It’s no secret that Saint Leo University possesses a diverse array of artistically talented students and staff. On Oct. 7, the campus decided to share those talents with the community at large by hosting the first annual “Arts in the Park.” The event was held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City.
The event was co-created by Marissa McLargin, Instructor of English/Professional Writing, and featured a wide variety of acts from both members of the Saint Leo community and Dade City residents.
McLargin was approached by Wendell Speer, a local author, who had the idea for a poetry festival. The two took Speer’s idea to Dade City mayor Camille Hernandez, who was thrilled by the idea of showcasing the town’s hidden talents.
“Through brainstorming with [Wendell Speer] and mayor Hernandez, we decided to go with wider genres rather than just poetry,” McLargin explained. “There’s just so much talent in Dade City that we wanted to get together outside in the beautiful weather to celebrate the arts and showcase local talent.”
“Arts in the Park” featured a little bit of everything, including singing, dancing, acting, poetry, storytelling, and stand-up comedy. Among the performers were award winning poet Gianna Russo, the Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing, “Just the FACTS,” Saint Leo’s faculty and staff chorus, and more. Dr. Alicia Corts, the Assistant professor of Theatre, and her students performed a scene from the upcoming production of Mary Zimmerman’s play “The Secret in the Wings.”
“The scene was called ‘The Princess Who Couldn’t Laugh,’” explained Corts. “It’s the story of a girl who just is not interested at all in laughing and she lives in a kingdom where laughter is a super important thing. So, they throw a ball in her honor to try to make her laugh.”
Corts couldn’t give all of the plays secrets away. She encourages students and staff to come and see the show this November. The play will star a lot of fresh new faces, including Freshman and clinical counseling psychology major Rachel Flaherty.
“I love how active [The Secret in the Wings] is,” said Flaherty. “It’s always surprising people, and I think that’s amazing.”
History professor jack McTague is a well known and loved member of the Saint Leo community, but it may surprise many to learn that he is quite musically talented. McTague has been jamming with local band “Time Warp” since 1984 and is also the only original band member left.
“I love music. It’s fun listening to music, but it’s more fun playing it,” said McTague. “The thrill of hearing a song on the radio and then actually being able to perform it and make it sound the same way it does on the record is very exciting.”
All who performed and all who attended did so because their shared McTague’s passion for the arts. The event was a roaring success and will return next year. In the meantime, Saint Leo will continue support and show off art in all its forms, including those that create it
