Caution: Theatre Exists Here

By Mark Paul McIntyre

In the last few weeks, the campus has seen some rumbling in its halls that hasn’t been seen since May and it is something that many of us enjoy to do. Theatre is not dead here at LBCC, and there is plenty of proof of its life.

I remember helping out for countless hours in the spring unknowing of what will become of the Theatre program here a LBCC. We put on a performance in the forum because of construction in the Russell Tripp Performance Center. It seemed like we all (At least I) were going through the motions. I am not in the smallest bits suggesting that we were not giving our best; it was more like we felt as if we were punched in the gut. A group of students, all from different backgrounds and all majors in the same department had the thought that there was going to be a suspension of the department. Our director was being let go and we were given only a one quarter notice of this. I personally had the feeling of luck that I was going to be able to finish my requirements for my degree and transfer to OSU; and sadness to my colleagues who were not finished with their requirements in time. Instead, there is a renewed interest in not only the performing part of theatre, but in those who want to put on productions.

The Albany Civic Theater (ACT) here in Albany is doing a casting call as well on Auditions Nov. 2, 3, & 4, 2009 for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. For more information call (541) 928-3488 or go to the ACT website at albanycivictheater.org.

Back on campus though, we have a Theatre Arts Club that meets currently in the green room of the Russell Tripp Performance Center. The actors here on campus are working on rehearsals of Tennessee Williams’ 27 Wagons Full of Cotton. There are two performances happening on December 4^th & 5^th in the Forum. For more information contact the LBCC Theatre Arts Club at lbcctheatreartsclub@gmail.com.

There is also going to be a musical coming up in the winter term. The children’s play this year will be Cool Suit, is a musical retelling of the Emperor's New Clothes. The Auditions are right around the corner on the first week of November here on campus. Along with musical director James Reddan, the acting director is going to be former LBCC and OSU graduate Nick Sheeler. For more information, contact James Redding at (541 917-4550 or amail at james.reddan@linnbenton.edu.

So you see there is plenty going on in the community. Not just for actors too. Bruce Peterson still has workshops for those who are interested in backstage work. I plan on continuing my dream and I hope others will do so as well.