Apr
16
2018
Apr
02
2018
Backstage Spotlight: Marcus Godbee
When watching a movie or play, the focus and praises are typically directed towards the actors, but those behind the camera, curtain, lights or construction of the production are sometimes left out of the congratulatory applause. Those who aren’t center stage and lurk in the shadows of backstage are just as important to the success, and failure, of any production just as much as the spotlight stealing actor on stage. This isn’t Marcus Godbee’s first time being a part of the backstage crew at Theatre AUM. He has directed scenes for Theatre AUM’s Liberty & Justice and was the Assistant…
Feb
16
2018
“Weightless” Allows Audience Members to Fly Free
Neil David Seibel’s production of Weightless takes the audience on a journey into a fairy tale unlike any other. The show’s opening sequence doesn’t use a single word, yet still manages to captivate its viewers with otherworldly music and lights. The elemental characters dance and float across the stage, presenting themselves as mystical beings, setting the scene of a young girl swimming and floating in water. Before long, we learn that this particular girl, Lucie, is unlike any other. She laughs when she is distraught, she falls up instead of down, and she swims all day in a magical lake…
Feb
15
2018
Feb
15
2018
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…
Feb
10
2018
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…
Nov
21
2017
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…
Nov
20
2017
Slideshow: The Cast of Theatre AUM’s “Woyzeck”
This slideshow features the wacky costumes and makeup cast members wore for Theatre AUM's November production of "Woyzeck." For more information about the production, please see Woyzeck: Theatre AUM's Twist on Tragedy or Theatre AUM Now Showing Woyzeck.
Nov
19
2017
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…
Nov
08
2017
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,…
Nov
08
2017
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…
Nov
03
2017
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…
May
31
2017
Brittany Vallely Talks Theater in Warhawk Spotlight Video
This is a feature video about theater student Brittany Vallely. It was created by Deanna Chavez, Nicolette Parrish and Rachel Wallace. https://youtu.be/vbi17185UlY
Apr
23
2017
Kodi Robertson Talks Theater in Warhawk Spotlight Video
This is a feature video about theater student Kodi Robertson. It was created by Deanna Chavez, Nicolette Parrish and Rachel Wallace.
Apr
12
2017
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…
Feb
20
2017
Preview of Theatre AUM’s “Coupler”
This is a promotional video for Theatre AUM’s “Coupler,” featuring an interview with director Neil David Seibel. It was created by Deanna Chavez, Hilary Gamble, Nicolette Parrish and Rachel Wallace. Showtimes and ticket pricing information can be found at Theatre AUM’s website. https://youtu.be/HaDcPvPk5TI
Sep
24
2015
Theatre AUM 40th Anniversary Gala
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…