ATU Theatre Program Plans Fall ’17 Production

Arkansas Tech University senior theatre major Glen Poole of Fort Smith will direct three performances of “Rope” by Patrick Hamilton at ATU’s Techionery Theatre this month.

The ATU Theatre fall production will be staged at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Techionery Theatre, located at 1502 N. El Paso Ave. in Russellville.

Tickets ($8 general admission and $5 with valid ATU identification card) will be sold at the door each evening. No tickets will be sold in advance.

“Directing is fantastic,” said Poole. “It comes with complications, and a more responsible role within the theatre. It allows me to put my creative ideas on stage. This play will allow the audience to understand a more complex play rather than watching just any melodrama.”

The play tells the story of a murder committed by two young men. Taylor Paulk of Little Rock will portray one of the perpetrators in the ATU production.

“This character is by far the most challenging that I’ve done because there are so many layers,” said Paulk. “It is also one of the most fun.”

 

Additional student performers include Maddie Geels of Clarksville, Aaron Jones of Dover, Kaitlin Jones of Franklin, Alexa Squires of Greenbrier, Holly Willmon of Bauxite, Nathan Yzaguirre of Hot Springs and Abraham Zarate of Russellville.

Dr. David J. Eshelman, associate professor of communication and director of the theatre program at ATU, said that student-directed plays are a great way for participants to learn from each other.

“It is very exciting that this play is student-directed,” said Eshelman. “Glen is a very charismatic individual. This will be a great experience both for him and for the students who work with him to create a coherent vision.”

ATU students Summer Dantzler of Conway (stage manager), Robert Warner of Little Rock (lighting designer), Carly Farris of Clarksville (costume designer), Faith Spencer of Clarksville (props designer), Elizabeth “Bedo” Escobedo of Russellville (sound designer) and Tanner Williams of Hot Springs (dramaturg) are making leadership contributions to the production behind the scenes. Spencer and Jay Anderson of Little Rock are assistant stage managers.

“So far I have learned that I need to be organized and level-headed,” said Dantzler. “Overall, I am enjoying the tasks and responsibilities that I have encountered so far.”

“Rope” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

For more information about the show or the ATU Theatre Program, contact the Department of Communication and Journalism at (479) 964-0890.

Learn more about the ATU Department of Communication and Journalism.