The Adams State Theatre Program invites you to join us for the family classic "Alice in Wonderland". Tickets, for the 8 p.m. performances on December 5, 10, 11, and 12; and 2 p.m. matinees on December 5 and 13, go on sale at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Reservations requests will not be honored before this time and date.

Ticket requests can be reserved in person, at the box office, or by calling 719-587-TIXX. Don't delay; last year's production "Miracle on 34th Street" sold out in eight hours. Tickets are $9 for general public, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty.

Two special performances of "Alice in Wonderland" include an opening night gala and benefit for La Puente Home and the annual Adams State Alumni matinee. Call 719-587-1010 for tickets to the La Puente benefit on Dec. 4. Adams State alumni and can call the Alumni Relations Office at 719-587-8110 for December 6 matinee tickets.

Beginning with the production of "A Christmas Carol" in 2004, the annual Adams State Theatre holiday offering has become a popular tradition for many in the San Luis Valley and the most sought-after ticket of the year. This year's production of "Alice" captures the charm of the original Lewis Carroll classic and promises to be a magical evening for all ages.

Actors Eleanor Smith and Jonathan Andujar prepare for the "An Evening of Ionesco." The Adams State College Theatre Department's production features two classic absurdist one-act plays by playwright Eugene Ionesco. "The Bald Soprano," directed by Lauren Gibbons, and "The Lesson," directed by Brittany Chowning, are must-sees examples from the absurdist period that comically examine how words have become meaningless as we stop thinking for ourselves and only repeat what others tell us to think. From a president to a news network, who tells you what to think? The plays open at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Xperimental Theatre and continue through October 31. Call 719-587-TIXX for reservations.

Adams State College Theatre Department will proudly present the acclaimed Little Theatre of the Deaf production of Tree Wise at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday October 15 and 16, in the ASC Main Stage Theatre. Thursday and Friday will include a demonstration of ASL (American Sign Language) by members of the LTD Company followed by a performance of "Tree Wise".

"Tree Wise" is an original script created for Little Theatre of the Deaf company based on the children's book of the same title. This exciting children's book, by Antoinette Abbamonte, (who is a professional Deaf actress turned author), has been adapted by professional Deaf playwright Garrett Zuercher and NTD Executive Director, Aaron M. Kubey, directs the talented company.

"Tree Wise" tells the story of young girl who has Deaf parents and has made a girlfriend at school. Through the help of a very special tree, the girl learns how to help her new friend and classmates understand more about Deaf Culture. The tree teaches sign language to the children ...and to the audience through sign language games.

The Little Theatre of the Deaf, comprised of Deaf and Hearing Actors, performs the entire program completely in American Sign Language and the spoken word. The Little Theatre of the Deaf entertains as it educates, the audience SEES and HEARS every word.

The Little Theatre of the Deaf is the children's wing of the National Theatre of the Deaf. Formed in 1968 to reach out to young audiences and their families, LTD performs original works, classic stories, fables and poems. Each year, LTD gives live performances to thousands of children and adults in schools and theatres across the United States. In addition, LTD tours internationally and has performed in India, Mexico, Germany, Japan, China, Russia, and New Zealand.

Tickets for the performances October 15 and October 16 are now on sale and can be reserved by calling the Adams State College Theatre Box Office at 719-587-TIXX. Tickets are free to AS&F and $5 for the general public.

When director Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater, approached Peggy Filer, Adams State ASL instructor and deaf awareness consultant, about the idea of producing "Children of a Lesser God" he said she was very excited. Filer said, "most people would say they were speechless - I was signless. It was a dream come true, for years I've wanted to see something like this happen."

Filer worked with the actors in the play, the two leads played by Brittany Chowning and David Trudeau, as well as the actors Jacob Sorling and Amanda Lovitt, whose characters are hard of hearing. She taught all of them ASL. She said it was a huge project as it generally takes two years to be good at ASL. "Brittany is a star in my eyes. She is fantastic. She fits the role of a deaf woman."

According to Filer the actors use the correct syntax and grammar when signing. She said David had only one month to learn and he worked very hard and impressed her. "Jacob and Amanda are perfect and I've had so much fun at rehearsals." It's not just the actors who have impacted Filer in a positive manner. She is grateful for Taylor and said he has "enthusiasm that bubbles over." She appreciates the poster design, crediting Jim Willis, adjunct professor theater, for the design. "I will be at every show, cheering them on."

The lead character Sarah Norman was born deaf and struggles to maintain her individuality. In the later part of the second act, Norman's character has written a speech trying to express her emotions and thoughts on being a deaf woman. "When Sarah talks about herself, that is exactly how I feel - it gives me goosebumps, are you describing me."

Generally, Filer does not bother to attend many events, there is seldom an ASL interpreter to communicate for the deaf. "The San Luis Valley deaf community is very excited for this event, it may never happen again. Everyone should take advantage and enjoy it."

In October, Taylor has arranged for the National Theater of the Deaf to come to Adams State and conduct workshops and performance. Filer said that usually only happens in big cities. She is grateful for the Adams State Associated Students and Faculty financial support of the endeavor. "The National Theater of the Deaf coming is the encore. It is all in my language."

The first impression of the Adams State College Theatre Department production, "Children of a Lesser God", is how the cast not only memorized lines but they also became proficient with American Sign Language (ASL) and still maintained the emotional level needed to carry the story forward.

The born-deaf character in "Children of a Lesser God", Sarah Norman, is faced with discrimination and false diagnosis of being un-teachable for the majority of her childhood. Her family enrolls her in a school for the deaf and after the age of 18 she will not leave. She becomes the dormitory maid, refuses to visit her mom, and adamantly insists on communicating only through ASL. Brittany Chowning's portrayal of Sarah pulls you out of your seat as you connect with the character's frustration with a world that insists on conformation and perfection.

I literally hung on every sign and word spoken, what would be the outcome, as each scene unfolded. James Leeds, played by David Trudeau, has his own demons to overcome but his love for Sarah is true. Trudeau will knock you out, he speaks verbally for his and Chowning's characters, and signs, and manages to hit the mark exactly of a man trying desperately to connect with his love and build their life together, as equals.

Alamosa native, Jacob Sorling is nothing short of amazing, really he is amazing. It is as if the character he plays, Orin Dennis, actually comes to life. Not to diminish any of the performances - Amanda Lovitt uses body language and simple nuances to communicate her character, Lydia's, insecurity and emotional immaturity. Melissa Rice, Jonathan Andujar, and Dalianti Moncada truly are supporting cast. Their believable performances provide a solid foundation for the more involved roles.

It is obvious the play was directed with compassion and a fervent desire to reach up to the level of deaf communication. Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater, directed the play and he once again combines music, this time recorded, into his production adding yet another level of sophistication to "Children of a Lesser God". His set design of warm and cool light filtering through a series of scrims accentuates moments of intense emotional dialogue and dramatic scenes.

"Children of a Lesser God" has a small cast and a minimalist set, however I predict it will have a tremendous impact on both hearing and deaf audiences.

"Children of a Lesser God" written by Mark Medoff opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on the Adams State Main Stage; and continues at 8 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 1, 2, and 3; with a 2 p.m. matinee on September 27 and October 4. For reservations contact the Box Office at 719-587-8499. Tickets are $9 for general public, $7 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty.

The Adams State College Theatre Program opens its 2009-10 season with the groundbreaking play Children of a Lesser God. The production features actors using both spoken word and American Sign Language (ASL).

Set at a school for the deaf, the play focuses on the romance between a young speech therapist and a school dropout who has been deaf since birth. As the couple fall in love, they must deal with the differences between them and the worlds in which they live. Can their love bridge the divide between the hearing and deaf worlds so that they can live together in the same world?

Directed by Dr. John H. Taylor, professor of theatre, the Pulitzer Prize winning play offers both hearing and deaf audiences a unique opportunity to experience together a powerful evening in theatre.

"I am very proud of this show," said Taylor. "By partnering with Peggy Filer and the ASC Sign Language Program, we have created a production that offers deaf audience members a chance to be full participants in an evening of theatre and for our hearing audience it will offer insight into what it is like to be deaf in a world created for the hearing. All the while, we are expanding the idea of what theatre can be."

The production opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, on the Adams State Main Stage; and continues at 8 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 1, 2, and 3; with a 2 p.m. matinee on September 27 and October 4. Tickets go on sale September 14. For reservations contact the Box Office at 719-587-8499. Tickets are $9 for general public, $7 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty.

Adams State College Professor of Theatre Dr. John Taylor attended The Illumination Project's Summer Institute at Portland Community College in Oregon. He was one of 25 individuals selected to participate in the workshop which was funded by a Ford Foundation Difficult Dialogues grant.

"It was an incredible week of learning," Taylor said. "I am coming back Adams State with so many new ideas that will help me to continue my work in classroom and in my theatre productions. For example, I am developing a new community-based theatre project for next year that focuses on conflict resolution using the techniques I learned as well as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet."

According to the Portland Community College website, the Illumination Project uses interactive theater to address issues of oppression and to foster a climate of equality, compassion, justice, and respect for all people in the PCC academic community and community-at-large.

During the weeklong institute, Taylor and his co-participants explored the techniques of the Illumination Project and Theatre of the Oppressed. Theatre of the Oppressed is a form of theatre, invented by Augusto Boal, to promote civic engagement, meaningful community dialogues, and problem solving around issues of race, class, culture, gender, immigration, religion and sexual orientation etc.

"After attending this workshop, I am more convinced than ever that the theatre must be a place where society can examine issues of the day and transform the world in which we live."

Taylor's trip was funded by the award he won as a 2009 ASC Presidential Scholar.

Dr. John Taylor's, Adams State College professor of theater, enthusiasm and commitment to his profession and students have inspired performers and audiences alike. Emily Stiles, 2009 graduate from the theatre program, said when asked what she will do with a theater degree, she quotes Taylor, "I will change the world."

He recently contracted with the National Theatre of the Deaf to conduct workshops and perform on October 15 and 16, to compliment the play, "Children of a Lesser God", his fall 2009 production. In preparation for the play, his actors are learning sign language over the summer and he is collaborating with Peggy Filer, instructor of American Sign Language at Adams State.

Taylor received the Presidential Teacher Award, recognizing outstanding undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring, in the spring of 2009. Over the last three years, his projects have included directing "Dead Man Walking," and "Fahrenheit 451," and the "Laramie Project," involving campus and community. He has brought to campus Sister Helen Prejean, the sister of St. Joseph of Medaille and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty; Luis Valdez, playwright, activist, and founder of El Teatro Campesino; and, via satellite, Ray Bradbury, author of "Fahrenheit 451".

Taylor said he is grateful for the funding from Adams State Associated Students and Faculty, which makes the visit by the National Theatre of the Deaf possible.

I woke up smiling the morning after watching "Bright Ideas", the Adams State College Theatre Department production now showing on the Main Stage. My dreams that night were funny and I slept well. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I giggled-to-laughed from start to finish through the play.

The best comedies make the routine absurd, stretching its boundaries while still containing a core of truth, and "Bright Ideas" is a good comedy. What is more truthful than parents wanting the best for their children, organizing play dates and outings, arranging for special tutoring, or switching classrooms or teachers who aren't the best fit. It is done every day and Genevra (Beth Tantanella) and Joshua Bradley (Zach Burrell) are no exception, chanting "hot lava" and "a mother is a lioness, a wolverine," they pump themselves up for the ultimate act in "bulldozing" the way for their three-year-old's future.

The entire play takes place from a few months before, up to, their preschooler's fourth birthday, when, according to "the books," their job is over. If they've managed to secure his happiness by then, the future has a positively positive outlook. We witness the two as insecure, uncertain parents seeking to enroll Mac in Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy, which teaches Spanish in the fall and French in the spring, to a resigned drunk and obsessed, hyper-controlling "hover" mom.

Zach, Beth, Emily Stiles, and Bothe Kretsinger, all senior theater majors, are adept at using facial expressions, body language, and plastic sword fighting to embellish the smart and witty dialogue. Even as I write this, "Bright Ideas" scenes play out in my head, making me laugh. Really, you will never quite enjoy another dish of basil pesto or comfortably use your leaf blower again.

It is a busy time of year, and the world news just seems to get grimmer and more dramatic all the time - give yourself a break, reserve a seat now and let your mind shut off and just laugh for a couple of hours. This is the last performance on the Adams State stage for the four actors previously mentioned and Kyle Wellman, and they do themselves and the theatre department proud.

"Bright Ideas" written by Eric Coble and directed by Jenna Neilsen, assistant professor of theatre, opens at 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, on the Adams State Main Stage; and continues at 8 p.m. April 25, April 30, May 1 and 2; with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 3. For ticket reservations contact the Box Office at 719-587-8499. Tickets are $9 for general public, $7 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under, and free to Associated Students and Faculty. Due to language, mature audiences recommended.

Expect the unexpected during the Adams State College Performance Art show at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 4 and May 5, in the Xperimental Theater. The production is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Performance art has been around since early 20th century, it can bizarre and extremely creative. Throughout the semester the Adams State performance art students studied the history of performance art, including all movements. Students have created films, identity pieces, dance, poetry, and emotionally charged skits to reflect personal opinion, the state of society, or the humor in life.

As a recipient of the 2008 Adams State Presidential Teacher Award, Eugene Schilling, professor of art, had the opportunity to teach a special Presidential Teacher Course. He approached Provost Michael Mumper about offering a performance art course for the spring 2009 semester. Dr. John Taylor, professor of theater and recipient of the 2009 Adams State Presidential Teacher Award, agreed to team-teach the class. He and Schilling recruited art and theater students, each group making up half the class.

Schilling said when professors across campus ask him how the class is going, he replies, "The students show up 15 minutes early and nearly every class has full attendance." Taylor said it has been an exciting opportunity to watch the students grow and develop their personal styles. He believes audiences will appreciate the diversity and depth of the production. "Performance art has been compared to describing an elephant - what it looks like depends on where you're standing."

The May 4 and May 5 performances will include individual and group performances. Due to adult subject matter, including nudity, explicit language, references to sex and drugs, mature audiences recommended.

For more information call 719-587-8499.