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Show Wednesday, August 31,2005 Christian continued from page 8 ask me to accomplish in a week I frequently would accomplish in a few mornings." Christian returned to WSU campus because he missed teaching. "I felt there was more I'm supposed to be doing," said Christian. "There was a real clear sense for me that it wasn't a perfect fit." As the director of musical theater studies, Christian teaches 11 classes ranging from "Intro to Theatre" to "Directing for Musical Theatre." Christian' teaches and advises all musical theater majors. He also wrote "Pirated Penzance," which premiered at WSU and is set to be performed again here next spring. The show is a spoof of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance," and is set in a 1930s film studio. There is a director and producer of films who capitalized on the transition from silent to sound films, during which some of the actors looked great, but had voices that left much to be desired. At the same time, there were also actors who had great voices, but didn't look right for the screen. WSU had to bring in four people to take over Christian's classes last year. Adjunct faculty such as Justin Ivie and Bruce Cohen, who directs for Utah Musical Theatre, took some of Christian's classes. "They actually cancelled Gallery some of my classes spring semester," Christian said. Christian started teaching at WSU in 1988 after teaching at Illinois State, Eastern Kentucky State and San Diego State Universities. Christian said that of all the students Christian has taught in more than 26 years of teaching, WSU students have been his favorites. "The students here are tended to be much more focused on having a career path," Christian said. Students at WSU are especially happy to have Christian return. "I'm so freakin' excited," said Erin Fair, a WSU theater major. "Because I'm here for musical theater and if there's no Jim, there's no musical theater." Christian has been a favorite of many WSU theater students for years. "I think it's fantastic because Jim has an uncanny ability to connect with each and every student, which strengthens the department as a whole and creates an environment that's uniquely conducive to learning," said Scott Tuckfield, WSU theater junior. So far, there have been no negative comments concerning Christian's return to WSU. "Everyone has been very supportive," Christian said. "I haven't been accused or challenged in any way." You can leave a message for reporter Nikki Garrett by calling 626-7105 continued from page 8 Booth said. "But if it should happen, I won't censor it." Students, faculty and community members are invited to participate in every show as Booth assumes his new role as director of the gallery. "We're delighted that we had someone in the region that knew the institution, knows the gallery and knows the community and that's definitely what Fletcher brings to it," Phillips said. The Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The current show will run until Oct. 15. For more information on gallery exhibits and artists, visti www.dova.weber.edu. The Signpost continued from page 8 way we say 'Thank You' so we can't offer this to alumni or other people." And yes, someone will be checking for a Wildcat Card. A transcript with a name on it won't work and neither will a textbook. "To avoid that embarrassing moment, it's better if everyone in the party has aWildcat Card," Jennings said. Starting at 6:30 p.m., students bearing a current Wildcard will get a hand stamp. It's "first come, first serve," so many students will arrive early. Most shows are performed in the Allred Theater, but some are shown in the Eccles Theater. The Eccles is the smallest theater on campus, so shows in this theater are more likely to sell out. Students have been known to wait in line as early as 5:30 p.m. for shows in the Eccles. Many use the time to study, while others use the time to play card games or chat with friends. "If they want to get their money's worth at Weber State, they should attend as many performing arts events as they can, because they're paying for it through student fees," Jennings said. "Especially the free student nights, because Performers like Joe McQueen (above) entertain guests in the Sky- they paid for them already." room the first Wednesday of every month. Admission is freeEven if students miss the free nights, the student theater Department has reserved access to otherwise," said student ticket is only $5.50 and the Tuesday night performances for Aimee Williams. "The variety is student music event ticket is students only. such that I wouldn't miss going." only $3.50. This year's playbill sports "Six The only catch is students For a complete Degrees of Separation," "The must have a current Wildcard. calendar of events, go to Shape of Things" and "Pirated "The reason is part of our d e p a r t m e n t s . w e b e r . e d u / Penzance." performances are funded by performingarts. "It has given me a chance to student fees," said Caril lennings, You can leave a message for reporter see plays that i wouldn't have had DPA marketing director. "It's the Nikki Garrett by calling 626-7105 - You can reach reporter David Fairchild by calling 626-7105. 3pm to 5pm • 7-Days cfWeek Cheese Slice 1.50 16 oz. Fountain Soda .60 OPEN LATE Mon thru Thur 11am to Midnight Fri <& Sat 11am to lam Open Sunday Noon to 11pm '%& 42nd & Harrison Blvd PIZZERIA 627-1920 Page 9 Welcome io all Weber State freshman, sophomore and transfer students interested in officership To register for MILS 1010 call LTC Stuart at 626-7251 or email: gstuart@weber.edu |