Sex on stage is a considerably shocking concept to most. But the director of Ball State's production of "Spring Awakening" thinks differently.
"It's not about shock," Jennifer Blackmer said. "Everyone knows about it. It just relates it in a way that respects young people."
Blackmer has been directing shows for 20 years, though this production of "Spring Awakening" has been her first opportunity to direct a musical. The relatability of the show is what initially inspired her.
"This is a great show to showcase the talent of the students," Blackmer said. "It's also the students' favorite musical. Usually as a part of the staff, you have to talk about and teach them why the material is important to them. With this play we didn't have to. They already knew. It just spoke to them."
"Spring Awakening" is a Tony Award-winning rock musical about a group of teenagers in late 19th century Germany. The show includes themes of sex, homosexuality, masturbation, sexual abuse and erotic dreams.
It is also very much about growing up.
"This show is about the difficulty of young adulthood," Blackmer said. "Not only physically, but also becoming who you want to be."
Though the characters are from a different country at a different time, the content remains relatable to almost every adolescent.
Sophomore musical theatre major Caleb Donahoe plays the role of Melchior, a somewhat rebellious teenager who finds the untaught sexual information through books.
"At first I was very timid, but then I just realized that it is very relevant to people our age," Donahoe said. "I sort of just channeled my own experiences. I just want to give people something to relate to."
Donahoe's family, however, does not see eye to eye about the risky themes.
"Members of my family are shocked and angry because of the controversy," Danahoe said. "I just encourage them to look at it in an artistic perspective. This is something I want, and to be successful I have to push myself and that may be uncomfortable."
Jessica Conrad, a musical theater sophomore who plays Wendla, had a relaxed response from her family.
"When I told my mom I'd be having simulated sex on stage, she was just like, 'that means you get to have sex with Caleb on stage, right? Cool,'" Conrad said. "My parents have been really supportive and understanding."
Though simulated sex seemed like a risky subject, Blackmer had a strategy.
"We did it with absolute upmost respect for the actors," Blackmer said. "It's just like any choreography, just like a fight. Moments when things have to happen occur, but they don't actually happen."
For Donahoe and Conrad, the choreography was not as awkward as the two friends had feared.
"It was scary to think about it, but when we finally just got down to business - to put it lightly - everything went smooth," Donahoe said. "We had really great directors who did an awesome job choreographing it. Surprisingly, it was not awkward. I'm more interested to see if it makes the audience feel awkward."
During the first rehearsal of the simulated sex, it was just Conrad and Donahoe.
"The first day we rehearsed that scene, I was nauseous all day," Conrad said. "It was just the two of us; the other actors weren't allowed to come. Me and Caleb are best friends in real life, so it wasn't as uncomfortable. Honestly, practicing that scene now is fun. We get to where we are just laughing at each other."
In the original Broadway production of "Spring Awakening," Wendla and Melchior were played by Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff from "Glee." When the cast of Ball State's "Spring Awakening" was offered the opportunity to do a workshop on Oct. 13 with Groff, they responded immediately.
"Ron Hellems, who plays the male authority figure in 'Spring Awakening,' was in charge of selling the tickets for the workshop," Conrad said. "So the day they went on sale, we all went to his office at 5:30 in the morning to lay down in the hallway and wait for him."
Though only upperclassmen get to perform for Groff, Donahoe is still excited to talk to him.
"I'm actually a little relieved I don't have to sing for him," Donahoe said. "I'm jealous but also relieved. I want to ask how he came to discover all of the things he brought to the character of Melchior. I'm mostly just thankful for the opportunity."
"Spring Awakening"
Where: University Theatre
When: 7:30 tonight, Friday-Saturday, Oct. 2-6 and 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 30.
Cost: $11 for students, $14 for faculty and staff, $12 for senior citizens and $16 for general public
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