Theater in the News: March 2014

A selection of stories published in The Dartmouth this month:

Drama students paved way at College

"Before Dartmouth became coeducational in fall 1972, a handful of pioneering transfer students in the theater department helped to pave the path for women to follow. The women had participated in the Congregation of the Arts, a summer arts program on campus from 1963-1969 that brought together musicians, composers, actors and dancers from various colleges."

"Dartmouth's theater department was outstanding but lacked talented female leads — prior to the transfer students' arrival, faculty wives, Hanover high school students and local women played female parts. In summer 1968, female students attending the summer program could apply to a year-long transfer to Dartmouth to study theater. They would take other classes as well, but could not receive a Dartmouth degree."  (Read More)

"The Alchemist" sparks laughter 400 years later

"Fortune, that favors fools, these two short hours/we wish away, both for your sakes and ours."

"So begins 17th century playwright Ben Jonson's comedy "The Alchemist." Director Nick O'Leary '14 has added his own touches to recreate this classic, witty tale, which will amuse even modern audiences on Wednesday evening." (Read More)

Coeducation enhanced College performing arts

"When 200 women joined the Class of 1976, the male-dominated Dartmouth community reacted with mixed emotions — some welcomed the female students, while others displayed hostility. The music and theater departments, however, largely avoided the eye of the storm."

"Renowned for the strength of its teaching professors and state-of-the-art Hopkins Center facilities, the theater and music departments benefited from female students' participation. As early as 1968, year-long female transfer students participated in Dartmouth's theater productions, and following coeducation, women joined ensemble groups like the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra." (Read More)

Hop brings art to young students 

"The Hopkins Center's school matinee series allows area schools and young children to meet and talk to artists who visit campus. Hop outreach coordinator Mary Gaetz said that the program embodies the Hop's goal to include education as part of its mission. The program aims to be as inclusive as possible by making performances interesting and informative for students." (Read More)