Sophie Riley, Contributing Writer
Asbury’s Theatre & Cinema Performance program has been developing young actors and engaging audiences at Asbury for years, and it has grown immensely since its beginning. There are an abundance of entertaining shows coming up this semester, as well as some exciting changes within the drama department.
“The Importance of Being Earnest,” a student production directed by Sarah Cole, just concluded.
Those involved with “Earnest” reflected fondly on their experience. “For me, the most rewarding part is just getting to know all the other actors,” said Chad Carmack, a sophomore who played the role of Reverend Chasuble. “I’ve been in six different productions since coming to Asbury, each one with a completely different cast, maybe with one or two rollovers, and they’ve become my best friends in the world.”
Carmack also said he is excited for the upcoming show “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
“This is the first time in a while that they’ve just opened [a musical] up to all the classes, and I think that’s going to be great,” Carmack said.
This comedic musical is about a ruthless regional spelling bee and the awkward students involved. It shows Nov. 8-10 and 15-17 and is directed by Carol Anderson.
The comedy “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” is also directed by Anderson and premieres Oct. 11-13. The show will feature just three actors and presents all 37 of Shakespeare’s tragedies, histories and comedies in 97 minutes.
Chair of the Department of Communication, Worship Arts & Theatre Jim Shores said, “I think it’s going to be great because it has three of the funniest people on campus: David DeMena, Zander Shores and then Frankie Taylor. It’s going to be ridiculously funny.”
C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is set to premiere Dec. 6-8. This student production tells the beloved story of the Pevensie children and their adventures in Narnia.
Along with these upcoming productions, the drama department is undergoing some exciting changes. Eighteen students have been invited to participate in the Kennedy Center Region IV American College Theater Festival this approaching February. The festival will provide the students opportunities to develop their theater skills and showcase their abilities. Twelve students are attending for acting, and six are attending for stage management.
Jim Shores also said that a 3D printer and laser cutter have been purchased for prop purposes. Furthermore, a digital prop, costume and camera equipment check-out system is being put in place to allow equipment to be rented out to other institutions. He is looking forward to the possibility of a web series as well.
“[I’d like to see] some more short form filmed narrative as part of the theater program,” Jim Shores said. “That’s where we need to grow. We’ve got writers; we’ve got filmmakers; we’ve got actors. We’ll be developing that probably in the spring for next year.”
