Starting March 31, Clarks Summit University’s Kindred HeARTS Players will unveil the world-premiere performances of “Champion,” by award-winning playwright Joanna Kraus. The showings will take place at Elsewhere Performance Hall on Clarks Summit University’s campus on March 31, April 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will be April 2 at 2 p.m.
Kindred HeARTS Players previously performed Kraus’ play “Remember my Name,” a story about a young Holocaust survivor. This performance prompted Kraus to ask the Players to perform the world premiere of “Champion.”
“Champion” is a coming-of-age story with applications for everyone. Dr. Dawn Schluetz, director and associate professor, says, “[‘Champion’] is about a young girl on a water polo team who is navigating life and friendship.” The main character deals with the loss of her father, a bully and new friends.
The performers and crew members overcame multiple creative challenges this season. “Champion” follows the story of a water polo team. The players had to practice choreography to mimic movements in the water, and the crew members learned to use special lighting that evokes the image and movement of water.
Everyone in the program dedicated themselves to “Champion.” “I walk [into Elsewhere], and someone is almost always already there, working on their lines,” says Schluetz. The performance is a combination of new and old actors, but the motivation through the journey of production is consistent.
A close community is a hallmark of CSU. Likewise, the CSU theatre program encourages it’s members. “We are tight knit and support each other like family, but we gladly let a new family member in,” says Schluetz. New faces play major roles in the upcoming production. Everett Pilbeam, a Secondary Education Social Studies major, will make his Kindred HeARTS debut as the coach of the water polo team.
Schluetz encourages students to join theatre regardless of previous experience or future aspirations. “On a resume, theatre experience looks excellent—it does not matter what your job is,” she notes. Furthermore, new actors inspire veteran performers: “New actors have been a breath of fresh air,” according to Schluetz, “To come in and get excited all over again about doing this thing together and using what the Lord has given us to serve Him.”
The road to production is extensive but exciting. Schluetz summarizes: “I always love when I see it all come together and I see these people—right before me—create the magic.”
Kevin J. Waldron, Communications major
Request Info
Visit
Apply Now
Give