Every year Saint Leo University’s drama program puts on incredible shows for all faculty and students to enjoy. All aspiring thespians attended auditions for the latest show at six p.m. Aug 30.
The play this fall, “Women on the Move,” is an original play written by the spring 2016 script analysis class. Students hit close to home with their portrayal of the trials and tribulations of Saint Leo University’s own Benedictine Sisters of Florida.
In just two acts students managed to bring together a humorous and inspiring collection of narratives. Throughout the show, the audience will learn much of Saint Leo University’s rich history while getting a glimpse into the life of a nun.
“It’s all about history. It’s fun, its great, and the moral story to all is that all these nuns are happy and like to have fun too,” said Richard Ocampo, Dramaturgy 2019.
This year the department is taking its skill to the next level. “Women on the Move,” along with other performances, will be entered into the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. This festival will not only give participants the opportunity to compete nationally but also to receive scholarships and awards. Students all over campus are preparing for this great opportunity.
Kadyann Stupart, Computer Science/Cybersecurity 2020, auditioned for her first time and is excited to be a potential part of the show.
“To be honest, I would like to be a person with lines but not too many lines, I like to challenge myself that’s all,” she said.
Dr. Alicia Corts, Assistant Professor of Dramaturgy, creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all of these students. At the beginning of auditions, she stands before everyone barefoot and smiling,
“I believe that the theater is holy, it’s a holy space,” she explains, before going on about how the evening will work.
Instead of a traditional audition, students participated in an array of improvisational games. These games and exercises give the actors a chance to show their true ability without the hard and stressful routine of reciting monologues.
Some of these games are playful while others require control and concentration. The game “Machine” requires the actors to line up side by side and reenact the movements and sounds an assembly line would make. Another game, “Mirror” has students matching each other’s body movements and creating a symmetrical pattern.
All faculty and students should come see “Women on the Move” this fall to have a good time and share a laugh. It will be playing each night in Saint Leo University’s brand new black box theater October 28 through October 30.
