Southern Utah University’s Black Box Grant program and the student club Thunder Theatre Educators will be presenting their production of “Alice in Wonderland” on March 14 and 15 in the SUU Auditorium Black Box. The show, which is aimed at elementary-aged children, is directed by Adri Birchett.
Thunder Theatre’s production is shorter than the show typically is and has several moments of audience interaction in order to make the show engaging for young audiences.
“It’s really interesting to see kids come in and giggle and laugh,” said Kira Paskett, who plays Alice. “I think that there is a benefit to not just kids coming to see it, just to be able to let your inner child shine and just enjoy being in the theater and not taking life too seriously.”
One of the goals of the show was to give theatre education majors, who served as the creative team for the show, a chance to work hands-on in the theatre education field.
“In high school and college, we’re prepping to put on shows for adults and to be as professional as possible and to make money, so that’s what we’re used to doing,” said Leona Lombardi, the show’s producer. “In doing this, we have to have a different mindset … and make this production a little different from what we’ve done in the past.”
Because the goal of the production was to cater to children, it has been a slightly less stressful process than what is typical for a show at SUU.
“It made it have less pressure because I’m just like, ‘We’re just educating, and mistakes happen,’” said Birchett.
The actors involved in the show have also had a unique experience working on the show, which they attribute to the show being for kids.
“It’s so fun to see all the other actors have this childlike curiosity while being in the process,” said Emma Chapman, who plays Lewis Carroll.
Though the show is for children, the team behind it also encourages SUU students to attend.
“It’s a stressful time in everyone’s lives,” said Paskett. “Just come and breathe and be in Wonderland.”
Author: Tessa Cheshire
Photos courtesy of Thunder Theatre Educators
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