With rehearsals for the musical “Scarlet” picking up, the Theatre Department is in full swing. At this point, we’re halfway through the spring semester, which means it’s time to start preparing for the fall. Whether that be planning classes, roommate groups or activities, all students on campus have something to work on. For the Doane Theatre Department, that’s putting together the show season for the upcoming academic year. Typically, this collection of shows is kept under very secretive wraps, with only the Play Reading Committee (a select group of students in charge of bringing forth potential shows) and, of course, the Doane Theatre faculty knowing what we will be putting on.
These shows are always revealed to the rest of the department during the end-of-year theatre banquet. This year, however, the Doane Theatre faculty decided to take a different approach to revealing the announcement. An email was sent to all Crete students on a random Monday in the middle of the day. That’s right. No big event, no warning, not even a fun drum roll. But what was the reason for this? Why did they feel the need to let all of campus know so soon? And what inspired these show choices?
After an interview with Robin McKercher, one of the Co-Directors of Theatre, all of this was answered.
“All theatre departments usually announce really early,” McKercher said. “The department decided that we wanted to announce as early as possible.” While there’s no exact date for that, McKercher expressed an interest in announcing future theatre seasons from winter to spring break. It will all depend on when the faculty and the Play Reading Committee finalize shows. McKercher explained the reason for this change.
“It helps us bring new students in if they know what the season is,” McKercher said. “It also helps generate some excitement from the public.” So prospective students who are interested in theatre can hear a bit about the projects they have an opportunity to work on in the upcoming year.
McKercher also shared some insider info on the exciting new season. Kicking off in the fall, “Rhinoceros” by Eugène Ionesco will be a large cast with the lead role being genderbent from male to female. The play tells a story of standing up to authoritarianism with a female protagonist, which is something theatergoers may find refreshing.
“Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson will be our guest-directed show, with Sasha Dobson coming in to work with the department once again. A story of women’s empowerment with a cast of five (four women, one man) will put a spotlight on the strong and talented women on this campus.
The musical “Come From Away” is the third show of the season, and is a perfect show for the new space. The rights for it were just released, so we will be seeing a lot of programs put on this show.
“Gruesome Playground Injuries” by Rajiv Joseph is a play that one of the theatre faculty, Joel Egger, has been wanting to do for a long time. An abstract and deep show with a two-person cast will conclude the season.
Remember: auditions are open to all of campus, so get out there and be part of the art this upcoming year!
