Arts

Theatre AUM Now Showing “Weightless”

Theatre AUM Now Showing “Weightless”

Auburn University Montgomery’s theater is producing a brand-new play called “Weightless.” This will be the very first time the script is being produced. It was written by Meghan Reimers. She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree as a member of the playwright’s lab at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. “Weightless” is a fantastical and magical play that centers around a young boy named Caleb, a young woman named Lucie, Lucie’s overprotective mother, Marie, and her plotting aunt, Julie. The play exists in a world of magic. Lucie is cursed with no gravity and is bound to a…
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Theatre AUM’s Big (Top) Performance at KCACTF

Theatre AUM’s Big (Top) Performance at KCACTF

On February 8th, Theatre AUM went to Americus, Georgia to perform their production of Woyzeck at the Rylander Theatre as one of five productions in Region 4 chosen to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. All of the 23 cast and crew members attended KCACTF. The cast included: Kodi Robertson- Woyzeck, Brittany Vallely- Marie, Faith Roberts- Margaret, Jonathan Meinsler- Showman, Brandon Baggin- Captain, Antonio George- Drum Major, Amy May- Sargent, Kate Saylor- Doctor, Chris Mascia- Andres, Kiersten Mattox- Zirkus, Tara Fenn- Gypsy, and Kaylee Baker- Child. Kodi, Brittany and Kate were also chosen to audition for the prestigious…
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Q&A With ART Club Adviser William Fenn

Q&A With ART Club Adviser William Fenn

  In a Q&A with "ART Club" Adviser, Associate Professor and Department Chair William Fenn, we learned the importance of art at our university. Q: Why does the Art club take trips? A: The ART Club takes trips for three key reasons: First, prior to the ART Club being launched in Fall 2016, I met with an exceptional group of Department of Fine Arts sophomores and juniors who stated they felt it was very important for any art related club to offer students the opportunity to travel to large cities and experience various types of art not available in Montgomery, AL. It…
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ASF to Show “A Christmas Carol”

ASF to Show “A Christmas Carol”

There's no better way to get in the holiday spirit than seeing a play at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival! Every year, the Festival brings Charles Dicken's heartwarming and exciting play "A Christmas Carol" to life for the Montgomery community. Showings will begin November 30 and run until Christmas Eve, which provides plenty of opportunities for family and friends of all ages to experience this classic holiday story. Tickets are available now at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's website. By Darya Farsinejad
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A Review of Theatre AUM’s “Woyzeck”

A Review of Theatre AUM’s “Woyzeck”

This production comes from the mind of the director Val Winkelman, professor of theater at AUM. Her style in this production takes a deeply scarred character and adds whimsical illusions that cast a broken, steely light onto the strange scene. Each night’s order was determined by the audience. What should’ve been a chaotic mess of narrative pieces hurled into the audience’s lap instead fell together like sharp-edged puzzle pieces onto a black stage. Each scene presented itself on the edge of Woyzeck’s scattered mind, ready to fall into nothingness if done wrong. Additionally, Woyzeck’s character is juxtaposed between the ridiculously…
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Theatre AUM to Host Stage Reading of Dracula

Theatre AUM to Host Stage Reading of Dracula

Do you need a break from cramming for exams? Theatre AUM and AUM Connected will be holding a stage reading of Dracula on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m., as well as on Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. The reading will take place at the theatre located in the Taylor Center. Communication and Theatre, and Fine Arts students, as well as alumni are the actors, technicians, stage manager, and director for the reading. Along with the actors who portray each character, there will also be three narrators who will read the stage directions. For those…
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Filibuster to Host Poetica, Accept Submissions

Filibuster to Host Poetica, Accept Submissions

AUM’s student-run literary and arts magazine, the Filibuster, will host “Poetica” on Thursday, November 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. in Goodwyn Hall 112. This event is an opportunity for writers to present their poetry and prose publications from earlier issues. All AUM students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Food, drinks, and Filibuster copies will be complimentary. Since 2008, the Filibuster has published yearly magazines to showcase student works including short stories, song lyrics, journal articles, plays and excerpts, screenplays, photography, and visual artwork. On the Filibuster website, you can find full PDFs of previous issues as well…
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AUM Choral Groups to Host Fall Concert

AUM Choral Groups to Host Fall Concert

AUMCappella and the AUM Chorus will perform their fall concert at 7:30 p.m. on November 30 in Goodwyn Hall 109. The show will feature a variety of genres, including classical, folk, spiritual, and Broadway, and will be open to all AUM students, faculty, staff, alumni, and performing arts fans. AUM’s choral groups are primarily for students, but have broadened to include faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university. Auditions have passed this year, but individuals who are interested may contact Musical Director E.L. DuBose at edubose@aum.edu to learn more. Article by Dana Horton Photo by Frank Williams, of the…
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Life Told Through Podcasts: Top Five Podcasts to Consider

Life Told Through Podcasts: Top Five Podcasts to Consider

  Podcasts are what I would call the radio of the millennium. The platform is, in many ways, much like public radio. Some are actual public radio shows that are also on the podcast platform. The difference is that, unlike radio, podcasts are far more accessible, since there are so many ways to listen to them. Some of the podcasts that I listen to are often some of the “lesser known” shows to those aren’t familiar with the hosts beforehand. Many of these shows have a similar theme, which in my opinion, is why they are the top podcasts to…
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Theatre AUM Now Showing “Woyzeck”

Theatre AUM Now Showing “Woyzeck”

Theatre AUM is currently showing a play by Georg Buchner, entitled "Woyzeck" The play centers on a poor man struggling with external and internal forces. The title character is plagued by poverty, jealousy, apocalyptic day dreams, and bouts of intense anger. Through traumatic scenes of betrayal and murder, the characters pour intense emotion out onto the stage that doesn’t necessarily resonate a catharsis. With a such a powerful premise, the play is intended for mature audiences only. The cast includes: Kaylee Baker, Michael Breen, Tara Fenn, Tony George, Chris Mascia, Kiersten Mattox, Amy May, Jonathan Meinsler, Faith Roberts, Kodi Robertson,…
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AUM Actor Spotlight: Olivia Crutchfield

AUM Actor Spotlight: Olivia Crutchfield

Theatre AUM's humble projection onto campus life hides the eclectic and imaginative soul of its participants. To fully immerse oneself into any form of art, takes courage, originality, and talent that only few have. I interviewed communication student and budding actress, Olivia Crutchfield, and asked her what her journey has brought to her and what her art means to her. Crutchfield is originally from Odenville, Alabama where she played soccer and focused on school and classmates. She says she played soccer for 16 years and that her high school did not offer any theatrical channels, so she was unable to pursue…
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Woyzeck: Theatre AUM’s Twist on Tradgegy

Woyzeck: Theatre AUM’s Twist on Tradgegy

I spoke with Kodi Robertson about Theater AUM’s upcoming production of Georg Buchner’s tragic story about the heavy effects of war and military life on a man. This unique rendition comes from the mind of director Val Winkelman, who is also a professor in the communication department. Robertson and I communicated via email where he answered a series of questions regarding the modern take on this story, the director’s vision, and what the audience can expect. As confusing and ambiguous as online communication can be, Robertson seemed eager and enthusiastic in his responses, preluding to a play audiences will marvel…
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Relaxation Series to Teach Benefits of Coloring

Relaxation Series to Teach Benefits of Coloring

Whether studying for finals, writing a paper or taking a class, students are often overwhelmed by the demands of college life. Auburn University at Montgomery’s Counseling & Health Promotion Services has been hosting a series this fall to teach students, but also faculty and staff, methods of relieving stress. Overwhelmed? Anxious? Learn how to Relax! is a series that began on September 26th and runs until November 2nd. There are two sessions each week, Monday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Global Education Center, room 219, of the Taylor Center. There is…
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The Fitzgerald Museum to Host Annual Gala

The Fitzgerald Museum to Host Annual Gala

On May 6, The Fitzgerald Museum will host its 23rd annual gala and silent auction. This is a video about the event, featuring an interview with museum director Sara Powell. It was created by Rachel Wallace. For ticket information, please visit the Museum's website.
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Richard Herd Gets Real With AUM Students

Richard Herd Gets Real With AUM Students

During his AUM Lecture Series address, famous actor Richard Herd shared many words of wisdom with students preparing to enter the workforce. “You can’t have anything unless you work your ass off for it," said Herd, who is best known for his portrayal of Mr. Wilhelm in “Seinfeld” and Adm. Owen Paris in “Star Trek.” The now 84-year-old superstar has worked for six decades to earn his place in more than 500 television, movie and theater spotlights. After seeing his first play as a teenager, Herd knew he wanted to build a career in the performing arts. He encouraged students…
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“The 39 Steps” (Cloverdale Playhouse): Review

“The 39 Steps” (Cloverdale Playhouse): Review

“Have you ever heard of the thirty-nine steps?” Anabella said. “What’s that? A pub?” Hannay said. If like Hannay you think “The 39 Steps” is a pub, then, you obviously missed the delightful tale of murder, espionage and comedy that played at Montgomery’s Cloverdale Playhouse in February. As a first-time audience member, I found the playhouse’s charming, comical production of John Barlow’s award-winning adaptation to be a warm introduction to Montgomery community theater. The play is based on John Buchan 1916’s novel and was introduced to the stage in 2006. Since then, it has been played in many theater stages…
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