Cast? Check. Crew? Check. Set being built? Check. Costumes? Check. Lighting design? Check. Music and sound effects arranged? Check. A fire destroying the third floor of Alumni Hall and making the David Theater unable to use? Double check.
The fire that happened at the theater building Oct. 7, has not stopped the theatre students and staff from putting on the production of ‘Art of Murder’.
The cast and crew have been working diligently since the second week of the fall semester. While production was moving smoothly and quickly – the fire struck and now time is limited to relocate and rearrange the production.
McCoy Meetin’ House is now the new location of the production.
“Although we have had to change venues, rehearse in different locations, create a completely different set, and adapt our lights and sounds to work in the new space, the fire has led to some improvements to the show,” said Cortney Manning, a senior in business administration and marketing, who is also playing “Kate” the Irish maid in the play.
According to Brandis Outlaw, junior communication arts major and play cast member, the fire has drastically affected the cast and crew of “The Art of Murder.”
“The fire has affected everyone, personally the space that we’re given to work with has us feeling confined and rework certain directions and props we were originally going to use,” Outlaw said. “And not in the open spaces that we’re used to, but we’re actors and theatre buffs so we’re flexible but we prefer to be in our home base.”
“I know lots of stress would be lifted of all of us if we were back in the theater and the show would be a tiny bit better. But where we are now has definite advantages, the audience isn’t so far away and they can see our immediate reactions and really have the feelings of the suspense,” said Outlaw.
Minnie Washington, junior in business administration and marketing, is part of the backstage crew and is in charge of the house lights.
With the problems that are faced at McCoy, Washington said the crew’s task is large.
“Since the fire we have had to move to a smaller location making the set design very minimal and wasting the work that had been done for the theater,” she said.
“In our new venue we have run into problems with where to have the box office, how to get the lights to work, issues with sound equipment and more,” Washington said. “McCoy doesn’t have room for a backstage which makes communication difficult between other crewmembers.”
Russ Taylor, junior graphic design major and co-lighting designer, said the temporary, smaller stage won’t stop the dedicated cast and crew.
“I think we have all made the best out of this that we can do in such a small amount of time and space,” Taylor said. “Everyone has been willing to help and continue working to get this show to the point where it is now by working over the fall break, working over the weekends and taking time out of our personal lives to make sure that this play stays on schedule.”
“Joe Dipietro’s “Art of Murder” centers on a pair of artists, Annie and Jack Brooks, who have invited their art dealer to dinner to discuss the sale of Jack’s newest painting.
“Everyone has a plan to get what they want, but not everyone is guaranteed to survive the night,” said Manning.
Kate is a maid from Ireland who works for two artists.
“Although she recently graduated from university with a degree in chemistry, she is working as a maid until she can get her green card and work as a chemist in the United States,” Manning said.
The fire might not let the production happen in Alumni Hall – but the show must go on. The play performances will be held at 7 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, as well as Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. A final performance will be on at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3.
Admission for Park students is free with ID; adults are $10; senior citizens and Park staff are $8; and children and other students are $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
