It’s grand, dramatic, comedic, awe-inspiring, glamorous, energetic, magnificent, entertaining, original, creative and a once in a lifetime experience. This is the world of live theatrical entertainment.
The Southeastern Department of Fine and Performing Arts has produced operas, dramas, comedies, improvised skits, 24-hour plays, classical concerts and choral performances, covering a vast variety of styles and genres. Students are provided with a multitude of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment, which is often free or minimally priced.
As a musician and an avid lover of the arts, it makes me sad that a majority of students seem to be completely unaware of and even apathetic toward attending the artistic productions lying at their fingertips.
Within the year and a half I have attended Southeastern, I’ve been to countless productions, many of which were absolutely incredible. I had the privilege of seeing “Pirates of Penzance,” “The Magic Flute,” “Firebird,” “The Light in the Piazza,” “Mr. 80%,” “7 Shards of Glass,” “Murderous Innocent,” “Spooktacular II” and several orchestral and choral concerts, in venues such as Vonnie Borden Theatre, Pottle Recital Hall, Pottle Auditorium and the Columbia Theatre. For those who have never been downtown Hammond to visit the Columbia Theatre, you have no idea what you’re missing out on.
Looking back in the history of American theater, the 19th century marked the explosion of theater development. From 1800 to 1875 theater was at the peak of its popularity. The entertainment provided a way for the people to escape their otherwise bland lives. Audiences were passionate about the performers and literary figures such as Charles Dickens and Henry James Popular. Plays would run for 100 consecutive performances.
Coming back to the present, even the larger productions at Southeastern are only shown three or four consecutive nights. This fact alone goes a long way in reflecting the decline of modern theater. An insane amount of time, work and talent goes into each and every professional artistic presentation. Students, faculty and staff work together to build sets, design costumes, orchestrate lighting and technical components and above all, practice, practice, practice. It’s a shame how much of their hard work goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Theatrical performances are a luxury and a privilege. The theater offers a chance to experience something new and exciting. Students should broaden their young horizons and show appreciation for the arts which have been made available to them.
Go to the Department of Fine and Performing Arts website from the Southeastern home page to locate a user-friendly calendar which lists the dates, times, titles and locations of upcoming events. Next time you find yourself looking for weekly or weekend entertainment, review the events calendar, find a production that interests you, educate yourself and take advantage of the many opportunities presenting themselves.