The Theatre Arts Department of Grossmont College is taking a big step forward this year with its brand-new Theatre Arts Summer Conservancy. Talk of the conservancy has always been back-stage, but with funding available now through fundraising efforts, the department is making it happen.
Theater Arts Department Chair Beth Dugan announced that the play to be produced this summer is “The Three Musketeers” adapted from Alexandre Dumas’s novel by Ken Ludwig.
The Theatre Arts Department of Grossmont College is taking a big step forward this year with its brand-new Theatre Arts Summer Conservancy. Talk of the conservancy has always been back-stage, but with funding available now through fundraising efforts, the department is making it happen.
Theater Arts Department Chair Beth Dugan announced that the play to be produced this summer is “The Three Musketeers” adapted from Alexandre Dumas’s novel by Ken Ludwig.
“It’s a classic tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and honor in an approachable, modern vernacular,” she said.
Set in 1625, “The Three Musketeers” is the tale of a young man, D’Artagnan, and his brave sister, Sabine, as they set off on an adventure to Paris to become like their heroes Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.
Dugan said that the department would be holding auditions on May 12. The call for auditions will be announced at area high schools.
“The main goal of the Summer Conservatory is to build a relationship between the high school and college theatre artists,” Dugan said. “This relationship translates into a pipeline from our area high schools directly to the Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department.”
Auditions are May 12 starting at 4:30pm in the Stagehouse Theatre. Students will need to have a one minute memorized monologue. The department is also looking for technical theatre students to help build sets, make costumes, and hang and focus lights.
All students participating in the program take college credit courses specific to their responsibility in the production of the show: Technical theatre students receive specialized instruction in scenic construction, costume fabrication, and lighting design, while acting students receive coaching in stage combat and period movement. All the skills can be taken back to the high schools and shared with their friends and instructors.
The Arts Conservatory brings together local high school and college students to create a unique learning environment that culminates in the production of a high quality summer theatrical show.
“These past two years with this department have been an extraordinary experience. The teaching staff have created an environment that is fully preparing me for a life in the theatre,” said Aimee-Marie Holland, theatre arts major.
Dugan said theatre arts production helps students to develop lifelong skills in collaboration, responsibility, and critical thinking as well as to build social skills, memorization and creativity.
For audition appointments call Alexis at 619-644-7267. Technical theatre students contact Beth at 619-644-7235. Performance dates are set for July 24, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and July 30 and 31 at 2 p.m.
