Washburn University to host Theatre Day for high school students, Kickoff New Season
TOPEKA, Kan. – More than 170 high school students from 11 schools will visit Washburn University from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, for Theatre Day.
“Washburn University Theatre hosts this annual event to support theatrical education in the Topeka and northeast Kansas communities. High school students will learn theatre techniques and share in the work of our Washburn Theatre students in our first production of the season,” said Julie Noonan, director of theatre, Washburn.
Students will attend morning workshops led by Washburn faculty, staff and guest artists in acting, stage management, design, musical theatre, improv and playwriting. At 12:30 p.m., they will watch the opening performance of Washburn Theatre’s production of “Lucy,” a play by Erica Schmidt. Washburn senior theatre and speech education major Lauren Province leads the student-driven production as her senior project. Afterward, students can join a talkback with the director, designers, actors and production crew. All activities will take place in the Garvey Fine Arts Center, Hurd Recital Hall and Neese-Gray Theatre.
“Lucy” is a dark comedy and thriller in which single parent Mary (played by Province) hires what seems like the perfect nanny. Relieved, she returns to work with peace of mind. Soon, unsettling details creep into her conversations with her daughter, Lucy, leading Mary to question every moment she leaves her children. The play explores themes of paranoia and control.
In addition to the 12:30 p.m. matinee Sept. 26, performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26–27 and Oct. 3–4, and 2 p.m. Oct. 5. All performances are open to the public. Audience members can reserve tickets online at https://cur8.com/18042/project/133724 or pick them up in advance at the Washburn Theatre Box Office. General admission is a suggested $10 donation, with proceeds supporting Washburn Theatre academic and travel scholarships. Admission is free for Washburn students, faculty and staff. For more information, visit the Washburn Theatre website at https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/arts-sciences/theatre/index.html.
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Editor’s note: Crest High School, Council Grove Jr./Sr. High School, Eureka Homeschool, Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence High School, McLouth High School, Salina Central High School, Salina South High School, Topeka West High School, Wabaunsee High School and Wyandotte High School will participate in Theatre Day.
For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu
