Image courtesy of Hummelbee Photography and Lethbridge Musical Theatre.
The Lethbridge Musical Theatre's production of Footloose is in full swing and the cast and crew of the popular musical features some familiar faces in the University of Lethbridge campus community.
The production, which features electrifying music and dance numbers, boasts a cast and crew filled with ULethbridge students, staff, faculty and alumni in a variety of roles—leading onstage, in the ensemble and providing assistance backstage.
Of note, the three lead roles of Ren McCormack, Reverend Shaw Moore and Ariel Moore are campus community members—Faculty of Fine Arts students Isaac Risling as Ren and Jessica Schnell as Ariel, and Drama Professor Dr. Aaron Taylor as Reverend Moore.
Taylor—a Professor of Cinema and Media Studies and performance scholar—says he is particularly enthused by the idea of collaborative work between University representatives and the wider Lethbridge community.
"I’m taken with artistic enterprises that purposefully bring together artists and performers from different creative contexts. The blending of student, professional, amateur and creative researchers enables extremely rich and layered experiences for artist and audience alike!"
Jessica Schnell says it's been a joy to work on the production alongside her peers and colleagues.
"It was almost absurd to realize how many members of the cast and creative team were ULethbridge Faculty of Education/Faculty of Fine Arts alumni when rehearsals began at the end of August, and it has been so amazing to get to know so many recently graduated drama educators living, teaching and making theatre in our community," Schnell says.
"Everyone is modulating their different skillsets and experiences to arrive at a really wondrous place of alignment that the audience sees unfold onstage," Taylor adds. "And if the University is of the community, then it makes sense that we see ourselves as an important part of that layered culture of community theatre."
The talents of ULethbridge staff are not to be missed in the production. Student Outreach Retention Coordinator Alison Fehr showcases her vocal savvy as part of the show's ensemble and says she is thrilled to be involved in a production with familiar faces.
"The number of ULethbridge connections involved in this musical is remarkable, and the talent of these individuals is truly impressive. To know this kind of talent exists not only in our community, but within our own university is something to be proud of," Fehr says.
"Since opening night on October 23, the support from our community has been overwhelming. A full house every night has been profoundly meaningful for our cast, directors and crew. This production is our art, our passion and having our community’s support allows us to continue doing what we love," Fehr adds.
The Lethbridge Musical Theatre's production of Footloose has a sold-out run, attesting the community's support of musical theatre and the local talent that institutions such as ULethbridge foster and support in the Lethbridge community. For Schnell, this support is crucial in helping her reach her creative and professional goals.
"It is so important to me, as an aspiring drama educator myself, to be able to access these golden opportunities to build relationships and connections within the already thriving artistic community of Lethbridge. Thank you all for coming out to support the arts and give us the chance to share joy! It's truly an honour!"
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