Grief, loss and other subjects explored by Tusculum students and alumni in journal dedicated to Pioneer who passed away
GREENEVILLE – High-caliber writing that expounds on a variety of subjects, particularly grief and loss, along with multiple pieces of art fill the pages of the newest edition of a student-run journal at Tusculum University.
“Sit Lux,” an annual production of the Tusculum’s English program, was recently published, featuring mostly the work of Tusculum students but also encompassing items from alumni, a professor and the university’s president. A student team led the process of creating the publication with assistance from faculty in Tusculum’s English and art and design programs.
The students dedicated this issue to the late Payton Cook, a freshman in the business administration program and a member of the Tusculum Pioneers men’s lacrosse team, who passed away in December in a car accident near campus.
Tusculum University to provide hands-on learning for children during Pioneer Skills Camp and Theatre Camp
GREENEVILLE – Children of multiple ages will find Tusculum University is the place to be for a wonderful camp experience this year.
Tusculum will again hold Pioneer Skills Camps Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19, on the Doak House Museum grounds. The next two weeks, the university will hold Tusculum Theatre Camp from Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29-Friday, July 3, in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre and Behan Arena Theatre.
“We are thrilled to offer these terrific opportunities for active and experiential learning on our historic and gorgeous campus,” said Greg Fay, director of continuing education and camps. “These two camps have been big hits and staples of our summer programming, and we look forward to welcoming children to the university for a fantastic time.”
Four Tusculum University students honored for exceptional writing in annual competition judged by award-winning author
GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University students have been honored for excellence in writing by an award-winning author who was impressed by the caliber of the entries she judged.
The English program held the Curtis ’28 and Billie Owens Literary Prize ceremony Thursday, April 16, in Behan Arena Theatre. The competition for the awards was open to all students regardless of their major. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, who served as the judge, picked the following recipients for prizes in four genres:
- Drama – “The One with the Custody Agreement” by Kiersten Paxton
- Fiction – “The Winners” by Austin Reed
- Nonfiction – “Holy Ground” by Paxton
- Poetry – “One Weekend a Month” by BriAnna Higgins
In addition, JP Campione was selected as a runner-up in the nonfiction category for “Go Find Your Own Mom.”
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.