SamWeb
My Sam
E-mail
Summer Repertory Theatre To Offer Five Shows In 10 Days
July 1, 2014
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt, Emilly Binetti
The Sam Houston State University Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre will continue its rich history of summer play production with a series of five shows in 10 days for its Summer Repertory Theatre program.
The productions will take place July 21-30, with all shows beginning at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre Center Showcase Theatre.
The 2014 Summer Repertory Program will take stage beginning with “Closer,” by Patrick Marber and directed by theatre staff member April Keith, July 21-22.
The production explores the lives of four strangers who meet, fall in love, and become caught up in a web of desire and betrayal.
Winner of the 1998 Olivier Award for “Best Play” and the 1999 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for “Best Foreign Play,” “Closer” was described by New York Magazine as “a sad, savvy, often funny play that casts a steely, unblinking gaze at the world of relationships.”
“How I Learned to Drive,” by Paula Vogel and directed by graduating senior Sean Willard, will be presented July 23-24.
The “wildly funny, surprising and a devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of the survivor” follows a girl who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.
“Pounding Nails in the Floor with My Forehead,” presented July 25-26, is a vulgar, angry and outrageously funny play featuring a series of character studies, concentrating on men who range from the seriously troubled to the absolutely repellant.
The play was written by Eric Bogosian and will be directed by theatre staff member Bill Thomas.
On July 27-28, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will be showcased.
Summer Repertory Theatre Schedule July 21-22: "Closer" *All shows begin at 8 p.m. at the University Theatre Center's Showcase Theatre |
The play, by Edward Albee and directed by graduating senior Christopher Preslar, is an intense dark comedy about a new professor and his young naïve wife who get more than they bargained for when they are invited for a night of drinking and debauchery at the home of a seemingly meek fellow professor and his self-loathing wife.
Finally, “The Shadow Box,” by Michael Christopher and directed by junior Jake Foster, will be produced July 29-30.
Described by the playwright as a play “about families—what family is, who you end up with," the Tony Award-winning production explores the experience of three terminally ill patients and the people close to them.
The Summer Repertory program is designed to emphasize acting and directing while taking a barebones approach on sets, lights and costumes, according to department chair Penny Hasekoester.
Hasekoester believes that the program helps students develop skills not only on stage but backstage as well.
“You learn how to work in a group and how to work fast, process fast and develop your skills,” Hasekoester said. “The rehearsal process is much shorter, about three weeks.
“The actors love it because it is about learning your craft, but it’s not for everyone,” she said. “You must absorb information quickly and make quick decisions. You are also required to participate in all areas of the production.”
All productions are for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $5 and may be reserved by calling 936.294.3968.
- END -
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office
Associate Director: Julia May
Manager: Jennifer Gauntt
Located in the 115 Administration Building
Telephone: 936.294.1836; Fax: 936.294.1834
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.
