Theatre AUM is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a production that include scenes, songs and monologues from shows that have been performed at Theatre AUM over the last 40 years. With a production like this underway, a moment of reflection is inevitable. “We are trying to incorporate as many shows as we can,” said Val Winkleman, who is Interim Head of the Department of Communication and Theatre. “Some will be omitted but we are paying homage – a kind of quilt – to the 196 shows that have been performed.”
This 40th Anniversary show will be performed by a total of 32 actors and technicians who are alumni, faculty or current students. “I am excited about alumni coming back and working with current students,” Winkleman said.
Winkleman feels that the greatest challenge is recruiting and retaining students for the program while still maintaining shows and productions. “I can’t think of one greatest accomplishment. We are most proud of students making it through the day, the semester, the year and graduating,” Winkleman said.
“The number one goal for the future of Theatre AUM is to become its own department,” she said. Although there is no definite timeline for this goal, it seems to be a priority to Winkleman.
Shows will continue until Sept. 27. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Admission for students, faculty and staff is free. Senior citizens and military tickets are $5. Admission for the general public is $10.
The Gala celebration is on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and includes a reception. Tickets for the Celebration are $40. All earnings from ticket sales will go towards scholarships.
By Alexis Rabsatt