In last Thursday's issue of the Daily News the challenge was made for students to venture outside of the campus bubble. Now, the question is if you've taken any steps to expand your cultural horizons.
One unique opportunity for Ball State University students is to attend performances at Muncie Civic Theatre. If you've never been to the downtown area, the theatre is part of the Boyce block that runs from 216-224 E. Main St. The block gets its name from the old Boyce printing service that was part of Muncie in 1880. It has since secured a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is known for having the first commercial building to use electricity in Muncie.
The theatre wasn't constructed until 1904, but the initial flickers of light haven't burned out. I could feel the electricity when the performance of "Cats" at Muncie Civic ended on Nov. 3. The cheers were almost deafening as the actors and actresses waved their paws signaling goodbye to the audience.
Let me inform you that Muncie Civic's version of "Cats" would've indeed given Broadway a run for its money. Often we think of the need for extravagance when the thought of a New York City musical crosses our minds, but to me it's rather uncomplicated. The 400-seat theatre in Muncie will get the job done.
Excuse me while I reminisce to entering my freshman year of college and being part of the Freshman Connections program. Yes, I was given a book to read and I wanted to burn it just like all of you because it was my last summer of freedom. I took the time to read "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" written by Malcolm Gladwell and it proved to be interesting.
However, we still tend to overlook the little things and think we have to "go big or go home."
I witnessed a little act of kindness by Muncie Civic's Executive Director, Darrin Murrell, that helped put my theatre experience over the top. As I was waiting for the show to start a few theatre patrons were having trouble figuring out their seating arrangement. Immediately Murrell rushed to their rescue and helped solve the problem by bringing out an extra chair so they could all sit together. The little acts of kindness paired with the other offerings of the theatre should help the downtown area tremendously.
Muncie Civic provides the opportunity for Ball State students to enjoy a show at the minimal cost of $6 per ticket. Other opportunities to get involved at the theatre and give back to the community include being part of the volunteer team. You can help build sets, paint, help with costuming, be part of the stage crew, audition if you're of the ambitious type or Muncie Civic will create a job that best fits your desires.
The final count of the eight performances of "Cats" came out to be around 3,000 people and included two sold-out shows.
Murrell said, "The turnout was about what we had anticipated because I had learned from my own personal experience and networking with my colleagues from around the country that 'Cats' was a ticket selling phenomenon."
Hopefully, you can begin to get away from the common thought that downtown Muncie is a deep, dark place of death. The downtown area can be a breath of fresh air if you choose to pop out of your bubble and take the breath.
Dan Ladig is a sophomore psychology major and writes 'The Peanut Gallery' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Dan at daladig@bsu.edu.
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