When the movie and popcorn routine gets a little old, it’s time to check out the options for entertainment that actually stimulate a brain cell or two. And for students, the University Theatre can do just that. Inexpensive and conveniently located, catching a performance at Robinson Theatre is just the ticket for that theatrical kick.

Fall
Launching Robinson Theatre’s season schedule is the production “She Stoops to Conquer,” directed by Theater Arts department head Jack Watson. The reinvented comedy by Oliver Goldsmith is set in 18th century England and uses comical events and humor to criticize the snobbery of the upper class.
“It’s one of the most famous farces in history,” Watson said. “It’s really a delightful satire of London at the time.”
The production is set up in a period cartoon strip style, an idea created by scene designer Kristine Mitchell, a Theater Arts graduate student.
“This play is more fun and cartoony,” Mitchell said. “Jack really wanted to do something light-hearted and fanciful.”
After researching the period, Mitchell created sketch ideas for the set. With the beginning of school, the sketches will go to the scene shop, where undergraduate students will begin work to create the actual sets. In addition to designing the sets, Mitchell will also be involved in building and painting to ensure the finished product coincides with the original ideas.
“Some of the settings are like a pop-up book,” Watson said.
The creative set is just part of the draw of the Robinson’s opening production. According to Watson, the cast is experienced and he says he looks forward to collaborating with the actors on the light-hearted production.
“It’s not the sort of thing that will tax your brain,” he said. “It should appeal to all ages.”
“She Stoops to Conquer” will begin its run on Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. and show again Nov. 4, 9-11 and 17-18. A 2 p.m. matinee will run Nov. 12.

Winter
“Dancing at Lughnasa,” a 1992 Tony Award-winning play by Irish playwright Brian Friel, follows as the theater’s winter production.
According to The New York Times, “This play does exactly what theatre was born to do, carrying both its characters and the audience aloft on those waves of distant music and ecstatic release that, in defiance of all language and logic, let us dance and dream just before night must fall.”
“Dancing at Lughnasa” will begin Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. and show again Jan. 27, Feb. 1-3 and 9-10. A 2 p.m. matinee will run Feb. 4.

Spring
As the first of two spring performances, “Electra” is a darker piece that gives a contemporary tone and pertinence to a classic Greek tragedy. Written by Sophocles, the play recounts a cycle of violent actions stimulated by retribution, egoism and passion that investigate the dissimilarity between “justice” and “justification.”
Mitchell also will design the set for “Electra” after completing the set for the fall production, “She Stoops to Conquer.”
“I don’t think the set will be traditional,” she said. “It will probably be gloomy and ponderous.”
“Electra” will begin April 14 at 8 p.m. and show again April 14, 19-21 and 27-28. A 2 p.m. matinee will run April 22.
The last performance of the school year at Robinson is “Angels in America: Part 1, Millennium Approaches.” Created by Tony Kushner and a winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award, the play has been renowned by international audiences during the last seven years.
Set in 1985 at the commencement of Ronald Reagan’s second term, the show is created with the themes of American politics, faith and identity. The play revolves around the possible future of the nation with reoccurring historical themes.
“Millennium Approaches” will begin May 25 at 8 p.m. and show again May 26, 31, June 1-2 and 8-9. A 2 p.m. matinee will run June 3.
Casting for the four plays is open to all students and community members. Students are given priority and casting of non-students is typically limited to three roles. Audition notices are posted in the Villard Hall Green Room and on the first floor call board in Villard Hall.
Auditioners are asked for a prepared monologue that is not to exceed two minutes and will also read from the play. Directors will continue casting with call backs by invitation.
Design assignments are filled by advanced students and are made by the director of the University Theatre in consultation with the design faculty and production directors.

Second Season

in the Arena Theatre
Directed by graduate students and faculty, the Second Season presents four to six plays. Taking place in the Arena Theatre, which seats 80 to 100 audience members, the plays are typically modern plays or experimental pieces with small casts.
Casting for Second Season productions are limited to University students and auditions are held the term previous to the performance. Auditioners are asked to prepare a monologue no more than two minutes, and to read from the play. Call backs by invitation finalize casting.
Audition information can be obtained on the first floor of Villard Hall between the Pocket and Arena Theatres or on the call boards in the Green Room.
Design assignments are similar to University Theatre assignments.