For the 10th year of ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts productions, artists and audiences this fall will explore troubled youth, embattled and grieving families, endangered shorelines, World War II losses and discoveries and, on the lighter side, will dance and sing to the sounds of Zimbabwe, the Highlands and contemporary America.
The Shore Line Project: This interactive multimedia documentary will be available in Reece Museum from Sept. 24-Oct. 5 and observes the tensions between unchecked development and climate change on coastal areas around the world.
Switchback: The famous duo of Brian Fitzgerald and Martin McCormack will be performing their mix of mandolin, guitar and bass at First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Their music contains blends of original American songs and contemporary Celtic music. Tickets range from $5-$20.
FL3TCH3R Exhibit: This exhibit, featured in Reece Museum from Oct. 8-Dec. 14, is an international juried exhibit focused on work with strong social and/or political content. The exhibit also supports the Fletcher H. Dyer Memorial Scholarship at ETSU for Art and Design students. A reception and juror talk with David Carson will be held Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. and will be followed by awards.
“Hamlet”: This production will include five actors from British theatre companies, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe. The production will be Oct. 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. in Bud Frank Theatre. Tickets range from $5-$20.
Upstate Exhibition: This photography exhibition will be available in Reece Museum from Oct. 22-Dec. 14. It features the work of ETSU’s own Art and Design professor Tema Stauffer. Her work examines the social, economic and cultural landscape of American spaces.There will be a reading on Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. and a curator talk and reception on Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
Nobuntu: This event features performances by a female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe. The quintet interweaves traditional Zimbabwean, afro jazz and gospel songs supplemented by percussion on traditional instruments and authentic dance movements. The performance will be at Central Baptist Church in Johnson City on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$20.
“Man Made”: This documentary follows four men in transition as they prepare to compete in the only all-transgender bodybuilding competition in the world. It will premiere on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in Brown Hall Auditorium. Admission is free.
“Chasing Portraits”: Elizabeth Rynecki’s documentary follows her on her two-decade search for her great-grandfather’s pre-World War II paintings that depict Jewish faith and life in Poland. It will premiere Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in Brown Hall auditorium. Admission is free.
ACMA Pickin’ Porch: On Sept. 22 and Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., a selection of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music top students will perform a wide array of traditional music. The event will be held at 316 Broad St., Suite 102 in Kingsport. For more information, visit www.pickinporch.org. Similarly, they will perform at The Down Home in Johnson City on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3-5 at 7 p.m.
Milton Marathon: The marathon will return on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Reece Museum. It will feature a public reading of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. The event is free to the public and will be accompanied by student art inspired by the poem and rare book exhibits of 17th to 20th century illustrated editions of the poem, including artists like William Blake and Salvador Dali.
Art and Arias: On Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m., the ETSU Opera Theatre Ensemble will provide an evening of opera with its rising stars in Reece Museum.
Five Alive!: Five a capella ensembles will join together on stage at the Renaissance Center Theatre in Kingsport for one night only. ETSU’s Greyscale, SwashBucklers and Harmonium will be joined by Armonia and Duly Noted from Dobyns-Bennett High School. Tickets are $10, and admission for students is free with ID.
This list is only a small amount of all of the great productions Mary B. Martin School of Arts has to offer. Student tickets are not limited to ETSU students and include K-12 students and those with a current ID from any college. Ticket purchases can be made online, by phone or in person. Schedules are subject to change, and more information can be found at etsu.edu/arts.
