The Art (and Effort) of Theatre

The Hartmann Center is an epicenter for activity on campus. Students and faculty pour hours into productions, and residents of Peoria get to enjoy hard work that comes to life through lights, costumes and powerful acting.

This season, students are putting on the play John Proctor is the Villain.

“We strive for high level production values and I think we achieved that,” said Scott Kanoff, artist in residence and director of John Proctor is the Villain. “It takes a lot to put a show together.”

A play selection committee made up of faculty and staff is in charge of surveying and choosing plays. After the story is set, other elements must be considered. Like a well-oiled machine, every student has their niche that plays a major role (no pun intended) in bringing a play onto its feet.

Samantha Macauley, senior theatre performance major, is playing the role of “Ivy,” a high school junior in rural Georgia, circa 2018. She became interested in theatre at a very young age due to its ability to touch people's hearts, and continued pursuing this dream in college.

“I love telling stories. I love the idea of making people think and feel,” said Macauley. “If theatre is your ‘it,’ 100% do it.”

Productions are set up the same way they are in the professional world, emphasized Kanoff. All faculty and staff involved in theatre have extensive experience, and know what to do to catapult students into success. Students try out different elements of theatre—costuming, scene design, lighting, acting—and decide what next steps to take. 

“Even though most of our students may not pursue careers in professional theatre, we teach them to make the most of opportunities, materials and budgets,” said Kanoff.

There is much to learn in theatre production, for students both on and off the stage. John Proctor is the Villain is the perfect play for this, being “explosive,” with “tremendous acting and design opportunities,” according to Kanoff. It challenges both viewers and performers, encouraging them to find their voices and form tight-knit bonds.

The time period and setting is relatable, reminding us of our “cringy high school selves,” Macauley humorously said adding, there’s tea to be spilled and good humor despite its serious topic—the #MeToo movement.

As graduation gets closer with each rehearsal, now is truly the time for seniors to shine, by taking part in an exciting final show that will both challenge them and allow them to show off what they’ve learned throughout their four years in classrooms, practicum and working with others.

“I love the people that I’m surrounded by in theatre because they’re all so open-minded and creative,” said Macauley. “And I love performing. It feels like I’m doing something, using my voice—and who knows what difference that can make?”

“I hope that parts of the play are healing for some people, because it certainly was for me,” she said.

Tickets are available now, with Quick Cash accepted at the box Office. For more information, visit the theatre department.

This is definitely something you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets now and see the magic that Kanoff and Macauley love so much.

—Hermes Falcon, senior journalism and sociology major