AUM theatre students are shown showcasing their talents during the “New Millennium Showcase” production. (Photo Courtesy of Frank C. Williams)
By: Kniya Potts
Theatre AUM aims to cultivate a competent, engaged array of rising student artists by presenting a variety of classical and modern engaging shows and the “New Millennium Showcase” proved to be just that. Next up for AUM Theatre is the play Buddies by Ben Abbott and directed by theatre professor Neil David Seibel.
Auditions for “Buddies” by Ben Abbott were held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13 in the Taylor Center Theatre where a prepared monologue was preferred but not required. Theatre professor and “Buddies” director Neil David Seibel urged students to bring a calendar with scheduling conflicts.
Seibel shared his thoughts about young playwright Ben Abbott and the upcoming production. “Ben Abbott has written a charming spoof of romantic comedy, offering our audience an opportunity to laugh at the foibles of grown men trying to make friends. No cussing, no controversy, no intense subject matter,” said Seibel. Seibel also added information about what the workshop production offers. “This production workshop offers Theatre AUM students an opportunity to work on a developing script with an up-and-coming young playwright. Ben Abbott is currently pursuing an MFA in playwriting at Hollins Playwrights Lab in Virginia,” said Seibel. The production offers students an opportunity to work with the playwright and gives Abbott the opportunity to make changes to the script..
In addition to achieving these objectives, AUM Theatre prepares students to pursue rewarding occupations as actors, executives, producers, artists, technicians, and more. In both mainstage performances and labs, students will hone their technical, directing, and acting abilities.
Students involved in the recent “New Millennium” production shared their experiences of being in the showcase. “Rehearsals are such a good time because we all kind of work together, and we all feed off each other’s energy and make each other laugh,” said accounting major Sarah Patterson, who wrote a poem and did a lyrical dance to the words.
Theatre major Tara Little said she enjoys working with other students. “I love how everything we do is such a collaborative effort. We are always working together to help each other get better,” said Little. Students also shared what they hope the audience will remember most about their latest production. “The songs for sure. And to maybe see the amount of fun we are having on stage and want to join, or even come back,” said the students involved in the production. Not all students involved in theatre are necessarily theatre majors.
The students involved in the theatre program gave some profound advice for aspiring actors, producers, and any student that is interested in participating. “Just jump in. It’s never too late! You can literally say I just want a monologue or just a part of a scene. Just dip your toe in.” said Little. She also mentioned that people should stop waiting if it is something that you want to try. Skyasia McCants added, “Even if you are shy like I was at first, just do it. It’s not that bad.”
Patterson also had some words of advice. “Put yourself out there and be willing to try new things, because there are so many different things that you get to enjoy and do,” said Patterson. The actors also mentioned that getting involved in theatre is about working on the lights and sound, and even doing stage management. “I will say, you need tough skin to be in this industry, because there are a lot of late nights, and a lot of inconveniences, and criticism, but you push through because you love the work.”
BUDDIES: A bro-mantic comedy runs Thursday through Saturday, April 4-6 and 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Taylor Center Theatre. It closes with a matinee on Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Seibel at nseibl@aum.edu or Faith Roberts, Administrative Associate Theatre Operations at frobert1@aum.edu with any questions.