Adams State College theatre students, Travis Hennager and Rebecca Fortner, connected immediately to the plays they chose to direct for their senior project. "Thoughts Become Decisions," an evening of two one-act plays, presents the idea of justifying the consequences of actions. The production includes "Bang, Bang, You're Dead," directed by Travis Hennager and "Orange Flower Water," by Rebecca Fortner.

The play, "Bang, Bang, You're Dead," written by William Mastrosimone, deals with a school shooting. When he was still in high school, Hennager wanted the theatre program to produce the one-act. The school refused. The play has been banned in some high schools because of the subject matter. The play opens in the jail cell of a student shooter's whose victims return to question him in his conscience. "Little actions can turn into bigger reactions," Hennager said, "Little things can affect us in a massive way." Hennager also believes anyone who has been on either side of a bullying incident can relate to the play. "I was bullied in middle and high school and have seen vast amounts of bullying. The play was written to raise awareness of our actions and their affect on others."

Fortner said she fell in love with the language of "Orange Flower Water," written by Craig Wright. "It is so realistic," she said. "It could easily be a conversation you overhear." The play drips with subtext, saying one thing and meaning another. "Anyone who has ever been in a relationship will enjoy the interaction and dialogue between the characters." She said often in relationships, one or both parties believe the "grass is always greener." Do you stay in your current situation or jump and eventually realize you are in the same situation, with a different person.

Both Fortner and Hennager said directing met all their expectations and they have enjoyed the experience and appreciate the Adams State Theatre Program for preparing them for this challenge and their future careers.

"Thoughts Become Decisions" opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, in the Adams State College Xperimental Theatre and continues nightly through February 11. The production is for mature audiences, 17+, only. Tickets are now on sale, call 719-587-8499 for reservations.

Celebrate the holiday season with Adams State College Theatre Program's "A Christmas Carol." A limited number of tickets remain for the December 3 and 10 matinee performances at 2 p.m. and Dec. 3, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general public, $8 for seniors and students, $6 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty with current ASC identification. The box office number is 719-587-TIXX (8499). While the box office will be closed November 23 - 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday, voicemail phone orders may be left at any time. The box office will re-open at 2 p.m. on November 28.

Sounds of the holiday season will soon be heard as Adams State College Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol". Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at the ASC Theatre Box Office.

"A Christmas Carol", directed by Dr. John H. Taylor, is the eighth holiday season production the theatre program has produced. Taylor notes, "The holiday show has become a wonderful tradition that began in 2004 when we first staged Dickens' classic story about Ebenezer Scrooge."

This year's offering marks the return of the popular holiday story to the ASC stage. Taylor said, "It is time to do it again. There are many people, especially kids, in the valley who have never had the chance to experience 'A Christmas Carol' live on stage. For those who saw our show in 2004, this version will offer a combination of the familiar with some exciting new elements."

For the last four years, the Theatre Program has partnered with La Puente Home to use the opening night performance as a fundraiser to help those in need in the San Luis Valley. With this year's performance, the opening night of the four productions will have raised nearly $200,000 since 2007.

Public performances of "A Christmas Carol" run at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 9, and 10 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10, and 11. The La Puente Home benefit performance is Dec. 2 and the ASC Alumni performance is Dec. 4.

Tickets are $10 for general public, $8 for seniors and students, $6 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty with current ASC identification. The box office number is 719-587-TIXX (8499). On November 18, first priority will be given to people standing in line for tickets with telephone orders filled afterwards.

Sarcasm, wit, and terror - sit back and be entertained, the Adams State College production, "Tough Love/Tough Luck" will provide laughs and gasps. The production features "Will You Please Shut Up!", directed by Kaitlyn Perham; and "The Lottery" directed by Abby Sandoval.

The evening's entertainment opens with the comedy, "Will You Please Shut Up!". Perham said the first two scenes are "really sharp and quick" and then the pace slows as the characters fall in love. Perham believes people will relate to the play. She appreciates the opportunity to direct. "I like creating a whole picture from different abstract puzzle pieces."

Sandoval believes the classic short story, "The Lottery", contains a strong message still applicable today. Her cast includes 15 actors and she enjoys the creative process of directing. "I tell the actors what I want and provide them with the freedom to practice their craft."

Both plays are directed in the round and the directors said the challenge came in blocking the shows. New seats placed in the Xperimental Theatre this summer will add to the pleasure and enjoyment of the show.

"Tough Love/Tough Luck" opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, in the Adams State College Xperimental Theatre and continues nightly through October 29. Tickets are now on sale, call 719-587-8499 for reservations.

Set in New Orleans during the late 1940s, the play features some of the most famous characters in American theatre. From Stanley Kowalski to Blanche DuBois, the characters embody passion and desperation, as the action plays out in a harsh world where no one is left untouched by its brutality. As Dr. Paul Newman, director, notes, "It is poetry vs. human nature; neither stands a chance."

Tickets are still available for the Tennessee Williams classic, "A Streetcar Named Desire", an Adams State College Theatre Program Production, directed by Dr. Paul Newman. Call 719-587-8499 to reserve your tickets for performances on September 24, 30, October 1 or October 2. Pictured, Kaitlyn Perham (Stella Kowalski), Mason Miller (Stanley Kowalski), and Katie Fuleki (Blanche DuBois) prepare for opening night on September 23.

The Adams State College Theatre Program announced it 2011-2012 season featuring three classic plays on the Main Stage and an exciting line-up of shows in the Xperimental Theatre. From the cries of "Stella" to Tiny Tim's prayer "God bless us, every one" to a door-slamming comedy by the master of bedroom farce, the 85th year of theatre at Adams State features something for everyone.

"We've planned a very diverse season that showcases some of the best and most popular works in theatre," said Dr. Paul Newman, director of theatre. "Once again, we are offering a Subscriber Series so our audience can buy season tickets for the Main Stage productions."

By purchasing season tickets, audience members will be able to reserve seats in advance for all three faculty directed productions including the popular holiday show. They will also receive a discount off 2011-2012 ticket prices and be able to pre-order additional tickets for the holiday show before the box office opens to the general public.

"One of the advantages of the Subscriber Series is that you are guaranteed to get into the holiday show plus you can order additional tickets without waiting in line," said Dr. John Taylor, professor of theatre.

The Main Stage season begins with a celebration of the 100 anniversary of the birth of playwright Tennessee Williams when Newman directs the American classic "A Streetcar Named Desire". The opening night will be a benefit for Tu Casa. For the department's annual holiday season production, Taylor will direct his own adaption of "A Christmas Carol". For the fourth year, the opening night performance will be a benefit for La Puente Home. Professor Jenna Neilsen concludes the year with the popular farce "A Flea in Her Ear" by Georges Feydeau.

The Xperimental Theatre season will present six student-directed one-acts including a stage version of the popular short story, "The Lottery," and a dark comedy written by film director Ethan Coen.

In addition to the Main Stage and Xperimental Theatre seasons, Neilsen will perform the one woman show, "My Name is Rachel Corrie" in the fall, and the theatre company American Centaur, featuring Alamosa native Cory Antiel, will be in residence for workshops and public performances during the spring semester. And Don't Feed Us After Midnight, the ASC Improv Troupe, will conduct public performances throughout the year.

For more information about the Subscriber Series, call 719-587-TIXX (8499). For information about the theatre season, call 719-587-7382.

A Review by Linda Relyea

There are a variety of ways to get into the holiday spirit - shopping sprees at 3 a.m.; hanging lights in below freezing temperatures; mixing cookie dough until your bursitis acts up; sending holiday cards to people you haven't seen or spoken to in decades; or you can relax in a comfy environment and let your spirit dance along in the magical sphere created by the Adams State College Theatre Production, "The Little Match Girl".

Yes, we all know the ending, but this play takes the audience along a delightful path of imagination and childhood fantasies. It is as though we are watching the scene of a colorful snow globe play out in front of our eyes traveling along in the whimsical dreams of a little girl who, rather than follow a path of well-deserving self-pity, wishes for a world of light and shared love.

For me, the holiday season is a mixture of joy and trial, it is a time of great expectation and often reality falls short. However, in this production, the pure soul of the little girl, barefoot in the snow, releases the duress of her circumstances by striking flames of hope and inspiration. Bethany Hernandez, the little match girl, expresses innocent and faith through her every look and move. Her compelling smile and gestures welcome us all to rise above our circumstances and discover a current of fellowship and laughter.

As always, Dr. Paul Newman, "The Little Match Girl" director, expresses his remarkable inner vision - artistically creating sets reflecting the mood and atmosphere of every scene. The actors of this large cast play multiple characters with poise and grace. When the dream ends and true existence returns, we are left with a fleeting sense of loss and sadness that quickly abates as the memory of the little match girl's courageous and admirable sense of wonder follows us home.

The running time of "The Little Match Girl" is approximately an hour and a half, including intermission. The choreography by Aubrey Lucero expresses the poetic insight of Newman's directing. I anticipate my seven-year-old son's, Joshua, reaction to play on Sunday; I believe he will appreciate the enchantment.

A limited number of tickets are still available. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 10 and 11; and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12. Tickets can be reserved in person, at the box office, or by calling 719-587-TIXX. Tickets are $10 for general public, $8 for seniors and students, $6 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty.

For the seventh year, the Adams State College Theatre Program is producing a holiday classic for community enjoyment. Dr. Paul Newman, professor of theatre, last directed the season sensation in 2007, "Cinderella." His choice this year "The Little Match Girl" is as sure to delight audiences as much as the more playful "Cinderella".

According to Newman, the story, by Hans Christian Anderson, inspires the belief in the power of dreams. "With every match the little match girl lights, visions of love and laughter, warmth and welcome, Christmas cheer and joy warm her frozen world. When she strikes her last match, she's left with her last dream--the one that lasts forever."

Ray and Collette Skeff are this year's sponsors; they were also sponsors for the 2006 performance, "It's a Wonderful Life". "We took friends to see that play, it was wonderful." Ray is a member of the Adams State Foundation Board and said he has a "hair-spring" arm that goes up every time a volunteer is needed. "My wife and I are avid community supporters and like to help out." In the lobby of the Theatre Building is a plaque recognizing the Skeffs' contribution. "I was very flattered to see the plaque by the door. We didn't do it for that reason," Ray said.

"The Little Match Girl", opens Friday, December 3. Newman cautions parents to remind their children the play is all pretend and make-believe. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19. Phone orders will be second priority to walk-up reservations on this date.

"The Little Match Girl", opens at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and performs again that night at 7:30 p.m. It also plays at 7:30 p.m. December 10 and 11, on the Main Stage; with 2 p.m. matinees on December 11, and 12. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and can be reserved in person, at the box office, or by calling 719-587-TIXX. Tickets are $10 for general public, $8 for seniors and students, $6 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty.

"Sextet", opening October 26, is perfect for the Halloween season. The Adams State College Theatre production, directed by seniors Eleanor Smith and Jessica Ray, includes a little love, a pinch of passion, and a splash of blood.

The six one-act plays, directed by Don Nigro, are a mixture of dark comedy and suspense. "The scary ones have funny moments," Smith said. According to Ray, the biggest challenge was blocking in the round. She and Smith "created a world for the audience to enter."

The plays open at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the Xperimental Theatre and continue through October 30. Call 719-587-TIXX for reservations.