Payton Mitchell
Staff Writer
As a theatre major at Idaho State University, I have been able to utilize much of what the College of Arts and Letters has to offer. The college branches out to students who are majoring or minoring in the world of the arts.
From my perspective at ISU, I have found out that being in the theatre department is a gracious experience that opens windows to numerous opportunities to meet new people, make connections and discover what you can do as an actor, actress, director, playwright or designer.
Upon arrival at ISU, I was fortunate enough to watch two productions before participating in one of my own.
For the Welcome Back Orange and Black event, the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” was playing in the James E. and Beverly Rogers Black Box Theatre at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. It was directed by Sherri Dienstfrey-Swanson, a theatre instructor at ISU.
Dienstfrey-Swanson later produced another show, “The School for Wives,” a comedy of manners by French playwright Moliere. The play first premiered in December of 1662. Dienstfrey-Swanson is also currently in the process of directing “Miss Nelson is Missing,” a Reader’s Theatre in the Black Box Theatre for children.
Opening night of this production will be January 29 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a matinee the following day at 2 p.m.
Vanessa Ballam, head of the theatre department and assistant theatre professor and actress, presented a production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” also in the Black Box Theatre on Sept. 25 and 26, and Oct. 2 and 3.
Ballam is currently performing in Ashland, Oregon at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre for a steampunk version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Once she returns to ISU, she will be directing a production of “Guys and Dolls” which will premiere on February 26, 2016. The production will run until March 5.
Of the fraternities on campus, Alpha Psi Omega focuses on acting. API is co-ed and students do not have to be a theatre major to be a part of the organization. Anyone who shares a passion for performing is able to join.
The group puts on fundraisers to help put on a production itself, which this year will be “Out of the Frying Pan” by Samuel French. The play will open in April of 2016.
Norm Schroder, a professor in the acting department, will be presenting Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” which will premiere on April 15.
The College of Arts and Letters provides many opportunities for multiple artistic mediums. Being a theatre major has given me many chances to broaden horizons and help to create something beautiful.
That is the beauty of the college: it allows students to create something for all people to enjoy.
