A great deal of planning and consideration goes into play selection each year, and this seasons’ slate of productions was especially well-thoughtout. Starting in the Fall of 2014, a committee comprised of faculty and students met routinely to brainstorm, suggest, advocate, and, most importantly, read, read, read. The selection committee’s ultimate mission, as always, was paramount; that is, to give our students -- actors, designers and technical crew alike -- and our audiences, both on-campus and throughout the Midlands, chances to learn, to grow and to be inspired by the singular power of the theatre. This year, our main stages of Longstreet and Drayton Hall Theatres will showcase the landmark musical satire of Brecht and Weill, the singular wit of Coward and Moliere, and the genius of Shakespeare. Our other performance spaces, the Lab Theatre and Center for Performance Experiment, we will present modern works that open up minds and hearts while pushing the boundaries of theatrical convention. Take a look at what’s in store in this brochure and we think you’ll agree -- it’s an unforgettable season that meets and exceeds the goal! We hope you make plans to experience every single magic moment! Lisa Martin-Stuart Co-Artistic Director Department Chair
Robert Richmond Co-Artistic Director Assoc. Department Chair
TICKETS & THEATRE INFO MAIN STAGE TICKET PRICES Student USC Faculty/Staff, Military, Seniors 60+ General Public
REGULAR PRICE
SUBSCRIBER*
$12
$36*
$16 $18
$48* $54*
*Subscriber Prices include four tickets to use throughout the Main Stage season (Lab Theatre and CPE productions excluded). To subscribe, complete and return the form at the back of this brochure, or visit artsandsciences.sc.edu/thea to download a form.
To purchase Main Stage tickets, call 803-777-2551. Or, purchase in person at Longstreet Theatre. Box office hours: Monday through Friday, 12:30pm - 5:30pm. Box office opens one week prior to each production run.
Theatre Locations Longstreet Theatre | 1300 Greene St Drayton Hall Theatre | 1214 College St.
Lab Theatre | 1400 Wheat St. Center for Performance Experiment | 718 Devine St.
Written by Bertolt Brecht | Music by Kurt Weill Directed by Steven Pearson Mack is back, and as badly-behaved as ever, in this landmark musical masterpiece! Set in a corrupt underworld of haves and have-nots, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s epic satire of capitalist society pits the infamous gangster Macheath against Mr. Peachum, a conniving business owner whose naive daughter, Polly, has secretly married Macheath. The once-untouchable “Mack the Knife” soon finds himself on the run, as his new in-laws and a jilted ex-lover conspire to have him arrested…and hanged! “The Threepenny Opera is the granddaddy of all the singing, stinging portraits of fat societies on their eves of destruction.” — The New York Times
SHOW TIMES October 2: 8pm October 3: 8pm October 4: 3pm October 7: 8pm
October 8: 8pm October 9: 8pm October 10: 3pm & 8pm
Written by Noël Coward Directed by Stan Brown One of the last century’s most beloved and frequently performed plays, Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit takes comedy to otherworldly heights! Popular writer Charles Condomine invites the town psychic to his home just so he can cynically study her techniques for his new book. He gets more than he bargained for, however, when her seance summons his deceased wife, Elvira. Thrilled to be freed from the spiritual realm, Elvira begins a campaign to retake possession of her widower, in spite of the protests of his current wife. Charles finds himself caught up in a romantic rivalry between heaven and earth that has him stuck squarely in the middle…in hell! “A comedy that startles and delights.” — The Telegraph
SHOW TIMES Nov. 13: 8pm Nov. 14: 8pm Nov. 15: 3pm Nov. 18: 8pm
Nov. 19: 8pm Nov. 20: 8pm Nov. 21: 3pm & 8pm
Written by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell Adapted from Molière Directed by Louis Butelli This adaptation of one of Molière’s final plays was an instant smash when it premiered Off-Broadway in 1997, and as reported in The New York Times, “would have gone over big with the same audience who first saw The Fourberies de Scapin in 1671.” Molière’s outrageous farce introduces us to the trickster servant Scapin, whose expertise in scheming is called upon by two young men, Octave and Leander, both desperate to escape marriages arranged by their parents. With the help of his accomplice Sylvestre, Scapin spins ever more elaborate deceptions to help in the lovers’ romantic pursuits, and achieve some payback for himself in the process. “…a generous gag-fest, packed with rib-tickling delights…” — San Francisco Gate
SHOW TIMES Feb. 19: 8pm Feb. 20: 8pm Feb. 21: 3pm Feb. 24: 8pm
Feb. 25: 8pm Feb. 26: 8pm Feb. 27: 3pm & 8pm
Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Robert Richmond One of Shakespeare’s last plays, The Tempest might have been lost to history if not for its publication in the First Folio of 1623, which we are thrilled to announce will be on view at the University during this production! Even after four centuries, The Tempest still has a mystical power to enchant audiences with its enthralling tale of romance, revenge and redemption. Prospero, the unlawfullyexiled Duke of Milan, has lived on a remote island with his daughter, Miranda, for twelve years — enough time to study and perfect his skills in the realms of magic. When Antonio, the brother who usurped Prospero’s title, sails near the island, the powerful sorcerer conjures a storm which forces his betrayer’s ship ashore, and carries out a supernatural scheme to enact vengeance, restore his rightful nobility and, finally, return home.
SHOW TIMES April 15: 8pm April 16: 8pm April 17: 3pm April 20: 8pm
April 21: 8pm April 22: 8pm April 23: 3pm & 8pm
FILL OUR MOST IMPORTANT ROLE...
JOIN THE CIRCLE!
Your support makes it all happen! Your tax-deductible contribution earns you a place in The Circle, our highly-esteemed donor network. As a member, you will join other like-minded individuals who love theatre and who know that the arts need support to survive and thrive. As a member you can receive free tickets, special event invitations, recognition in each show’s program and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to create the finest theatrical experience in the state for our patrons and students alike. To join, fill out and mail back the donor form in the back of this brochure, or download a form at: artsandsciences.sc.edu/thea. You can also email theatre@sc.edu with your desired membership level and contact information. GAMECOCK CIRCLE
$25 YEARLY
Perfect level for students, with recognition of your donor status in our show programs.
DONOR
$100 YEARLY
Receives an invitation for 2 to all preview performances and special receptions, pair of passes for one Lab show and program recognition.
CLASSIC
$350 YEARLY
Receives invitations for 2 to all preview performances and receptions, 2 complimentary tickets for all main stage shows to use yourself or give as gifts, pair of passes for all Lab shows and program recognition.
SPONSOR
$500 YEARLY
Receives invitations for 2 to all preview performances and receptions, 2 complimentary tickets for all main stage shows, passes for all Lab shows and recognition in our lobby and programs.
PATRON
$1000 YEARLY
Receives invitations for 4 to all preview performances and receptions, 4 complimentary tickets for all main stage shows, passes for all Lab shows, recognition in our lobby and programs.
BENEFACTOR
$5000 YEARLY
Receives all the Patron-level benefits plus the honor of having an undergraduate scholarship in your name for the following year.
Questions? Call our main office at 803.777.5208 or email theatre@sc.edu! Photographs on cover, pg. 2 and pg. 10 by Jason Ayer and Alexandra Herstik. lllustrations on pages 3-6 by Sydney Hoyt.
LAB THEATRE | 2015-2016
Written by Diana Son Directed by Elizabeth Houck
October 8-11
This GLAAD Award-winning story is at one moment funny and tender, and, in the next, jarringly visceral. Sara, an elementary school teacher who has just moved to NYC, befriends the street-smart Callie, and their fast friendship soon evolves into deeper feelings. The complicated course of their growing closeness leads to a fateful kiss, which provokes a brutal assault that will change their lives forever. “Something as thought provoking and ultimately moving as Stop Kiss is a joy to experience.” — Star Ledger Stop Kiss contains adult language and content which is not suitable for children.
An adult acting class is the setting for this award-winning comedy about four strangers whose interaction over sixweeks of theatre games leads to real-life drama. Cleverly utilizing actual acting exercises for each scene, Pulitzer Prize-winner Annie Baker examines the depths of emotion inherent in human relationships, and hilariously shows the truly transformative power of theatre. “Circle is about real people exploring their lives through tiny leaps of faith and creativity.” — Backstage
February 25-28
Written by Emily Mann Directed by Leroy Kelly This Obie Award-winner is a searing expose on the impact of war on individuals and families. Formed out of interviews with real people in the wake of the Vietnam War, the script provides unflinching portraits of Mark, a troubled veteran suffering a difficult adjustment to civilian life; his wife, Cheryl, who struggles to keep her family together in spite of Mark’s violent outbursts; and, Nadine, the cynical friend who becomes entangled in their conflicted relationship. “...a powerful affair, full of passion and viability.” — Los Angeles Times Still Life contains adult language and content which is not suitable for children.
April 21-24 Written by Alan Ball Directed by Abigail McNeely
Oscar-winning screenwriter Alan Ball (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) began his career writing for the stage with this wickedly funny comedy. During an over-the-top wedding, five members of the bridal party meet in the maid-of-honor’s bedroom to commiserate about the hideous outfits, the forced festivities, and an especially lecherous wedding guest named Tommy. After the pumps come off, and as the champagne begins to flow, the five women discover a common bond they never expected. “An irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing.” — Five Women contains adult language and content NY Post which is not suitable for children.
CENTER FOR PERFORMANCE EXPERIMENT
Invention and imagination come to the fore at the Center for Performance Experiment! Established in 2009, the CPE is a unique performance space dedicated to actor training, which presents new and traditional works in exciting, experimental ways! Show Times* 8pm | Sat 8pm | Sun - Thurs 7pm & 10pm | Fridays *unless otherwise noted
November 15-21
Herculine and Lola
by Dipika Guha Directed by Steve Pearson Inspired by the 19th century diary of the first ‘true hermaphrodite’, Herculine Barbin, Herculine and Lola is an epic love story about two people, separated by a century, who are united by the power of their imagination and by love.
December 2-4
MFA Actor Solo Shows An evening of works written, directed and performed by our second-year MFA Actors. Visit our website for show times.
February 21-27
Mad Forest
by Caryl Churchill Director To Be Announced Caryl Churchill’s play about the Romanian revolution explores the reactions of ordinary people to confused events, focusing in particular on two families. What emerges is the dreadful damage done to people’s lives by repression and the painful difficulties of lasting change.
April 17-23
Balance
by Robyn Hunt Conceived and Directed by Steven Pearson Balance takes a fresh and whimsical look at the fates of Chekhov’s beloved characters Olga, Masha and Irina in the years following their appearance in his masterpiece, Three Sisters. In playful and lyrical ways, and through inventive choreography and scenic design, Balance explores the delicate tensions and tenderness between the sisters as they face ghosts from the past and find new purpose.
Location: 718 Devine St. Tickets available only at the door. Check website for more info.
CIRCLE/SUBSCRIBER FORM THEATRE SOUTH CAROLINA
CONTACT INFO Name: ______________________________________ Daytime Phone: ___________ Evening: ___________ Address:____________________________________ ___________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________ CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Select your desired donor level below. See page 7 for details. Gamecock Circle Sponsor $25 yearly (students only) $500 yearly Donor Patron $100 yearly $1000 yearly Classic Benefactor $350 yearly $5000 yearly
SUBSCRIPTIONS See previous page for details.
Number of Total Subscriptions Amount
General Admission $54
_________ $________
USC, Military, Senior $48
_________ $________
$36
_________ $________
Student
Total Circle Donation
$_______
Total Subscription Amount
$_______
TOTAL ENCLOSED
$_______
Check or money order, please. Make payable to: University of South Carolina Or Charge (check one)
MasterCard
Visa
Card number:___________________________________ Expiration date:_________________________________
Cut along dotted line.
Signature:______________________________________
Mail completed form to: University of SC Department of Theatre and Dance Attn: Ray Jones 1300 Greene St. Columbia, SC 29208 You may also submit by fax to 803-777-6669. Questions? Contact us at 803-777-5208.
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