Cast and crew preparing to launch “Pollyanna” for six-show run in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – “Pollyanna,” a delightful, award-winning musical written by a local resident that focuses on the indomitable spirit of a girl to overcome adversity is arriving soon at Tusculum University for a six-show run.
Performances will be held April 17, April 18, April 24 and April 25 at 7 p.m. and April 19 and April 26 at 2 p.m. in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre, which is located on Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Art Center’s main level. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present for opening night to assist guests with enjoying the show.
“This musical has been great fun to develop during rehearsals, and the cast and crew are thrilled they will have the opportunity to present it in front of audiences,” said Steve Schultz, the show’s director. “We have assembled outstanding cast members who will bring tremendous energy to the stage as they bring this important story to life. We urge the community to join us because we guarantee everyone in the seats will have a great time.”
Woman whose family members fled Nazi Germany shares experience of surviving their new home, the Shanghai Ghetto
GREENEVILLE – A woman whose family fled Nazi Germany due to the persecution of Jewish individuals will give a presentation at Tusculum University about the experience of refugees of that faith who settled in Shanghai, China.
Judy Kolb will deliver the talk Monday, April 20, at 1 p.m. in Chalmers Conference Center, which is located in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. The community is invited to hear this free lecture, titled “Surviving the Shanghai Ghetto: A Presentation by Survivor Judy Kolb,” and participate in a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of her remarks.
“This presentation will offer a unique and personal perspective on the persecution Jews suffered under the Nazi regime, as well as highlight the measures Jewish families undertook to survive this inhumane treatment,” said Dr. Joel Van Amberg, professor of history and the university’s faculty chair. “We are grateful to Judy for sharing this account and encourage community members to expand their knowledge about this chapter in history by attending her talk.”
“Pioneer Perspective: Creating Our Community” showcases the art of Tusculum students, faculty and staff
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University’s Center for the Arts loves to present the work of local and regional artists, but the newest exhibit in the Clem Allison Gallery is even closer to home.
The center is showing “Pioneer Perspective: Creating Our Community” through Wednesday, March 25. The art on the walls and on pedestals, conveyed in a variety of media, is the work of Tusculum students, faculty and staff as part of a collective experience. In addition, Allison, who is now retired after leading Tusculum’s art program, contributed one of his paintings to the show.
Tusculum family members participated in a reception Thursday, Feb. 26.
Tusculum University Community Band to spotlight movie and theater music with the concert “An Evening with Tony and Oscar”
GREENEVILLE – Awards season is approaching with the arts, and the Tusculum University Community Band is embracing it for its upcoming concert.
The band will hold “An Evening with Tony and Oscar” Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in the Chuckey-Doak High School auditorium. The concert theme aligns with the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards.
Do not worry about having to pay movie or theater prices to enter the auditorium. The concert is free, but donations are welcome.
Tusculum University will celebrate the talent and words of African American authors by reading their works at event
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University will celebrate African American authors by reading their works during an event to mark the higher education institution’s observance of Black History Month.
The English program will hold the African American Read-In, an annual event on campus, Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the vestibule of the Thomas J. Garland Library. The commemoration this year will include an additional dimension – remarks from 1971 Tusculum graduate Bill Edmonds, a former member of Tusculum’s Board of Trustees.
The community is invited to this free event.
35-member cast picked for “Pollyanna”; rehearsals starting for six spring performances at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Leaders of “Pollyanna” have selected a 35-person cast to turn the lively musical’s script into a production that will delight audiences in the spring at Tusculum University.
Cast members, which include Tusculum students, alumni and community members, are now embarking on rehearsals. They will pull all of the pieces together for the next three months before launching the Theatre-at-Tusculum show in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre.
“These are talented actors who will present an outstanding run of performances,” said Steve Schultz, who is directing the musical. “All of us who were involved in watching them audition for parts were impressed with the energy they brought and know they will blend cohesively as a team to deliver shows our audiences will thoroughly enjoy. We are excited to move into the rehearsal stage.”
Theatre-at-Tusculum holding auditions in January for spring production of “Pollyanna” on campus
GREENEVILLE – Theatre-at-Tusculum is seeking cast members this month for the spring production of the upbeat musical “Pollyanna” on campus.
Auditions will take place Sunday, Jan. 18-Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre, which is located on the lower level of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Steve Schultz, who is directing the show, is seeking at least 26 cast members and ideally 31 to present the story of perseverance and spirit that permeates “Pollyanna.” Parts for children as young as 10 and adults of all ages are available.
“We are thrilled to kick off the new year with another opportunity to showcase the amazing theatrical talent in our region and the high-caliber productions at Tusculum University,” Schultz said. “Producing a musical is always great fun, and we have a dandy one this spring with ‘Pollyanna.’ We look forward to seeing the different gifts each potential cast member brings to the auditions as we prepare to assemble a team that will enthrall our audiences.”
Prepare for laughs, high-quality writing and strong acting during performances of “The Sneeze” at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Cast and crew members are putting the final touches on a production that will tickle the funny bone of the audience members and reinforce the caliber of theater at Tusculum University.
Theatre-at-Tusculum will unleash the comedy starting Thursday, Nov. 13, when “The Sneeze” opens for a four-day run in Behan Arena Theatre. A cast of 20, backed by a stellar behind-the-scenes crew, is ready to bring laughter to the seats with the collection of eight short plays, written by Anton Chekhov, that are part of “The Sneeze.”
“Our guests can expect to have a great time as they trade their daily life concerns for chuckles during the performance,” said Steve Schultz, director of Tusculum Arts Outreach, who also has a role in two of the plays. “Chekhov was an amazing writer, and we have assembled a tremendous cast, both of which will combine to create a top-notch theatrical experience. The community will not want to miss this show.”
Award-winning writer and author of memoir about growing up in Tennessee to read works at Tusculum University event
GREENEVILLE – An award-winning author whose work has been published in multiple literary outlets will read some of her prose and answer questions during an appearance at Tusculum University.
Dr. Rachel M. Hanson, whose writing includes the “The End of Tennessee: A Memoir,” which is set in Kingsport and Rogersville, will speak Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. The community is invited to attend this free presentation, which is sponsored by “The Tusculum Review,” the university’s international literary journal, and the institution’s English and languages program.
The content of Dr. Hanson’s presentation is best suited for adults and mature teenagers.
Rehearsals begin for “The Sneeze and Other Plays” now that 20-person experienced and talented cast has been chosen
GREENEVILLE – Rehearsals are underway as Theatre-at-Tusculum prepares for a three-show run of “The Sneeze and Other Plays” at Tusculum University in November.
Erin Hensley Schultz, the production’s director, recently selected a 20-person cast to perform the collection of eight plays, written by Anton Checkov, following two days of auditions. The group is now working in earnest in Behan Arena Theatre for shows Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16, in that venue.
“We have assembled an outstanding cast, most of which has extensive acting portfolios, which will result in a high-quality production,” Schultz said. “We pride ourselves on presenting compelling material that audiences will enjoy and uphold our standards of excellence, and ‘The Sneeze and Other Plays’ will meet that threshold. It is thrilling to have rehearsals up and running.”
“Edgar Allan Poe and Other Haunted Stories in the Woods” returns to the Doak House, enhancing the Halloween season
GREENEVILLE – Guests can enjoy the Halloween season with another delightful rendition of “Edgar Allan Poe and Other Haunted Stories in the Woods” on the grounds of the Doak House Museum at Tusculum University.
This annual production returns with performances Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. Talented actors will perform five plays five times, enabling visitors to see each one throughout the evening. Each play will last about 10 minutes.
During the breaks between each performance, individuals will recite some of Poe’s poems by one of the two campfires and then remain in character as they escort guests to the next performance. Those who attend will also have the opportunity to purchase concessions from Tusculum students representing different clubs.
Archaeology professor from The Hebrew University returns to Tusculum University to deliver lecture about biblical kings
GREENEVILLE – An archaeology professor at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem will return to Tusculum University to deliver another public presentation, this one delving into biblical kings.
Dr. Yosef “Yossi” Garfinkel will deliver his lecture “Searching for the First Biblical Kings of Jerusalem: David, Solomon and Rehoboam” Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center. His talk comes three years since his last appearance at the university, when he discussed Lachish, one of the most famous Israeli sites with connections to all parts of the ancient near East and the biblical tradition.
“We are honored to host Dr. Garfinkel again and to learn about recent archaeological finds that inform our understanding of Israel during the biblical period,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president and a friend of the archaeologist. “Dr. Garfinkel delivered an insightful lecture during his first appearance, and his upcoming presentation will be just as informative and stimulating. People will come away with a greater appreciation and knowledge of ancient Israel and the Bible.”