Though many Winthrop students find themselves lost in their studies this week as the semester nears its end and finals loom around the corner, the stress of exams isn’t the only thing on the minds of the talented producers, directors, and performers that make up Winthrop’s creative departments.
Preparations for shows and events are already underway for the spring 2019 semester by the department of theatre and dance. Winthrop’s galleries have released schedules for next spring’s exhibitions as well. The lineup promises a variety of opportunities to experience something new, or just get a few more cultural event credits.
The department of theatre and dance begins their spring season with “In This House”,a multimedia and dance performance directed by theatre education major, Jacqueline Cron and taking place in the Johnson Studio Theatre from Feb. sixth through ninth. Also in Feb. is a performance of the musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” directed by theater and dance professor, Matt Ferrell. The show, an old west love story between Annie Oakley and Frank Butler that has entertained audiences for decades, comes to the Johnson Theatre from Feb. 13-16.
Later in the semester, the Johnson Theatre will host “In the Red and Brown Water,” a story following a young woman growing up in poverty in Louisiana trying to escape her life on the cusp of adulthood. The performance, which contains strong language, is directed by Chanel Blanchett and will run from April third through the sixth.
But one of the most anticipated events of the department’s season is the Spring One Act Festival, a series of one-act performances put on by advanced students running from April 12 through 14.
“The festival is directed, designed, and stage managed by our theatre students. Actors in the festival are students from many different departments, not just the theatre department,” Sarah Provencal, adjunct theater professor, said.
The department has also begun looking for talent in the community to help out.
“We will have auditions on Feb. 18th, and we encourage anyone interested to come out, whether they have experience or not,” Provencal said.
Besides the festival, “In the Red and Brown Water” will hold auditions on Jan. 8, and the student choreography showcase on Jan. 22 and 23.
Winthrop’s fine arts are also gearing up for another semester of events. Several gallery shows are already planned for the gallery spaces in Rutledge and McLaurin Halls beginning mid-December and lasting into the next semester.
The Rutledge Gallery will host an exhibition called “Selective Memory” by noted artist Kristen Stolle. Stolle, who has had work displayed in the San Jose Museum of Art, Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, will have her work displayed from Dec. 10 to March 8. The exhibition is touted as an examination of the influence of agricultural business and biotech companies on the food supply, and a critique and exploration of the relationships between economy and ecology.
The Elizabeth Patrick Dunlap Gallery in Rutledge will host an exhibition called “Bespoke Objects” by Appalachian State University associate professor and area head of the metalsmithing and jewelry design area Frankie Flood. The internationally acclaimed artist will display his work on craft and digital technology from Dec. 10 through March 8.
