Ever have the burning desire to be on stage? Feel the need to perform in front of others? Although there may have only been one opportunity to do so in high school, Ohio University offers several chances to earn your time in the spotlight.
Through involvement with club centers such as the Lost Flamingo Company, the School of Theater and others, talented young students are able to express themselves in many ways on stage.
Producing six to eight shows a school year, LFC was founded on the idea of providing students with the opportunity to be involved in many ways with the performing arts. In addition to helping out onstage, LFC also gives many students opportunities to work off-stage.
“Get involved, and stay involved,” LFC President Nathan Parsons said. “A lot of people don't come back if they don't get cast in the first shows of the year. As a group of students, if you don't get cast but are really helpful with offstage or backstage production roles, we see that you're dedicated, and it will help you the next time you audition.”
The Lost Flamingo Company is the only student-run acting troupe on campus. Not only are acting roles available to students of all majors, but almost every role in each production — including directing, producing, promoting and show selection — are also filled by students.
“Come to our weekly meetings for info regarding acting and production team roles, and of course, audition, if you're interested in acting,” Parsons said.
Additionally, the School of Theater offers multiple performance outlets for aspiring actors on campus. With programs held by the school, students are able to get a hands-on approach and learn techniques from the theater professors.
The School of Theater’s production programs are accessible to both theater and non-theater students. For those studying theater, there are even more classes and productions available.
For non-theater major students, there are events such as the weekly Midnight Madness performance, when graduate-student playwrights act out five-minute theater pieces. The program offers students time to work with the School of Theater and to develop their talents in brief sessions.
“There are a lot (of programs) that would offer a better understanding of the inner workings of shows at the School of Theater,” said Jamie Lish, a fourth-year MFA student who directed the School of Theater’s production of The Idiot this past winter. “This might allow them to have a better understanding and determine if they can put in what is required.”
Auditions have been held at the beginning of each quarter for a new production, which might change with semesters. To find out more about the programs, contact the School of Theater.
Incoming students can also talk with the Theater Association for Graduate Students, which can help them find more productions available on campus.
wa054010@ohiou.edu
