Theatre department celebrates 100 years

September 13, 2010

By: Taylor Spaw

While many students were busy buying school supplies and figuring out class schedules during the first weeks of school, UK theatre students were busy with rehearsals and auditions.

From Thursday to Sunday, the UK Department of Theatre celebrated its centennial with a student-run play festival, which included seven plays at the Guignol Theatre.

The plays chosen for the festival have been in the workings for more than a year.

Nancy Jones, chair of the Department of Theatre, said the festival shows the best of the department.

“This is where students can really see their works come alive on stage,” she said.

For many of the writers, the festival was their first experience working with directors, faculty designers and all the trappings of main stage production.

The plays came through many stages of work, including public readings, and editing  and viewing from theatre professor Herman D. Farrell.

Theatre senior Allyson Smith wrote, “The Dance,” a play featured in the festival and said real life events inspired it. She said she hopes her play will inspire others to get involved in theatre and bring them back to see more performances this season.

Theatre student Ryan Hastings said he hopes the plays inspired people to get involved.

“I want them to see this is a place for everyone,” he said.

For a list of other shows the department is putting on this season, visit www.uky.edu/FineArts/Theatre/current2.html.

While many students were busy buying school supplies and figuring out class schedules during the first weeks of school, UK theatre students were busy with rehearsals and auditions.From Thursday to Sunday, the UK Department of Theatre celebrated its centennial with a student-run play festival, which included seven plays at the Guignol Theatre. The plays chosen for the festival have been in the workings for more than a year. Nancy Jones, chair of the Department of Theatre, said the festival shows the best of the department.“This is where students can really see their works come alive on stage,” she said.For many of the writers, the festival was their first experience working with directors, faculty designers and all the trappings of main stage production. The plays came through many stages of work, including public readings, and editing  and viewing from theatre professor Herman D. Farrell.Theatre senior Allyson Smith wrote, “The Dance,” a play featured in the festival and said real life events inspired it. She said she hopes her play will inspire others to get involved in theatre and bring them back to see more performances this season.Theatre student Ryan Hastings said he hopes the plays inspired people to get involved. “I want them to see this is a place for everyone,” he said. For a list of other shows the department is putting on this season, visit www.uky.edu/FineArts/Theatre/current2.html.