Linfield University’s Theatre Program opens its 101st season, themed “A Season Like No Other,” with a pair of live sketch comedy livestreams. Two free performances of “Out of the Box: A Night of Improvised Sketches” debut at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 on the Linfield Theatre YouTube channel. The sketches, which contain mild adult language and adult situations, are recommended for ages 13+.
“Out of the Box” consists of sketches written and performed by a troupe of student actors and writers. The evening’s performances will include sketches titled, “Womb to Tomb,” “We Don’t Need No Distance Education,” “A La Carte,” and “BBM in a TLB.” The night will be directed by student directors Clementine Doresey and Hailee Foster, as well as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Derek Lane and Associate Professor of Theatre Janet Gupton.
Two additional virtual performances round out the department’s fall schedule – “Democratically Speaking” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, while “A Night in New Orleans (circa 1917)” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. All performances are free and will air on Linfield Theatre’s YouTube channel.
“Democratically Speaking” features a dynamic interplay of voices and found text compiled by Rush Rehm, a professor of drama and classics at Stanford University, and directed by Linfield’s Assistant Professor of Theatre Lindsey Mantoan. The show explores the abstract idea and material realities of “democracy” from ancient Greece to the present. A timely exploration of “people power” (the root meaning of demos + kratos), “Democratically Speaking” offers a compelling challenge to all viewers in this presidential election year.
“A Night in New Orleans (circa 1917)” features songs, dances, monologues and more encountered in New Orleans during the early part of the 20th century. Gupton will direct the production, which will be recorded and edited by student cinematographers Hannah Curry, a senior from Tigard majoring in theatre, and David Gray, a junior from Lincoln City majoring in journalism and media studies.
More information about the fall theatre season can be found at www.linfield.edu/arts. The Theatre Program will announce its spring offerings early in 2021.
