Maggie Hunter, a William Woods University Student, to Perform

2011 Apr 26

Maggie Hunter of Columbia, Mo., a William Woods University performing arts student, will display her talents during a variety of performances through May 1. The performances, which include dancing, singing and acting, are free and open to the public.

The William Woods Owls Orchestra will perform its Spring Concert, Monday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Dulany Auditorium. The concert will feature instrumental music from several different styles and periods. Student performers were selected by audition and will play a variety of musical instruments.

Two graduating seniors, Michael Dodson of Mexico, Mo., and Ashleigh Emmons of Bothell, Wash., will present their senior projects April 30 and May 1 in Dulany Auditorium.

"Michael and Ashleigh have contributed greatly to the success of the department. Their leadership by thought, word and example have been wonderful. Although we hate to let them go, we know they're destined for bigger and better things," said Joe Potter, assistant professor of performing arts, who has helped lead and organize the student's Performing Art Show.

On Saturday, April 30, Dodson will sing various selections from classical music, pop, and show tunes at 1:30 pm., and Dodson and Emmons will perform a variety of songs, monologues, and duet acting scenes for the public at 7 p.m. Emmons will also sing various selections from classical music, pop and show tunes on Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m.

The series of performing arts shows was kicked off with the student-led Served Up Crispy Improvisation Team Performance April 21. The performance consisted of scenes and situations inspired by "Whose Line Is It Anyway."

Jason Cavallone of Fulton, Mo., and Drew Arnett of Columbia, Mo., led the performance, which included Maggie Hunter of Columbia, Mo., Nick Hoover of Kingdom City, Mo., Kyle Hendrix of St. Charles, Mo., and Cal Hawkins of Wentzville, Mo.

April 22, students performed a stage reading of "Proof." Students began working on the staged reading in the fall of 2010. A scene was presented at the American College Theatre Festival held in Iowa this year where students had the privilege of receiving feedback from theatre peers, guest artists, and faculty from other institutions.

Dustin West of Kansas City, Mo., a WWU junior who was in charge of creating the event, says he first encountered Proof his freshman year.

"Having only read part of the play, I was quick to dismiss its content as being simply a play about math and not having the depth I like to see in a drama."

West came across the play again this past fall when he was presented with it as a choice in the Society for Stage Directors and Choreographers National Fellowship Scene Audition at the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival. This is a directing competition where the focus is mainly on the actors and how they portray character, relationships and emotion.

"The actors read from scripts, however, they created highly developed characters to present the text of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize Winner, which reveals the strong bond between a father and daughter, a sibling rivalry, new love, pure genius vs. psychological madness, and, of course, the feeling of needing to prove yourself against great odds," West said.

"Performing arts students work very hard and take very seriously the development of their talents," Potter said. "We appreciate all support that has been given to them throughout the year. We hope you will return in the fall to join us for a brand new, exciting season."