ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance had a wonderful past year and has many things they are looking forward to this upcoming year.

Karen Brewster, professor and chair, reflected on the past year, “We had two musicals this past year, in addition to two contemporary plays. It ended up being a very successful year with both of our musicals being sold out and our other productions were very close to being sold out.”

The department kept itself very busy, with multiple events and productions throughout the school year, both in the fall and spring semesters. Even then, they did not let distractions keep them from continuing to improve and aim for the next bar in their quality of performance.

Photo of Skylar Zaugg, Katie Lynn Thorpe, Lindsay Flewell, and Natalie Duncan. (Contributed/@etsutheatredance Instagram)

“We had two strong things this semester, the musical “Heathers” that we ended the spring with was sold out, all productions, and very well received. We got very positive responses from our audiences, and it went well all around. I think the level of our quality of performance reached a new height with this last performance,” Brewster stated.

In addition to their big musical, “Heathers,” they also were able to provide a production of “Eurydice” with the department’s physical theatre program.

Brewster shared, “Another high from this past year was with our production of Eurydice back in February. We have our physical theatre program which is headed by Dr. Ante Ursić, and his specialty is wire walking. He incorporated wire walking into that production of Eurydice, and so that was a unique and very unique approach to the show.”

With both individual busy schedules and two very big productions, the department was provided with many different challenges to overcome to give the best performances they could.

Photo taken of Eurydice musical characters. (Contributed/@etsutheatredance Instagram)

“Our biggest challenge honestly was just spinning all the plates if that makes sense. We were all as individuals super busy, and then as a department our productions were challenging in so many ways. It can be a challenge to find the time and balance it all. I think we’re successful in finding that balance, but it is an ongoing thing we must check,” Brewster explained.

They plan to have another busy season this coming year with many different productions, ranging from musicals to plays. While they don’t have the exact details, they have a lot to look forward to.

“We will be doing a musical in the fall and William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” for sure next spring. Then we will do two contemporary smaller plays, one in the fall and one in the spring. In addition, we are working on possibly doing a musical concert in the spring coupled with the Department of Music in the Grand Hall, whereas the other production will be in the Bach Theatre in the Martin Center,” Brewster shared.

You can find more information more information about the Department and its upcoming year at https://www.etsu.edu/cas/theatre/upcoming-production.php.

Author