Fresh meat, fresh drama
Freshmen actors flood the stage
Margaret Ball
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Arts
To be or not to be involved with the theatre department: that is the question many freshmen have already answered for themselves this fall. Clambering to the stage door, a large number of freshmen have invested themselves in the dramatic arts at Hillsdale.??
The class of 2013 vied for roles in the production of "Our Town" and the student directed ten-minute plays performed this past weekend. Out of the thirty-member cast of "Our Town," 11 roles have been filled by freshman. ??
Associate Professor of Theatre James Brandon, who is directing "Our Town," said that the increase in involvement this year could be due to more opportunities. ??
"The larger cast lets me give more freshmen roles," Brandon said, adding that the smaller parts provide a "chance for freshman that think they want to do theatre to get their feet wet." ??
Over the last few weeks of rehearsal, Brandon said he has seen a lot of potential from the upcoming actors and actresses.??
"I've had an overall very positive experience with the freshman class," he said. "They have a good work ethic and take direction well."
Though typical freshmen are unfamiliar with most aspects of campus life, most who take the stage are familiar with performing.??
Roxanne Turnbull, one freshmen cast in "Our Town," wants to carry over her high school experience. ??
"I always did theater in high school - it's a passion of mine and I want to keep it as a part of my life," she said.??
Freshman Katherine Yelken agreed, saying that she was always involved in theater during high school and can't imagine life without it. ??
"It's a drug!" she exclaimed.
Despite their previous theatrical experience, Brandon said the freshmen have much to learn on the stage and in the classroom. Professor of Theatre George Angell noted that a lot of freshmen have filled the seats of his theatre courses this fall.?
Freshman Kyra Moss, pursuing a theater major, is taking Understanding Theater this fall.
The class of 2013 vied for roles in the production of "Our Town" and the student directed ten-minute plays performed this past weekend. Out of the thirty-member cast of "Our Town," 11 roles have been filled by freshman. ??
Associate Professor of Theatre James Brandon, who is directing "Our Town," said that the increase in involvement this year could be due to more opportunities. ??
"The larger cast lets me give more freshmen roles," Brandon said, adding that the smaller parts provide a "chance for freshman that think they want to do theatre to get their feet wet." ??
Over the last few weeks of rehearsal, Brandon said he has seen a lot of potential from the upcoming actors and actresses.??
"I've had an overall very positive experience with the freshman class," he said. "They have a good work ethic and take direction well."
Though typical freshmen are unfamiliar with most aspects of campus life, most who take the stage are familiar with performing.??
Roxanne Turnbull, one freshmen cast in "Our Town," wants to carry over her high school experience. ??
"I always did theater in high school - it's a passion of mine and I want to keep it as a part of my life," she said.??
Freshman Katherine Yelken agreed, saying that she was always involved in theater during high school and can't imagine life without it. ??
"It's a drug!" she exclaimed.
Despite their previous theatrical experience, Brandon said the freshmen have much to learn on the stage and in the classroom. Professor of Theatre George Angell noted that a lot of freshmen have filled the seats of his theatre courses this fall.?
Freshman Kyra Moss, pursuing a theater major, is taking Understanding Theater this fall.
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