop culture. Dances range from abstract to expressionistic, to rhythmic works of sheer physical energy. The ensemble is a concert for young and old alike, as it exudes the joy of dance.
Tickets for all 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.
A full listing of the Department of Theatre and Dance Spring 2025 season is as follows, with additional information available at theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight
by Lauren Gunderson
January 22 - 26, 2025
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
Beautiful, Useful, True
February 26 - March 2, 2025
Valborg Theatre
Conceived and directed by Elizabeth Parks
Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
This devised work of theatre is an ecofeminist story of earth, ears, and heart using the work of Eunice Newton Foote and other female climate scientists, activists, along with artists at App State as a springboard to pose questions about climate change, respect for the planet, and respect for one another. Initial questions explored in this project: What/who lies beneath us? What/who are we not hearing? What can we learn from marginalized or ignored voices? What can their resilience, their resourcefulness, and their approaches "from the margins" teach us? Can we create more connection and less hierarchy? What answers regarding planetary longevity and societal connectivity arise from asking these questions?
Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble
March 26 - 30, 2025
Valborg Theatre
Coordinated by Marianne Adams
Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
SADE 2025 will celebrate the Appalachian Dance Ensemble's 50th Anniversary. Original choreography will be created by new dance faculty lecturer Sam Stone and continuing faculty member Associate Professor Sherone Price, along with selected students and guest alumni choreographers. The concert will feature current and alumnae dancers in collaboration with talented design tech faculty and students. The Saturday, March 29 concert will include a tribute to the late Associate Professor Susan Lutz and a post-concert celebration and reception.
The Fisherman and His Wife
by Larry and Vivian Snipes
April 11-13, 2025
Directed by Gordon Hensley
Performed by Appalachian Young People's Theatre
I.G. Greer Studio Theatre
General Admission $5
Remember the Brothers Grimm tale of the fisherman who catches a magical fish and uses his wishes to bring happiness to his wife? Appalachian Young People's Theatre brings this classic story to life with a twist— you become part of the magic! This interactive performance invites the audience to step into the action, creating scenery, sound effects, and more. Join us for this fun-filled, participatory play that promises to be a "reel" catch for all ages! Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.
She Kills Monsters
by Qui Nguyen
April 24 – 27, 2025
Directed by Dr. Paulette Marty
Valborg Theatre
Students $10, Faculty/Staff $15, Adults $17
When Agnes loses her younger, teenage sister Tilly in an accident, she joins Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons campaign to try and connect with her lost sibling. But instead of simply playing a game, she finds herself catapulted into an action-packed D&D world. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. It is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Please note that evening curtain times are 7 p.m. for all productions with matinee shows starting at 2 p.m.
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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 at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,253 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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