Theater and music still need newbies

Concert band members practice on Mondays and Wednesdays in 240 Biddle Hall.

Natasha Bazika

Concert band members practice on Mondays and Wednesdays in 240 Biddle Hall.

Peijia Zhang, Features Editor

Students who seek artistic expression through theater or music have opportunities to join performances in both worlds.

Although auditions have been held and some performers selected, opportunities remain for students to join those already involved.

John Teacher, Pitt-Johnstown’s theater department director, in a pair of sneakers, introduced himself  Sept. 7 to a close-knit circle of potential play production crewmembers.

It was the department’s information session for students, known as an open house, which welcomed all interested students regardless of their majors.

At least 15 people attended the session outside the studio theater, or the black box theater, in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.

Among them were the theater department’s faculty members and students, ranging from freshmen to seniors,  and from history to education majors.

20 students, each with a sticker nametag, were intently reading their lines at 8 p.m. Sept. 8, the first of the two audition nights; the next day was to be the second night.

Teacher said he would send the casting result via email to students who had auditioned.

Acting opportunities are out there, too. One is a 24-hour Red Eye production event hosted by the Pitt Players – a theater arts interest club.

Another opportunity is Golgonooza, a theater festival in spring semesters, which is held by the theater department, creative writing department and the Pitt Players.

Both productions’ time and dates are to be decided.

Teacher also said, other than actors, he still needs students interested in technology, directing and costumes.

Any student participating in these theater productions is eligible to apply for up to three academic credits per semester. Each student can take up to six of these credits under the class named theater repertoire.

Teacher also has four work study positions that need to be filled, which include a liasion and set builders.

Michael Bodolosky, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble director, said there is no audition for any student to join the two one-credit classes offered by the music department.

“Students should have average, or above average musical abilities, (or experience with) reading or writing music, or have previously performed with an ensemble, such as a high school or community band.”

Bodolosky said he still needs a flute player for concert band, and any interested student playing a variety of instruments can still join, as instrumentation varies each semester.

“In Jazz Ensemble, the same applies, (and) especially guitar and electric bass (players are in demand).”

He said there are 25 members in Concert Band and 12 members in Jazz Ensemble this year.

Jeffrey Webb, Concert Choir director, is on sabbatical for the semester.

The choir’s interim director, Kim Rauch, said anyone interested may see him at the choir’s rehearsal at 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at 240 Biddle Hall.

All three official auditions for the choir have ended, however, according to a poster about recruiting choir singers in the Student Union.

A list of 27 singers who have been selected for the choir is posted on a bulletin board outside the Humanities Division office.

Members may apply for one academic credit for participation, according to Pitt-Johnstown’s website.

Victoria Snyder, a senior who has participated in theater productions at Pitt-Johnstown, said theater is an invaluable experience for her.

“All in the Timing” is a combination of six one-act plays done in one night. It is to be in the theater for a consecutive five nights from Nov. 16 to 20.

Tickets are to be sold at least a week before the play via the Pitt Players and the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center’s box office.

Concert Band members meet at 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Jazz Ensemble members meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.