Will Act for Change will present 1st Amendment Theatre: Scenes from Banned Plays on at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the Adams State University Main Stage Theatre.

The performance is free to the public with no tickets needed. It is for mature audiences only. The show will feature controversial subject matter, adult language and situations. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Will Act for Change is a student acting company dedicated to using theatre to create social change. It was created as part of the Theatre and Social Change course taught by Dr. John Taylor, professor of Theatre, at Adams State.

As a recipient of the 2009 Presidential Teacher Award, Taylor was given the opportunity to teach a class of his choice and chose to create this course. Theatre and Social Change is now part of the theatre program's curriculum. About the class, Taylor said, "I wanted to give my students an opportunity to practice theatre in a different way and to understand that to entertain people means more than making them laugh. As artists, I wanted to challenge them to ask the question, 'How will I change my part of the world?'"

Will Act for Change's mission statement reads: "We are a social protest theatre company whose mission is to provoke change by challenging the status quo. Through the power of performance, we seek to encourage our audience to join with us as we promote social justice for all."

In the class, students have been studying and practicing different forms of performance that address injustice and oppression in society including guerrilla theatre techniques. Earlier in the semester, Will Act for Change performed the play "8" as part of a national project about marriage equality.

As part of 1st Amendment Theatre, ASU students will present short guerrilla theatre "plays" dealing with a variety of topics including gun violence, sexual assault on college campuses, a humorous take on international politics, and a piece protesting Colorado's de-funding of higher education which has led to increased tuitions and massive student loan debt. They will also perform scenes from plays that have been banned or censored.

Taylor said, "It will be an evening with a lot of laughs as well as thought provoking works. As we celebrate the 1st Amendment's guarantee of free speech, we are also exploring ways of achieving a more just society. It's not about righting all wrongs, but it is about trying to be a better society."

Adams State presents Compleat Female Stage Beauty

A review by Linda Relyea

Period piece or not, watching the Compleat Female Stage Beauty is not that different from an episode of Glee, without the musical numbers. The comedy, directed by Dr. Paul Newman, and produced by the Adams State University Theatre Department, delighted me. Smart, sexy, lavish costuming, set design, lighting…this play has it all, along with an entertaining story acted with comedic timing and believability

I’ve always enjoyed Dr. Newman’s comedies; he has a knack of waiting for the right cast to produce the best results. Compleat Female Stage Beauty isn’t a slap-stick, case of mistaken identity and door slamming fun, there is more depth and character development in this witty tale.

The story could take place in any time or place where the young and talented gather and form cliques and struggle for identity and acceptance – even a fictional high school like the set of Glee. Please don’t turn up your nose if you are not a fan of the Fox television sitcom because first, this is a live performance – which is always better than canned productions, and second it contains true-life characters from the 1660s. Whether it happened three-hundred and fifty years ago in England or three months ago in Hollywood – performers and patrons interactions make for interesting fodder.

The time period was pivotal in the history of English theatre. Recently reinstated on the throne, having been in exile since the beheading of his father, King Charles II (Eric Thurston) decrees that female characters will be played by women. Now Edward Kynaston, aptly played by John Hauser, finds himself, quite suddenly, without employment, friends, and a sense of self.

At the peak of his acting career, playing female parts, Kynaston asserts his self-confidence, talents, and superiority. He flings insults and biting critiques carelessly, although accurately, pissing off the popular and rich cliques. They seek unrestrained, unabashed vengeance.

Among the first to be cut by Kynaston’s sting include Margaret Hughes (Bethany Hernandez) and Nell Gwynn, played by the voluptuous Rachel Byers. Although not truly vicious at heart, their power comes from the royal men who desire them and that does not bode well for Kynaston.

Clever conversations and satirical observations punctuate the story. You sympathize with Kynaston and come to admire his original rival, Hughes, and the seemingly vacuous Gwynn.

In the second act, guided by his one true friend and admirer, Maria (Amanda Wade), and Gwynn, Kynaston’s climbs out of his self-pitying downward spiral to the realization “it is not who you are but what you do that counts.” Gwynn and Hughes also come into their own, believing in their talents and powers sans the royal court.

A couple of muted sexual scenes are included. For me, I’ll take love and a little sex any day over the violence constantly assaulting the senses from daily news sources to imaginary crime scenes in film, print and video. If you believe you might take offense or be uncomfortable, I suggest you close your eyes and silently recite your favorite poem in the brief moments of staged sex scenes, but don’t miss the play over it.

Hernandez and Hauser are always so natural and give professional performances. Mathew Wesley’s character, Samuel Pepys, meticulously documented the scenarios and actions long ago. This is my favorite performance by Wesley I have ever seen. David Boncyk does an excellent job of playing the lisping Sir Charles Sedley. Wade, Thurston, Byers, Derek Chacon (George Villiars) and Mason Miller (Thomas Betterton) support the leads with confidence and breathe life into their characters.

Compleat Female Stage Beauty show times are 7:30 p.m. April 19, 20, 26 and 27; and 2 p.m. April 28; reserve tickets by calling 719-587- 8499.

The Adams State University Theatre Program presents Compleat Female Stage Beauty, a witty, true story of the English theatre, directed by Dr. Paul S. Newman. The comedy opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19. Due to explicit sexual content, Compleat Female Stage Beauty is recommended for mature audiences.

The comedy, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, written by Jeffrey Hatcher, is based on actual events that took place after King Charles II decreed female roles would be played only by women in 1660 England. Previously, only men had appeared on stage regardless of the character's sex. What happened to the males who trained and perfected their craft as males playing only females? They became unemployed. This is the back story for Edward Kynaston, once the prettiest and finest actor to play Desdemona and other women's roles, who now, thanks to the king, becomes an alcohol-besotted, female impersonator in only the seediest of establishments.

Kynaston is saved from his self-destruction by Maria, who loves him. While she is nursing him back to sobriety, Nell Gwynn, the king's mistress, approaches him with a proposition. She will pay him to coach the first female actor, Margaret Hughes, on how best to play Desdemona for the King that very night. Will he use the opportunity as a way to gainful employment or to seek his revenge?

The underlying theme of Compleat Female Stage Beauty, "It is not who you are but what you do," appealed to Newman.

Newman said this era birthed the actor as celebrity. "Actors previously had no social status; now they were rubbing elbows with royalty – Charles loved theatre folks – and Samuel Pepys recorded their every thought and action in his diary – the first paparazzi." All of these characters actually existed. Researching their lives, Newman discovered the characters were all very young – college student-aged. "In their youth, they had energy as well as foolishness and lacked an understanding of the consequences of their behaviors."

Compleat Female Stage Beauty includes elaborate costumes, lighting, and sound. Newman said Jim Willis, instructor of theatre, has done wonders with hair and make-up. Newman also hired Anne Toewe as the costume designer and is pleased with her progress on a tight budget. The character of Kynaston has ten costumes alone. All of the costumes are lush and historically accurate.

Individual tickets are $10 for general public, $8 for seniors and students, and free to Associated Students and Faculty with current ASU identification. Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 19, 20, 26 and 27; and 2 p.m. April 28. Tickets go on sale Monday, April 8. To reserve tickets for Compleat Female Stage Beauty, call 719-587- 8499.

"Will Act For Change," with license from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to announce a one-night-only staged reading of 8, a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California's Proposition 8, written by8

Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black.  is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Hollingsworth v. Perry), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.

Black, who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the film J. Edgar, based 8 on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

The staged reading of 8 is directed by Dr. John H. Taylor and will be performed by "Will Act For Change" company members at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, in the Adams State University Main Stage Theatre. Admission is free with tickets available starting March 18.

Beginning March 18, the ASU Theatre Box Office will be open 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until tickets are gone. You may call 719-587-TIXX (8499) to reserve tickets, but tickets must be picked at the box office on the same day.

"Will Act for Change," an Adams State University student acting company dedicated to using theatre to promote social change by challenging the status quo, is partnering with ASU Prizm and the Center for Restorative Programs to present the historic docudrama.

8 had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere on September 19, 2011, at the sold-out Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City. The West Coast premiere reading of 8 was directed by Rob Reiner and featured an all-star cast led by Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Martin Sheen.

Throughout 2012, AFER and Broadway Impact are licensing 8 for free to colleges and community theatres nationwide in order to spur action, dialogue and understanding. The production will be followed by a talk back, where cast and audience members can discuss the issues presented in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial.

The story for 8 is framed by the trial's historic closing arguments in June 2010, and features the best arguments and testimony from both sides. Scenes include flashbacks to some of the more jaw-dropping moments of trial, such as the admission by the Proposition 8 supporters' star witness, David Blankenhorn, that "we would be more American on the day we permitted same-sex marriage than we were on the day before."

On February 7, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a landmark decision upholding the historic August 2010 ruling of the Federal District Court that found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The case will be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26 just three days after the ASU production.

More information on 8.

.

Be the first to see the world premiere of "Intimacy Issues," student written, student directed one-act plays. The Adams State University Theatre production opens at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 4 in the Xperimental Theatre and continues nightly through Friday, March 8.

Senior theatre major Derek Chacon '13 wrote, and is directing, "Logged In" a look at the impact of the Internet on relationships. His initial inspiration came from thinking about how people relate through technology. "I wondered what would happen if the only way to interact was through a screen." From this thought, Chacon wrote his "dark" comedy in a "near future" setting where participants never leave the house and communicate only through screens.

Katie Fuleki '13, also a senior theatre major, decided to direct "Four Seasons" written by Jon Schneider, who graduated in 2012. "The script is a good representation of young couples today and tells the story of how people's lives intertwine over the four seasons." She describes the play as a drama with comedic relief. Fuleki said college-aged students will relate to the one-acts, but audiences of all ages will connect to the plays.

Chacon said his play will be a "visual treat." He also designed the video incorporated into the scenes.

Both Fuleki and Chacon cast "fresh faces" for their theatre productions. "We believe the student directed shows are a means for freshman to gain experience," Fuleki said. "I can relate to them and enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences."

Chacon enjoyed the directing experience despite the many challenges of a larger cast and non-traditional stage design. "Logged In will be a different experience. It is not a typical stage set."

"Intimacy Issues" is recommended for mature audiences only; to reserve tickets call 719-587- 8499.

Denver's Zikr Dance Ensemble will present one performance only at Adams State University. The event begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, on the Theatre Department's Main Stage. Tickets are free for AS&F; $12 general admission; $10 seniors; and $5 youth; call 719-587-8499 to reserve tickets.

Zikr Artistic Director David Taylor is well known to the Alamosa community through numerous tours to over the past fifteen years with his former company, the David Taylor Dance Theatre. His new company however, founded in 2009, has a very different focus. The Zikr Dance Ensemble repertoire springs from Taylor's life-long fascination with ancient cultures and dance as both powerful ritual and as a transcendent experience. His new company presents a variety of works from around the world that focuses on the spiritual aspect of dance. Zikr's roster includes some of Colorado's finest trained professional ballet dancers and the company has already presented successful Colorado performances to rave reviews in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Carbondale, Greenwood Village, Parker, and Crested Butte as well as in St. Paul, MN and Los Angeles, California.

Zikr's latest performances in Pagosa Springs and in Crested Butte in late August of 2012 were both met with standing ovations. The Alamosa performance program will include dances based on the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet, Bali, the Mideast and central Asia. In addition Mr. Taylor's original choreography will also be featured in the fast-paced contemporary work,"Time's Up", in "Anasazi Dream" and in an excerpt from his nationally acclaimed production of "Rainforest". Also new will be two stunning sacred dances by G.I. Gurdjieff – "Walking Prayer" and "Ho Yah" – "Walking Prayer" was recently staged for Zikr by internationally known Gurdjieff movement teacher Amiyo Devienne.

Zikr's performances have been called " deeply moving….bringing the ancient to the new millennium…". Critics have hailed Artistic Director David Taylor's "depth of spirit and artistic vision, coupled with a degree of creativity that continues to awe."

Regardless of how your funny bone is tickled, HA!, the Adams State University Theatre Program production will make you laugh. The three one-acts open at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 in the Xperimental Theatre and continues nightly through Saturday, Feb. 9.

Directed by senior theatre majors, Mason Scott Miller '13, and Jason Wells '14, HA!, written by Rich Orloff, includes "Oedi," "The News from St. Petersburg," and "The Whole Shebang." According to the website richorloff.com, "Oedi," a farcical retelling of the Oedipus Rex story, faces the overlooked fact that if Oedipus married his mother, she had to be old enough to be his mother. "The News from St. Petersburg," a Chekhovian spoof set in 1905 Russia, examines the effect of a rumor on an aristocratic couple, their doctor, and an overworked and temporarily overjoyed serf. "The Whole Shebang." asks the question, "What if the entire universe was just some nerd's science project?"

Wells described the three one-acts as being everything from witty to slap stick to bad puns. "Something for everyone." Miller agreed: "Bunions, cows, lessons, and laughter, the shows will keep you on your toes."

Both directors said their cast picked up immediately on the comedic timing. Wells, directing "Oedi" and "The News from St. Petersburg," said he directed one play very tightly with specific instructions and the other he choose a looser directing style. "Both styles worked very well and produced the desired effect."

Miller directed "The Whole Shebang" and designed the sound and music for it. "I am really proud of the lighting design because it automatically puts you in another world. All the elements of the show will work together perfectly." Miller plans on graduating next fall and hopes to work in, or own, a recording studio. Wells, a double major in theatre and history, dreams of starting his own theatre – maybe in Grand Junction.

"When I read through these scripts I could not stop laughing. When Mason read them, he had the same experience. It would be a great disservice to miss these comedies," Wells said.

To reserve tickets for HA!, call 719-587- 8499.

Guest Artist and stage combat expert Geoffrey Kent works with theatre students. Kent has choreographed the exciting action scenes in Robin Hood.

Celebrate the holiday season with Adams State University Theatre Program's action-packed, family friendly "Robin Hood." Tickets remain for the December 1, 8 and 9 matinee performances at 2 p.m. and December 1, 7, and 8 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 ASU identification. The box office number is 719-587-8499.

While the box office will be closed November 21 - 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 26.

Heroes and villains, thrilling fights, and fairytale romance will soon be seen in the Main Stage Theatre as the Adams State University Theatre presents Robin Hood. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday, November 16 in the ASU Theatre Box Office.

Robin Hood, directed by Assistant Professor Jenna Neilsen, is the latest production in the theatre program’s annual offering of a family oriented show during the month of December. From A Christmas Carol to Cinderella, audiences from across the San Luis Valley have made the ASU plays a popular holiday season tradition.

As with past holiday season productions, this year’s show is sponsored through the generous support of Ray and Colette Skeff.

To help choreograph the elaborate fight scenes between Robin Hood and his enemies, renowned stage combat director Geoffrey Kent has been brought in to assist on the production. Kent is currently the President of the Society of American Fight Directors and has worked as an instructor of stage combat in three countries and coast to coast within the United States. He works frequently with the Denver Center Theatre Company.

For the last five years, the Theatre Program has partnered with La Puente Home and Valley-Wide Health Systems 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 five productions will have raised nearly $250,000 since 2007.

Public performances of Robin Hood run Dec. 1, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 1, 8, and 9 at 2:00 p.m. The La Puente Home benefit performance is November 30 and the ASC Alumni performance is December 2.

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 ASU i.d. The box office number is 719-587-TIXX (8499). On November 16, first priority will be given to people standing in line for tickets with telephone orders filled afterwards.