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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (January 27, 2015) — Milligan College’s student theatre organization, “The Major Players,” collaborating with “Theatre Elkins,” will present their first production on Friday, Jan. 30, and Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in Milligan’s McGlothlin-Street Theatre in the Gregory Center.
Directed by 2012 Milligan graduate and Elizabethton native Daniel Banks, “Circle Mirror Transformation,” by Annie Baker, is a play about a small group of people who take an acting class at a local community center. It was voted one of the top ten plays of 2009 by the New York Times, Time Out and the New Yorker.
“Circle Mirror Transformation is a character study told through vignettes,” said Banks, who recently ended a tour with the National Theatre for Children. “Through the silly improvisational games played during the class, the characters ultimately reveal their serious real-life issues. I think people will find the play at times humorous, but also thought-provoking.”
Named for former Milligan professor Dennis Elkins, Banks’ production company “Theatre Elkins” teamed up with the “The Major Players,” a group that similarly takes their name from Richard Major, professor of theatre at Milligan. This is Banks’ sixth production under the “Theatre Elkins” moniker.
“It’s amazing what these students have done on their own,” said Major. “They have demonstrated a strong desire not only to succeed in the classroom, but also to create art for Milligan and the surrounding community to enjoy. It’s an honor to be their namesake.”
“The Major Players” started in fall 2014 with a goal to produce shows in addition to Milligan’s traditional productions, like the Festival of One Act Plays on April 28-29 and the main-stage productions, like the theatre area’s upcoming production of “Harvey,” which will run on March 26-29.
The cast of “Circle Mirror Transformation” includes seniors Darcie DeLong, as Lauren; Adam Derrick, president of “The Major Players,” as Schultz; sophomore Jeanette Hartsough, as Theresa; Milligan alumna and Sutton Hall resident director Corri Richardson, as Marty; and junior Andrew Wissmann, as James.
On the production side, contributors include seniors Christopher Heldman, assistant director; Samantha Baugus, stage manager; and Mandy Chambers, house manager. Freshman Madeleine Alford serves as lighting designer; sophomore Collin Hawley, as sound designer; and junior Tori Giblin, as props mistress.
Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students. All major credit cards accepted.
For more information on Milligan arts events, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.