Ever since men have been able to walk and talk they have been performing.
The theatre is the perfect mix of fantasy and reality. It allows a person to transform and escape his or her life for a while. With a flurry of powder, a tuck of the shirt, and bright lights, men and women are catapulted into a world where anything can happen.
In essence, theatre is magic.
“Theatre opened the doors for many opportunities in my life. It made me part of the community when I felt I had no part. It is an artistic escape from the real world where things can be a little tough. Theatre enabled me to make the friends and connections that keep me going today,” JoMykel Hepler, UTM Social Work major and Assistant Director of Masquerade Theatre’s production of “Mulan Jr.” said.
At UTM, the students take that passion and magic and put it into a production for Vanguard Theatre every semester. Theatre majors are required to audition for every school production whether they receive a part or not.
“Students who undertake theatre courses gain self-confidence, learn to perform before the public and gain a sense of accomplishment,” Doug Cook, chair of the UTM Department of Visual and Performing Arts said.
There are no fees to be part of the theatre department. There is an Alpha Psi Omega chapter on campus. This is the Greek sorority/fraternity that theatre majors are a part of when they join the theatre department. At UTM, it is Rho Gamma. The members of Rho Gamma are hoping to put together an improvisation group within their chapter and welcome freshmen to join.
Besides the productions put on each semester, there are many different things students can participate in whether they are theatre majors or not. There are lunchbox theatres, where the students bring their lunch and enjoy a scene from a play that is directed and performed by students. There are also original student plays that are written and directed by students, and students also make up the cast of those plays. Announcements are usually made a few weeks in advance for those who wish to participate.
During the spring semester, the faculty attempts to go to the Actors Theatre in Louisville in March, where there is a college weekend called the Humana Play Festival. For a small fee, students can go see plays, participate in workshops, audition for Acting Apprentice Company, interview for professional internships and just get up close and personal with the best in the field.
Students are encouraged to participate in the Tennessee Theatre Association or TTA. The TTA provides members with workshops; programs and seminars; and gives them time to meet and interact with professionals from other states. It is also a liaison to state, regional and national stages.
UTM offers great theatre opportunities, but there are also other opportunities available in the surrounding community where students can also participate in theatre.
Community theatre provides an outlet for young and old alike to share their creative interests and talents with others, while enhancing the lives of those around them.
“The whole purpose of community theatre is to get the community involved,” Jenny Virgin, Masquerade Theatre board member of six years said.
Masquerade Theatre, Inc. is a local community theatre that has been producing musicals, comedies, dramas and children’s plays for 20 years.
The Capitol Theatre in downtown Union City, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as home to Masquerade Theatre, Inc.
“The old Capitol Theatre is truly a treasure and working in that beautiful building provides a wonderful experience for everyone in the extended Union City community,” Lynn Patterson, cast member of the “Wizard of Oz” said.
Lynn Patterson is a UTM Faculty member in the Intensive English Language Program. Also among the Masquerade Theatre’s 2012 production of the “Wizard of Oz” was UTM faculty member Brian Johnson, Lecturer of Psychology. Johnson will be serving as one of the co-directors for Masquerade Theatre’s upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias.”
Masquerade Theatre provides four regular plays or musicals, and three children’s workshops each year. These workshops include kindergarten through second grade, third through sixth grades and seventh through 12th grades. Ticket charges are: musicals $15; regular plays, third through sixth grades, and seventh through 12th grades $10; and kindergarten through third grade is free.
Masquerade Theatre plays are open to anyone who is willing to audition and they encourage folks from all around our area to join the cast and crew.
“UTM students would find it well worth their effort to participate in the wide array of opportunities offered by Masquerade Theatre,” Patterson said.
Alton Alexander recently played the Tin Man in Masquerade Theatre’s 2012 production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Alexander is a UTM student majoring in social work.
Alexander said, “Keeping the arts in the community is something I find to be very important.
“I take pride in participating in productions at the Masquerade Theatre because it makes our community stand out from all of the other rural communities close by, and it is a great place to showcase local talent,” Alexander said.
Masquerade Theatre is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of directors, and as such could not exist without the generous support of donors and volunteers. They consider no gift too small, and have many ways that you can give, whether it is a gift of your time or a monetary gift.
Volunteers are crucial to the success of every production performed at the theatre. While they are happy to accept volunteers in every area of the theatre, they especially need producers. Producers are ultimately detail managers.
If you would like to volunteer to help Masquerade Theatre, Inc. in any capacity, it would be best to contact them by email specifying the area in which you would be interested. Their email address is info@ucmasqueradetheatre.com.
The faculty, staff and students of UTM and the surrounding community are very fortunate to have access to the wonderful Vanguard and Masquerade Theatres.
“The fact that we have such an outstanding theatre is a blessing. Just as UTM allows local students to receive a quality education without venturing off from the area, the Masquerade Theatre allows us to enjoy the arts without having to travel far from home!” Alexander said.
MASQUERADE
THEATRE
2012 PERFORMANCES
“Steel Magnolias” a Comedy/Drama by Robert Harling
7:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
2 p.m. Oct. 7, 14
“Annie” a Musical by Thomas Meehan
7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, 24, 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8
2 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9
For more information visit Masquerade Theatre’s web site at www.ucmasqueradetheatre.com.
VANGUARD
THEATRE
2012 PERFORMANCES
“Almost, Maine” a Comedy by John Cariani
8 p.m. Nov. 8, 9, 10
3 p.m. Nov. 11
For more information visit Vanguard Theatre’s web site at www.utm.edu/departments/
