By: Jack Neal
If you are looking for a place to make great friends, express yourself, spend a day in someone else’s shoes, and maybe even sing in front of hundreds of people, then the Olivet Nazarene University theatre department is the place for you.
The theatre department is a place of community. Accepting anyone and everyone who has a passion for being on stage the theatre department will welcome you with open arms. McKayla Zorn, a senior majoring in theatre said, “If you are new to theatre, don’t be afraid to really give it your all and put yourself out there, because we accept everyone.”
Leading the theatre department is Professor Ashley Sarver who is a director and playwriter. She has just recently stepped into the role of assistant professor and theatre program director for Olivet after Jerry Cohagan retired last fall. Given that it is her first year in charge and limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she is quickly adapting to this new environment and is running things very effectively and efficiently. She said her first year as a professor has been interesting due to COVID and is excited to see what a full year with no COVID regulations will hold.
On Friday, March 16, the theatre department had just premiered their original musical called, “Still” that was written, directed, and produced by Sarver. There was not originally going to be a spring musical for this semester because whatever musical that was to be performed was needed to be filmed for audiences to watch. This caused a problem due to licensing of the music and the only way to be able to film and release a musical would be to create an original piece where Olivet would have ownership of the music.
Sarver saw this opportunity and took it upon herself to create an entire musical from the ground up. This process included brainstorming with other professors, hours of writing, and even recording an original cast album. Her musical came with other challenges as well. Instead of just performing for audiences, this musical was staged for film. They did this because of limited seating in the audience and social distancing. After they performed on Friday, Sarver said it went very smoothly and she was happy with the result. If you would like to check out the musical, “Still,” you can find more information here.
The future of the theatre department is looking to grow and become bigger. Sims gymnasium, also used by the art department, is being renovated into a black box theatre strictly for the theatre program to use and put on more shows and performances. Sarver sees the department pouring out new original scripts and content and using those stories to connect and serve with the Olivet community.
Olivet’s theatre department is a growing and thriving place to step out of your comfort zone, try on someone else’s shoes, and be a part of something big. If you are looking to be involved in a great place with a fantastic environment, welcoming to everyone then Olivet’s theatre department is the place you’ve been looking for.
