By Adriana Rodriguez, Contributing Writer
Annually, Saint Leo University has a series of music and theater productions held by the music and theater programs. The university’s end of the year performance has already begun on the school’s main campus, auditions have passed, and the choir has been settled on. But this does not mean that the theater and music programs are done with their performances. There are still upcoming concerts, and everybody is invited.
The theater program’s Complete Work of William Shakespeare (Abridged) took place during the annual Family Fall Festival, held in October, and students, staff, and faculty had the opportunity to enjoy the All Together Now performance that took place between Nov. 12-14 on the Lakeside Patio.
The All Together Now performance is a musical composed of dances and songs like Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, and Rent.
“According to the Welcome to Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL website,
Dr. Selph currently has a BA in Sacred Music, an MM in Choral Conducting, and a PhD in Music Education. She has researched community music, the history of music education, and the relationship between spirituality and music.”
Similar to last year’s performance, this year’s production aimed to bring the season’s joy and festivity to the audience. The goal was to remind the people that there is still much to be thankful for despite the ongoing pandemic.
“The songs revolved around the idea of coming back after COVID-19 restrictions and how joyful it is to be back in community,” said Dr. Alicia Corts, associate professor of theater at Saint Leo. Students interested in participating in the theater group’s end of the year performances can begin their preparations for future roles by registering for FAS 127, an acting course, or FAS 137, a stagecraft course.
Students may also contact Corts via email at alicia.corts@saintleo.edu. Everyone can also look forward to the music program’s A Saint Leo Christmas on Dec. 4. This concert has two separate performances: one at 4 p.m. and another at 7 p.m., which will flank the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony that will also be taking place on the Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the two concerts will include refreshments, Christmas caroling, and the blessing of the manger.
“The performers include all of the student ensembles and music faculty plus guest musicians. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited and encouraged to attend,” said Cynthia Selph, assistant professor of music and music ministry.
“According to Welcome to Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL, Dr. Corts has been a big contributor to the continuation and flourishing of the national theater honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, here at Saint Leo University. She is also a published author whose books and articles pertain to digital performances and the creation of identity in virtual spaces.”
Students who are interested in becoming a part of the music program’s future performances are encouraged to sign up for the Saint Leo Singers MUS 106 course and/or the Chamber Singers MUS 400 course. By registering for these classes, they will have a solid foundation on music and will be better prepared for any future conduction. Students are also welcomed to contact Selph via email at cynthia.selph@saintleo.edu if they have an interest in getting involved with any of the music program’s future performances. They can also contact her for any other related questions about the program and its activities. The student activities website and the music program’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SaintLeoMusic, also has more information.
These performances are free and open to all students, faculty, and staff. Since the university’s COVID-19 protocols have been updated, no masks will be required as these are outdoor events; however, they will not be streamed via Zoom.
Donations to the programs are accepted and appreciated. Reminders for the dates and times of the end of the year performances can be found in the weekly student activities email sent out by the Office of Student Activities. Any last-minute change to the dates or times of the events will also be included in the email.
For more information on upcoming events from Saint Leo’s theater program, students can reach out through the Lions SHARE link or visit the program’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/saintleotheater.
Students may also use EngageLeo and the Campus Activities Board’s social media page to keep up to date on all the events that will be happening towards the end of the semester.
