Theatre Program Returns To
Snead State Community College

August 2, 2009
Incoming freshmen to Snead State Community College were among the first to learn of the return of the College’s student theatre program. Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley made the announcement during the opening sessions of the Parson Preview Experience, the orientation/registration event for new students.

The College’s Theatre Department’s last performances were “Oklahoma!” in 2001 and the “Sound of Music” in 2002.

Dr. Exley said the resurrection of the theatre program will further enhance Snead State students’ opportunity to have the complete college experience. The College will involve Snead students in the program, along with members of the community, to provide not only an educational experience but a cultural one as well.

“I have been asked before about bringing back the theatre program, and everything fell into place for the College to begin offering classes this fall,” said Dr. Exley

The first musical production to be tackled by the theatre program will be “The Wizard of Oz” this fall. Snead State Instructor and Whole Backstage veteran Johnny Brewer will direct the production.

“I am excited that Dr. Exley is committed to providing performing arts opportunities to our students and community. I think this project exhibits the spirit of the community college philosophy. I feel honored to be asked to be a part of this project,” said Mr. Brewer, who also directed the College’s Theatre Department’s presentation in 2000 of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Auditions are scheduled for Aug. 20, 21, and 22 and are open to all Snead State students, as well as members of the community. The auditions scheduled for Aug. 20 and 21 begin at 7 p.m. and are for all adult roles, such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Glenda, the Wicked Witch, and Dorothy. Mr. Brewer plans to cast Dorothy both age and size appropriate. Young ladies between the ages of 14 and 18 and fit the look of Dorothy, as portrayed by actress Judy Garland in the movie, are encouraged to audition. The Aug. 22 auditions are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. for young people in first through sixth grades interested in auditioning for Munchkins and the speaking roles associated with them, such as the Mayor, Coroner, and the Lollipop Guild.

Performances are slated for Nov. 19-22, 2009. They will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. School performances will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19. Scheduling information will be sent to area schools at a later time.

Both the auditions and performances will be at the Bevill Center Concert Hall on the campus of Snead State.

Classes in Stage Crafts and Theatre Workshop have been added Snead’s fall schedule so that those who participate in the production may receive college credit for their involvement.

“The Wizard of Oz,” based on the L. Frank Baum classic and on the 1939 MGM musical, is a remarkable American fairy tale. Baum’s lovable characters – the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Woodsman – join Dorothy on a journey to meet the great Oz. While on their trek, they battle the Wicked Witch of the West. The play tells of a story of childlike innocence and wondrous self-discovery. Dorothy’s journey through a fantasy land of multi-colored splendor, filled with wonderful wizardry, gloriously-costumed Munchkins and a wickedly-willful witch, touches the hearts of both young and old alike.

For more information, you may contact Mr. Brewer at 256.840.4199 or e-mail jbrewer@snead.edu.