By: Tatum Hunter
Although theater enthusiasts at Xavier are buzzing with talk of the university’s brand new theater program, Xavier Players are showing that they are not willing to give up their share of the spotlight just yet.
This year, Xavier’s resident student-run theater club will be bringing some fresh ideas to the stage in addition to the shows campus theatergoers have come to know and love.
In the fall semester, students can look forward to “Toolbox,” the beloved free-form comedy show open to anyone who wants to audition, as well as “Voices for Change,” an in-depth depiction of various social justice issues.
Because Xavier Players will not be putting on “Workshop,” a compilation of student-written comedy sketches, this spring, “Toolbox” will have a different feel than previous years to accommodate this change in the Players line up. Despite this change, both “Toolbox” and “Voices for Change” will still come from the creative minds of Xavier students themselves, and these shows will undoubtedly be a great way to showcase all the talent this campus has to offer.
Spring will bring one brand new production and two familiar favorites from Xavier Players. The first show of the second semester will be “Songs in the Key of … Diaries.” The theme for this year’s production was chosen by its producer Brandon Martin.
It will feature confessions, secrets and scandals that should keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Next up in the spring will be Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” When “Workshop” was pulled from the spring schedule, the Players decided to choose a new piece democratically. They decided on “And Then There Were None,” which will be Players’ first published piece done independently from Xavier’s Department of Music and Theatre.
The last show of the year will be “24 Hour Theater,” a day-long event open to all students. Groups of participants will write, memorize and perform their own show, all within 24 hours.
The goal of Xavier Players is to give all students the chance to get involved in every aspect of a successful production. There is a job and a place for everyone, from writing, directing and performing to lighting, sound and stage management.
Xavier Players will also be hosting an array of social events throughout the school year. Members can attend Family Game Night and The Great Pumpkin Social or even take a trip to the Freedom Center or Kings Island.
Come out and experience “Toolbox” at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11- 13. “Voices for Change” will be showing at 6 p.m. on November 14-17. Auditions for “Toolbox” will be held Sept. 10-17. Auditions for “Voices for Change” will take place Oct. 1-3. You can learn more on the Xavier Players’ Orgsync and Facebook pages.