VSU Theatre & Dance Photo Gallery

Each academic year, VSU Theatre produces an aggressive production season of 7 productions. Below are some images from past seasons.

Current season's schedule.

Ticket, Membership and Box Office information.

2008-2009

Doubt
By John Partrick Shanley
Directed by Jacque Wheeler

Pictured: J. R. Shuman as Father Flynn

September 18-24, 2008, Lab Theatre

alumni and faculty gathered at 2008's pro-conn networking session

Back row, pictured L-R: Professor Jacque Wheeler, Professor Emeritus
Dr. Randy Wheeler, Debra Fordham, Jason Courson, Joe Powell,
Theatre-Dance Area Chair & VSU Alum Duke Guthrie, Dexter Porter,
James David Jackson, Chris Bell, David Flores,Kevin Harris, Steven
O'Neal, Justin Barnette. Middle row: Renee Haines, Megan Formwalt,
Alston Brown, Lindsey Lamb Archer, Nate Suggs, Jonathan Able,
Monica Redman, . Kneeling in front: Ann Lackey (VSU Foundation
Board of Trustees), Drew Archer, Rob Wheeler, Summer Baldwin,
Tiffany Grant, Adam Carr.

pro-conn
VSU Theatre & Dance has developed a program called pro-conn (professional connections). It is a program that brings professionals to campus, and schedules trips for interested participants to major theatre markets in an effort to assist students in their transition from the academy into the industry.

In October, 2008, a trip was taken to New York City, where participating students and alumni were seen by as many as 5 casting directors, an agent, participated in a dance class led by the dance captain of a Broadway musical, back stage tours and discussions with an AEA stage manager, an associate director with several projects on Broadway and the author of a Broadway musical.

A highlight of the trip is the annual networking session with students and alumni. Pictured here are the alums of the program as they gathered on the roof garden of Cornelia Day Resort.

Special thanks to Steven O'Neal of Cornelia Day Resort; John Trombetta, Director of VSU Alumni Relations; Kate Heine of VSU's Communications Unit.

Beyond the Footlights: the annual concert by the VSU Repertory Dancers
Choreographed by Eric Nielsen, Catherine Schaeffer, Sarah McAllister

Pictured: a moment from FERTILE GROUND.

October 23 - 26, 2008, Sawyer Theatre

Sir Toby, Fool and Sir Andrew in their Mardi Gras masks in 2008's TWELFTH NIGHT

Twelfth Night or What You Will
By William Shakespeare
Directed by H. Duke Guthrie

Pictured Sam Raffield as Sir Toby, Chauntae Pink as Fool, Isaac Huntington as Sir Andrew. Masks designed and constructed by senior Josh Alva.

November 13-19, 2008, Sawyer Theatre

Stuart Little
By Joseph Robinette, based on the novel by E. B. White
VSU Theatre & Dance's annual theatre-for-youth tour
Directed by Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff
February 6 & 7, 2009, Lab Theatre
Plus tour dates in February and March, 2009

The Grapes of Wrath
By Frank Galati, from the novel by John Steinbeck
Directed by Jacque Wheeler
February 19-25, 2009, Sawyer Theatre

On the Verge or the Geography of Yearning
By Eric Overmyer
Directed by Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff
March 26-April 1, 2009, Lab Theatre

Footloose
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford & Walter Bobbie
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Additional Music by: Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman.
Directed & Choreographed by Eric Nielsen
April 16-22, 2009, Sawyer Theatre

2007-2008.
The 2007-2008 season consisted of Wit, the annual dance concert Steps in Time, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Fantastic Return of the Fabulous Fable Factory, Holler Me Home ( a world premiere that was accepted into the Out of the Loop Festival at Addison, TX's Watertower Theatre, Shaw's Arms and the Man, and Show Boat.

	Wit By Margaret Edson Directed by Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff Pictured: Patrick Rivers, Annie Janson September 13-19, 2007, Lab Theatre
	Steps in Time, the Annual Dance Concert Choreography by Eric Brandt Nielsen, Catherine Schaeffer, Sarah McCalister October 7-10, 2007, Sawyer Theatre
	*The Man Who Came to Dinner* By George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart Directed by Jacque Wheeler Pictured: H. Duke Guthrie, Carla Olivar and Carl Glasscock November 8-14, 2007, Sawyer Theatre
	*The Fantastic Return of the Fabulous Fable Factory* Book by Joseph Robinette, Music by Thomas Tierney, Lyrics by Thomas Tierney and Joseph Robinette Directed by Jacque Wheeler, Vocal Direction by Michael Elliott Pictured: Megan Wheeler, Melissa Porter, Elizabeth Dunn, Kelly Murrya, Shelina Smith, Shelby Nichols. Front: Joel Mosely, Lana Grube February 1 & 2, 2008, Sawyer Theatre, plus regional tour
	Holler Me Home By Debra Fordham Directed by Randy Wheeler Pictured: Rick Patrick, Heather Cross, Raoul Barnick February 14-20, 2008, Sawyer Theatre
	Holler Me Home By Debra Fordham Directed by Randy Wheeler The Company and Alums outside the Water Tower Theatre, home of the Out of the Loop Festival in Addison, TX, (Dallas.) March 15 & 16, 2008 . Pictured Back Row: Raoul Barnick, Lindsay Mouchet, Debra Fordham, Prof. Duke Guthrie, Prof. Jacque Wheeler, Rick Patrick, Prof. Marty Lynch, Thomas Poje, Heather Cross, Kyle Tutton. Middle Row: Lauren Futch, Christa Carroll, Katie Cathell, Alum Landrie Bock, Alum Michael Cheek. Front Row: Drew Giles, Rachel Wayne, Phillip Jones, Alum Joe Muncy.
	*Arms and the Man* By George Bernard Shaw Directed by H. Duke Guthrie Pictured: Lauren Riner as Louka, Zack Lorber as Sergius March 20-26, 2008, Lab Theatre
	Show Boat By Oscar Hammerstein, II Directed by Jacque Wheeler, Choreographed by Eric Brandt NielsenVocal Direction by Michael Elliott, Musical Direction by Dr. Joe Brashier. The cast of Show Boat April 17-23, 2008, Sawyer Theatre

2006-2007
The 06-07 Season included: Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, The Crucible, Journeys (the annual dance concert), Gaité Parisienne (the theatre-for-youth tour), Shadowlands, The Commedia Project (an original Commedia scenario), and Sugar Babies.

		Five Women Wearing the Same Dress By Alan Ball Directed by H. Duke Guthrie Designed by Jonathan Fries (set), Rich Haptonstall (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), Marty Lynch (technical direction) Pictured L-R: Sylvia Stanton, Deanna D. Boyd, Lindsay Calhoon, Megan Wheeler, Elizabeth C. Dunn. September 14-20, 2006, Lab Theatre
		The Crucible By Arthur Miller Directed by Jacque Wheeler Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set), Ryan Robicheaux (lighting), Ali Braun (costumes), Marty Lynch (technical direction), Catherine Schaeffer (choreography) Pictured L-R: Craig A. Popham, Patrick A. Rivers, Kerri Pinter, Jonathan Able, Annie Janson, Christa Carrol, Zach Lorber, Vinyetta V. James (front). October 5-11, 2006, Sawyer Theatre
		JOURNEYS: A Centennial Dance Celebration Choreographed by: Sarah McCalister, Eric Brandt Nielsen, & Catherine Schaeffer Designed by: Rich Haptonstall (set), Marty Lynch (lighting & technical direction), LeVonne Lindsay, Kathy Raess-Young, & Ali Braun (costumes) Pictured L-R: Ashton Jones, Antonia Poarch, Rose Buis, Keri Toggerson, Ali Wambold, Erin Atcheson, Rodney Wiggins. November 9-11, 2006, Sawyer Theatre
		Gaité Parisienne A touring dance presentation for young audiences Choreographed by Sarah McCalister Designed by: Rich Haptonstall (set), Marty Lynch (lighting), Cynthia Burckel (costumes) Pictured: Carlye McLaughlin February 2, 3, 23, 24, 2007, Sawyer Theatre
		Shadowlands By William Nicholson Directed by Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff Designed by: Marty Lynch (set). Rich Haptonstall (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes) Pictured L-R: Kamie Sullivan, Liam Bickerstaff February 15-21, 2007, Lab Theatre
		The Commedia Project: La Commedia di Amore An Original Commedia Scenario in Two Acts Developed by the Troupe members along with Lindsay Herring, Lindsey Mouchet, Kerri Pinder, Jennifer Ruffin, Robert Weathers, Austin Webb, Rodney Wiggins, Deborah Morgan, & Jacque Wheeler Directed by: Jacque Wheeler Designed by: Lindsay Herring (set), Rich Haptonstall (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), Marty Lynch (technical direction), Deborah Morgan (dramaturg) Pictured L-R: Patrick A. Rivers, Andy Wood, Kristina Prince, Raoul Barnick, Laura Gilreath, Tommy Venuti, Hannah Woods, Josh Burke, Anna R. Crowe, Chris Hutcheson
		Sugar Babies Conceived by Ralph G. Allen & Harry Rigby. Sketches by Ralph G. Allen based on traditional material Music by Jimmy McHugh, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and Al Dubin Additional music & lyrics by Arthur Malvin, "Sugar Baby Bounce" by Jay Livingston & Ray Evan, flea circus act by Eric Brandt Nielsen Directed & choreographed by Eric Brandt Nielsen Vocal direction by Michael Elliott, musical direction by Dr. Joe Brashier Designed by: Rich Haptonstall (set), Ryan Robicheaux (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costume coordinator), Marty Lynch (tehcnical direction) Pictured L-R: Carla Oliva, Christy Johnson, Annie Janson, Lana Grube, Lauren Riner, Ashton Jones, Joni Wakefield, Katie Barnett, Emoryann Childers, Katrina Steward, Megan Mahoney

2005-2006

		Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Conceived & adapted by Ernest Zulia, music & lyrics by David Caldwell Directed by H. Duke Guthrie Choreographed by Catherine Schaeffer Musical Direction by Michael Elliott Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set), Ryan Robicheaux (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), John Hemphill (sound), Mike Harbin (technical direction) Pictured: (front row) Craig A. Popham, (second row) Megan Wheeler, Laura Hussey, (third row) Josh Paul, Heath McNease, Zach Gilbert, (fourth row) Lauren Riner, Carlye McLaughlin, Tommy Venuti, Karen Webb September 15 - 21, 2005, Lab Theatre
		Nevermore! By Julian Wiles, based on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe Directed by Deborah Morgan Designed by Jonathan Fries & John Hemphill (set), John Hemphill (lighting), Kathy Raess-Young (costumes) Ryan Robicheaux (sound), Mike Harbin (technical direction) Pictured L-R: Monica Redman, Matt Ducati October 6 - 12, 2005, Sawyer Theatre
		Scrooge! Book, Music & Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse Directed by Dr. Randy Wheeler; Choreographer by Eric Brandt Nielsen; Musical direction by Michael Elliott; Conducted by Dr. Joe Brashier Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set), John Hemphill (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), Daniel Wilson (sound), David Flores (hair & makeup), Mike Harbin (technical direction) Pictured: Chris Bell November 10-19, 2005, Sawyer Theater
		The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars Theatre-for-Youth Tour Book by Joseph Robinette, Music by THomas Tierney, Lyrics by Joseph Robinette & Thomas Tierney Directed by Dr. Randy Wheeler, Choreographed by Barbara Hartwig, Musical Direction by Michael Elliott Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set), John Hemphill (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), James Helms (technical direction) Pictured L-R: Joe Massingill, Marie O'Neal, David Flores, Tracy McBurnett, Kamie Sullivan, Will Norris, Amy Morrow (front) February 3, 4, 24, 25, 2006, Sawyer Theatre
		Equus By Peter Schaffer Directed by Dr. Randy Wheeler Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set & lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), James Helms (technical direction) Pictured L-R: Heath McNease, Joe Massingill, Josh Paul February 16-22, 2006, Lab Theatre
		Sophocles' Antigone, an Englis version by Dudley Fitts & Robert Fitzgerald Directed by Jacque Wheeler Designed by Rich Haptonstall (set), Ryan Robicheaux (lighting), LeVonne Lindsay (costumes), John Hemphill (sound), Deborah Morgan (dramaturg), Jason Armit & Jacki Blakeney (fight choreography), Mike Dana (original music) Pictured:
		Turning 20 Choreographed by: Sarah McCalister, Eric Brandt Nielsen, & Catherine Schaeffer Designed by: Rich Haptonstall (scenic coordination), James Helms (lighting & technical direction), LeVonne Lindsay, Kathy Raess-Young, Mary Selvoski & Ali Braun (costumes) Pictured L-R

2004-2005

		Enchanted April Directed by Jacque Wheeler
		Masterpieces in Motion Choreographed by Eric Brandt Nielsen
		Macbeth By William Shakespeare Directed by Dr. Randy Wheeler
		Cinderella, the World's Favorite Fairy Tale Directed by Jacque Wheeler Pictured L-R: Annie Janson, Anna R. Crowe, Tera Willis, Christian Specht
		Murder on the Nile By Agatha Christie Directed by H. Duke Guthrie Pictured L-R: Bridget Harris, Laura Gilreath, Heath McNease, Tyler Rawlins, Sylvia Stanton, Matt Ducati, Tracy McBurnett, Landon Seigler, Chris Hutcheson, Christian Specht, Pete Rodgers, John Delamar, Andy Wood, Andrea Rogers February , Sawyer Theatre
		Proof Directed by Dr. Randy Wheeler March, Lab Theatre
		The Pajama Game Directed by Jacque Wheeler, Choreographed by Eric Brandt Nielsen

Production History since 1980-1981

1980-1981 The Gingerbread Lady, A Hatful of Rain, The Fabulous Fable Factory, A Little Night Music, Dark of the Moon, Original One-Acts, The Bald Soprano, A Broadway Review	1981-1982 1984, The Creation of the World and Other Business, The Me Nobody Knows, The Waltz of the Toreadors, Showdown at the Sugarcane Saloon, Whose Life is It, Anyway?, Romeo and Juliet	1982-1983 Hedda Gabler, Tribute, Feiffer’s People, Night Must Fall, Kiddleywinks!, The American Dream, Carousel, Royal Gambit
1983-1984 The Elephant Man, Barefoot In The Park, The Littlest Angel, Flowers For Algernon, Medea, Dance ’84, Vanities, Pippin	1984-1985 The Miser, Son of Radio, The Member of the Wedding, Cabaret, Charlotte’s Web, Butterflies are Free, Original One-Acts, The Music Man	1985-1986 The Belle Of Amherst, Images, A Night at Delmonico’s, The Land of the Dragon, The Shadow Box, Guys and Dolls, The Merchant of Venice
1986-1987 The Playboy of the Western World, Fool For Love, Showstoppers, Deathtrap, I Didn’t Know That, Tintypes, Crimes of the Heart, Dance Celebration	1987-1988 The Laugh’s on Us, The Merchant, The Diary of Anne Frank, Dance Celebration ’88, Laundry and Bourbon; Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music, Winnie The Pooh, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Sweet Charity	1988-1989 Agnes of God, Desire Under the Elms;Dance, Dance, Dance; Wait Until Dark, The Arkansaw Bear, Noises Off, Suddenly Last Summer, The Pirates of Penzance
1989-1990 The American Clock; Dance Celebration ’89; Henry IV, Part I; Original One-Acts, Hansel and Gretel, The Little Foxes, Steel Magnolias, Mack and Mabel	1990-1991 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Passion of Dracula, What the Butler Saw, The Nerd, Tall Betsy &the Crackerbarrel Tales; No, No, Nanette; The Imaginare Invalid; A Salute to Fred Astaire	1991-1992 Spoon River Anthology, Electra, Carmina Burana, Original One-Acts, Peter and the Wolf, So Long on Lonely Street, Black Comedy, Into the Woods
1992-1993 ‘Night Mother, Lend Me a Tenor, She Stoops To Conquer, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Just So Stories, Tribute to Gene Kelly, The Boys Next Door, Big River	1993-1994 Dance Celebration ’93, Hamlet, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, Greater Tuna, Rumors, Skupper-Duppers, The Clumsy Custard Horror Show, Oklahoma!	1994-1995 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Tobacco Barn, Beyond Therapy, The Seagull; Fads, Fashion And Romance; The People, Yes; Fiddler On The Roof
1995-1996 Ten Little Indians, The Little Matchgirl, Blithe Spirit, Reynard the Fox, California Suite, The Mandrake, Kismet	1996-1997 Dancing at Lughnasa, Oedipus Rex, Let’s Dance, Golliwhoppers, All In the Timing, Waiting for Godot, Crazy for You	1997-1998 All That Jazz, The Good Doctor, Pinocchio Commedia, Much Ado About Nothing, Our Town, Fences, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
1998-1999 Under Milkwood, Fascinating Rythms, The Man of Mode, Star Spangled Salute, Talley’s Folley, The Dream Jar, West Side Story	1999-2000 Stepping to the Millennium, A Doll’s House, To Kill a Mockingbird, Original One Act and Is Robert Deniro King of America?, The Magic Of Dance, The Good Times are Killing Me, Sweeney Todd	2000-2001 The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Dr. Faustus (Choreodrama), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tokoloshe, The Dining Room, Marvin’s Room, 42nd Street
2001-2002 A View from a Bridge, 2001: A Dance Odyssey, The Importance Of Being Earnest, A Thousand Cranes, Flyin’ West, Talking, with…, Anything Goes	2002-2003 One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, Myths & Legends; Ah, Wilderness!; Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr.; The Laramie Project; Picasso At The Lapin Agile; Children Of Eden	2003-2004 A Day In The Moonlight, Dance Fusion, The Visit, Beauty and the Beast, Tartuffe, Lost In Yonkers, A Chorus Line
2004-2005 Enchanted April, Masterpieces in Motion, Macbeth, Cinderella: the World's Favorite Fairy Tale, Murder on the Nile, Proof, The Pajama Game	2005-2006 Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Nevermore, Scrooge!, The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars, Equus, Antigone, Turning 20	2006-2007 Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, The Crucible, Journeys: A Centennial Dance Celebration, Gaité Parisienne, Shadowlands, The Commedia Project, Sugar Babies
2007-2008 Wit, Steps in Time, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Fantastic Return of the Fabulous Fable Factory, Holler Me Home, Arms and the Man, Show Boat	2008-2009, tentative and subject to change Doubt, Beyond the Footlights, Twelfth Night, Stuart Little, The Grapes of Wrath, On the Verge, Footloose