Three dramatic plays exploring the emotions behind human interactions and relationships will open the Department of Theatre and Dance's 2012-2013 season. These shows are the start of an eight-show lineup spread throughout the University, Strother and Cave theatres.
STROTHER THEATRE
The season opens Sept. 13 with the dramatic play "Doubt: A Parable" in the department's studio theatre, Strother.
The four-person production shows what happens when a Catholic school's principal questions an ambiguous relationship between a priest and a student seeking guidance.
Senior acting major LaKecia Harris will portray the role of Sister Aloysius, the school's principal.
"I think that our shows this year really look at the human condition in many different lights," Harris said. "Doubt is the essence of a person and the lengths they will go to [in order] to do what they see as right and what sacrifices are made in the process. So, how far will people go to keep their certainty and stay away from doubt?"
Harris is most looking forward to how the audience will receive the show because the story is a bit different. Although it is still, "Doubt," the journey of Sister Aloysius will be more difficult because in this production, she is not only a woman and a nun, but she happens to be black, so it shifts some things.
"Finding my own Aloysius and her journey is one of the hardest processes I have had so far," Harris said.
Fall Semester will also include "Love/Sick" in November. Spring Semester will be highlighted with "The Water Station" in February and "Still Life With Iris" in April to finish off the season.
THE CAVE THEATRE
The Cave Theatre, Ball State's student-run theatre, starts off the year on Sept. 18 with "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph.
"Gruesome Playground Injuries" explores the relationship between time and injury. It follows the changes in the relationship of two characters, Kayleen and Doug, from age 8 to 38 and the physical and emotional scars they develop throughout their lives. Kayleen will be played by Samantha Sheeks and Doug by David Cole.
Director Alicia Herder, a junior theatre and telecommunications major, said the most exciting part about the rehearsal process and the most challenging part will be developing the actors' relationship with each other.
"[It will be challenging] to discover the truth in every moment and to find the simplicity in the complex dynamic of a human relationship," Herder said.
Cave Theatre features student-directed plays every season. Seven students were chosen this year, including Herder, to direct plays of their choice.
UNIVERSITY THEATRE
The mainstage theatre opens Sept. 27 with the Tony Award winning musical "Spring Awakening" as the Freshman Connections show of the year. The controversial rock musical adaptation tells the story of teenagers in late 19th century Germany exploring their sexuality.
Senior musical theatre major Meghan Conley will play Ilse. She said she thinks the show will reach out to kids her age trying to find their place in the world.
"It is unlike any musical you would expect to see and it really gets at the heart of the matter and hits hard on some really serious issues," Conley said.
Conley said the hardest part of rehearsal has been getting all of the voices to sound right together during the tight harmonies.
Kayla Kennedy, a senior musical theatre major who will portray the role of Anna, said she finds the music difficult to learn as well, but also very beautiful.
"I cannot wait for how lights and staging will only add to it and create a moving message," Kennedy said.
The show does include sexual context, but Kennedy said she thinks it will be relatable because the idea of a sexual awakening is something every person goes through.
"Truthfully, I think the audience will be a little in shock initially, but after they really listen to the stories and the music, I think they will find the beauty in what is happening throughout the show and connect to it," Conley said.
The dance department will perform its own works in "Progress in Motion: Contemporary Expressions in Modern Dance" in October.
The family-friendly classic "A Christmas Carol" will top off the semester in the holiday spirit in late November and December.
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THE BOX OFFICE
University Theatre basement
Opens Monday
Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 765-285-8749
STROTHER THEATRE
"Doubt: A Parable"
7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-15, 19-22
2:30 p.m. Sept. 16
"Love/Sick"
7:30 p.m. Nov. 1-3, 7-10
2:30 p.m. Nov. 4
CAVE THEATRE
"Gruesome Playground Injuries"
7:30 p.m. Sept. 18-22
2:30 p.m. Sept. 22-23
"PFV (Potential for Violence)"
7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-20
2:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21
"The Woods"
7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-17
2:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18
UNIVERSITY THEATRE
"Spring Awakening"
7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 2-6
2:30 p.m. Sept. 30
"Progress in Motion: Contemporary Expressions in Modern Dance"
7:30 p.m. Oct. 25-27
2:30 p.m. Oct. 28
"A Christmas Carol"
7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Dec. 2, 5-8, 13-15
2:30 p.m. Dec. 9
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