The Sam Houston State University Summer Repertory Program is a class offered at SHSU during the summer that puts on four plays in a matter of eight days.
The purpose of the program is to emphasize acting and directing while taking a barebones approach on sets, lights and costumes, according to the summer one programs. Most of the students are involved in at least two shows.
Penny Hasekoester M.F.A., Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, believes that the program helps students develop skills not only on stage but backstage as well.
You learn how to work in a group and how to work fast and process fast and how to develop your skills, Hasekoester said.
The rehearsal process is much shorter, about three weeks. According to Hasekoester this forces a real economy of directing style, and a real economy of working from everybody.
Students in the program share what they got from the program.
Stephanie Dew, junior musical theatre major, was in two summer repertory plays, The Credeaux Canvas and Murder by Mistake. Dews emphasis is in acting so she loved being able to focus solely on acting this summer.
It was a great experience to work on both plays, because one was comedic and the other was dramatic, giving me two different areas to focus on, Dew said. Summer repertory also provided me with the chance to work closely with other students in the department that I didnt know beforehand.
Camry Selden, senior theatre major, was in one summer repertory play, Murder by Mistake. Selden liked the program because the plays were a bit riskier than what is put on during the normal school year.
It was great to get the experience of putting up a show in a short period of time, Selden said. Most of the shows that are performed are things that dont get to be in the main season throughout the year.
Summer repertory two will start July 25 with Cockeyed at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5.