The Truman State University Department of Theatre will kick off the 2018-2019 year with our faculty show (starring Professors Randy Bame and Dana Smith). Join us as we put on A.R. Gurney’s tender and heart-wrenching play Love Letters, directed by Assistant Professor David Charles Goyette.

Tickets are free of charge with general seating and shows will take place on Monday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 21 at 8 p.m. in the James G. Severns Theatre located in the Ophelia Parrish Building. Love Letters contains mature subject matter.

THE STORY: Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.

A unique and imaginative story comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is an evocative, touching, frequently funny, but always telling pair of character studies in which what is implied is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down.

Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/298304460935815/

For more information call 660-785-4515.

The Theatre Department’s play direction class will present the work of six new directors in one-act plays at 8 p.m. May 3-4 in the Ophelia Parrish Hall James G. Severns Theatre.

The class, taught by assistant professor David Charles Goyette, directs plays from some of the best playwrights from around the country as a final assignment. The plays had to be published within the last 80 years, between 10-30 minutes in length and without heavy science, costume, light or sound effects.

These final productions represent a synthesis of numerous concepts explored in the course of the semester. Students explored composition and picturization techniques, scene analysis, how to develop a directorial approach and methods on how to work with actors.

The play direction course is required of all theatre majors in order to graduate. Admission is free for the one act plays. For more information, contact Goyette at dcgoyette@truman.edu.

May 3
“I Think You Think I Love You”
By: Kelly Younger
Directed by: Emma Hegemann
A blind first date gets off to a rough start.

“The Make-Up Artist”
By: David Henry Wilson
Directed by: Blaine Shepherd
A makeup artist slowly transforms an actor’s appearance into a decrepit state, as she is harassed and pestered by him.

“Drugs Are Bad”
By: Jonathan Rand
Directed by: Tristin Baro
Instead of following his parents’ strict insistence on sex, drugs, and rock and roll Brad has been studying behind their backs!

May 4
“Kissing Scene”
By: Carl Martin
Directed by: Austin Cable
Two mismatched student actors practice a scene where they have to kiss.

“The Grandfather”
By: Brian Harris
Directed by: Montana Carlson
When Maury’s off-the-wall grandfather moves in, he helps to take Maury’s gaming to the next level.

“Variations on the Death of Trotsky”
By: David Ives
Directed by: Isabella Richards
Trotsky won’t except his death much to everyone’s exasperation.

Watch this trailer for a look at some behind-the-scenes action for “She Stoops to Conquer,” the final mainstage production for the Theatre Department’s 2017-2018 season. The show runs from April 18-21 in the James G. Severns Theater. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Box Office in the Ophelia Parrish Building/Fine Arts Center.