Claire Miller
Reporter
March 24, 2005
Dr. Dick Lura, professor of chemistry, hopes that he wasn’t type-casted for his part as Egeus in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“Let’s face it - threatening to have my daughter killed if she doesn’t marry the
man I choose for her isn’t the nicest guy,” Lura said of his part.
He admits, however, that some of his students might think that type-casting was
involved.
Three other faculty members also have parts in the play: Mr. Nick Blosser,
assistant professor of art; Mr. Jim Dahlman, associate professor of
communications; and Dr. Karen Kelly, associate professor of biology and
occupational therapy.
This is a trend continued from last semester’s “Footloose,” which included six
faculty members.
Milligan theatre professor Richard Major, who is also chair of the area of
performing, visual and communicative arts, said that the faculty’s involvement
helps eliminate the age gap problem between students and the theatrical roles
they are expected to play. In addition, it helps students see faculty in a
different light.
“I think the overarching plus for all involved is that we get to see each other
as human beings, and at least temporarily our other hats or roles are put aside,
and through the melting as a company we all become better informed about each
other as people,” Major said.
Blosser said that he has gotten to know some of the cast but will probably get
to know more as time goes on. “The best thing,” Blosser said of the production,
“is probably just the acting part that’s fun for me.”
This is the last performance in a Milligan play for senior Crystal VanMeter, who
said that she and her fellow cast members love the faculty involvement.
“It is a great and rare opportunity for our professors and faculty members to
not only see the progress of our work but to share that progress with us,” said
VanMeter.
Professors agree. While he knew some of the students before signing up for the
play, Dahlman said he has, “gotten to know a few of them better just by spending
time in rehearsal, joking around, working on scenes.” He also said that he has
been able to get acquainted with some students he had not previously known.
Kelly, whose kindergarten-aged twins now call her “Queen Hippo,” after her role
as Queen Hippolyta, said that she has not only enjoyed meeting students from
other departments but working with other faculty as well. “It’s always fun to
observe people outside of their regular roles in life,” she said.
Based on her experience, VanMeter believes it is easy to see why the cast bonds
so well. “I love theatre. To me it is magical. It is expressive. I can’t begin
to describe the feeling that comes when you become part of something so
amazing. Your fellow company becomes your family, and we love and support each
other.”