Students spent spring break rehearsing for “The Performance Project” in Wadleigh Theatre.
PULLMAN, Wash. – Nine Washington State University students devoted their spring break to rehearsing in order to share their significant life experiences with others in “The Performance Project.”
The effort is intended to let students experience performance and the way it can improve lives.
“This project is about honoring our own journeys,” said Mary Trotter, director and a member of WSU Performing Arts. “We each have personal histories no matter how dark or bright they may be. It’s about honoring what we have been through in celebration of who we are.”
Four free shows will be presented in WSU’s Wadleigh Theatre in Daggy Hall:
Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 22, at 9 p.m.
“The Performance Project” is a collaboration between WSU Performing Arts and the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment.
Preparation began months ago when John Fraire, vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment with a background in theater, began sharing the idea with students. Those who expressed interest were asked to submit a writing sample describing their personal backgrounds and aspirations.
In February, Ben Gonzales, WSU theater instructor and the project’s playwright, began working with each student, helping them determine which of their life experiences they wished to explore through theater.
“The students, as relative strangers, were also able to tell each other their different stories and find common ground,” he said.
Full rehearsals didn’t start until WSU’s spring break last week. Instead of going home to be with family members or flying off to an exotic vacation location, the students spent up to eight hours each day in Wadleigh Theatre creating and practicing their performances.
“The students have fully committed themselves to this project,” said Trotter. “It has been a joy to go through this process with them, be a part of their journey and, in turn, have them be part of mine.”