Today@Sam Article

Raven Rep To Offer Summer Performances

May 25, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Haney

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Sam Houston State University’s College of Fine Arts & Mass Communication will present Raven Rep, a series of family-friendly theatre and musical performances along with music and dance events all open to the public throughout the months of June and July.

Raven Rep was established for students to gain experience in all facets of theater production. In order to gain membership into the summer rep company, students auditioned in the areas of acting, singing and dancing. In all, 19 students were selected to participate in the productions, “Harvey,” “The Fantasticks” and “Smokey Joe’s Café.”

ravenrep1“I am thrilled to be a part of Raven Rep's inaugural season. As a part of this company I am beginning to learn what it takes to do summer stock theatre. Many working actors begin their professional careers in programs like this one, so it is nice to follow that tradition,” Musical Theatre senior, Brandon Schultz said.  “The first half of the day is used for rehearsals and the second half is for technical crew, so we are able to be a part of the full theatrical experience.”

Members of the company will perform in at least two of the three family-friendly pieces, which are directed by SHSU faculty. 

  • The comedy “Harvey” directed by Kevin Crouch, associate professor of Theatre, explores the value of friendship and the acceptance of others. It opens June 6-9 at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on June 9 in the Showcase Theater.
  • “The Fantasticks” co-directed by Laura Avery, associate professor of Theatre, and Penny Hasekoester, professor in the department of Theatre and Musical Theatre, is a tale about love and life growing up. It will open in the Showcase Theater, June 20-23 at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on June 23.
  • “Smokey Joe’s Café: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller” is a musical revue showcasing 39 pop standards, including rock and roll and rhythm and blues songs written by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The production is directed by Penny Hasekoester. It opens July 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on July 7.

Along-side these productions will be “An Evening of Song," “An Evening of Jazz” with Aric Schneller & Friends and “An Evening of Dance.”

  • “An Evening of Song” taking place June 15 in the Recital Hall at 7:30, will include the classics from operatic and musical theatre selections. Performers from SHSU School of Music will include faculty, Deborah Popham, Nicole Asel, Rebecca Grimes, Christopher Michel, and pianist, Saule Garcia.
  • “An Evening of Jazz”, on June 16 in the Recital Hall at 7:30, will include performances by Aric Schneller, associate professor of Music with pianist, Brandon Thomas, Bassist David Craig and drummer, Zion Fizer.
  • “An Evening of Dance” will give viewers a sneak peek into NobleMotion Dance’s 10th Anniversary. NobleMotion Dance is one of Texas’ premier contemporary dance companies and has received critical acclaim for their extraordinary athleticism and cutting-edge programming. Andy Noble, associate chair and professor and Dionne Noble, assistant professor of Dance at SHSU, are the artistic directors of NobleMotion Dance. The performance takes place on June 29, in the Dance Theater.

For more information on Raven Rep and tickets, contact the Gaertner Performing Arts Center box office, 936.294.2339 or shsutickets.com.

For tickets to multiple summer shows, call the box office to receive a $25 discount.

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