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From “The Crucible” to their most recent production, “Godspell,” ATU’s theatre and film program aims to attract an audience. Typically pulling in roughly 300 audience members between all performances of a show, the program boasts a large following of supportive theatergoers.
Sarah Pollock, a senior communication major from Rogers, Arkansas, said the program holds great meaning for her.
“It is a safe haven. It is a place where you can act silly, and nobody will care,” she said. “You can be yourself and I think that is really important. Theater is really accepting and there are people from all different backgrounds and experience levels. It’s very captivating.”
“People should care about theater because it is a way for people to feel included and show off their creative side. It is important to have a creative outlet. In a theater you can be sad, happy, or silly,” Pollock said. “When you are involved in theater you get to see everything grow from the roots up.”
Pollock is currently working on her directorial debut, a short comedy film titled “Cryptid House.” The premise of the film is about a regular college student being interviewed about what it is like to live with three cryptids. Pollock began as an actress and has gradually worked her way to writing and now directing productions in the program. This is her sixth show.
Amie Gates, a senior psychology major from Russellville, has been heavily involved in theater since 2018. “Altered Memories” is the upcoming dark comedy one-act play directed by Gates. Originally written in 2020, the play is a conversation between Id and Ego, two elements of the human psyche according to Sigmund Freud.
Gates stated that theater teaches others responsibility, how to work as a team, how to be creative, and helps to develop critical thinking skills. For audience members, going to a theater is a great way to relieve stress or worry. One of her favorite things about performing is when the audience feels all the emotions happening onstage. When this happens, she feels a connection to the audience.
“Theater is life. It is a reflection of things people go through. It is a commentary on social issues. It is a great way to relate to people and know that others go through the
same things that you go through,” Gates said.
When asked what they would say to students interested in joining the program both Pollock and Gates agreed, “Do it.”
“It is such a learning experience. You can do many different things in theater, and you don’t want to look back and wish you had tried it but never did,” Pollock said.
“It is such a great
program. Come to an audition. Even if you don’t get a part, do stuff backstage. If you can take classes, then do it,” Gates said.
On behalf of the entire theatre and film program, Gates encouraged readers to attend an upcoming show for the thrill of experiencing live theater. Both “Cryptid Hou
se” and “Altered Memories” will be shown in the Techionery Theatre from April 12-14.
