VCU theatre students need support to achieve their dreams

October 20, 6:09 PMRichmond Acting ExaminerCaroline Sumner

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The senior class of VCU's Theatre Performance track.

The theatre program at Virginia Commonwealth University is known for its ability to produce quality big-budget performances on its mainstage, experiment with unique shows in its smaller venues, and groom the best and brightest acting students for their future in the arts. Part of this process is the Senior Showcase, a coveted program in which select seniors travel to different cities to perform for talent agents in the hopes of jump-starting their career after graduation.

Jenny Hann, the class representative, explains what the Showcase is all about: "The Senior Showcase is an amazing opportunity for Theatre Performance majors to audition for agents and theatre companies from New York, Chicago, D.C. and LA. As theatre majors, the likelihood of receiving jobs in our field is a rough percentage. We need all the extra help that we can get to get ourselves out there, and network with those in the industry that can help better our careers. A new feature this year is being able to take workshops with The Actor’s Connection in LA and New York. Another huge group of casting agents and the like will be there! Oh, and did I mention that this is the first year that an LA showcase is going to happen?" 

Her excitement is palpable, but she's not about to make it sound like it's all fun and games. "To be a part of Showcase you must audition with a scene partner and put together a 6 minute presentation. Auditions are just around the corner! Those students who are selected will work on perfecting their showcase presentations for next year when they travel to Chicago, DC, NYC, and LA. The rehearsal process is rigorous in order for every student to shine."

Hann says that while the Senior Showcase is an incredible opportunity, it is one that is difficult for students to pay for, especially in these rough economic times. Even so, they are determined to raise the necessary funds.

"The Senior Class is raising money through concessions for Mainstage productions, Christmas caroling, Yard Sales (Which we just had our first one this past Saturday), custom VCU Theatre t-shirts, calendars, and restaurant fundraisers," Hann lists. "A donation of $10.00 can make a world of a difference when a few hundred people donate this amount. We want to be able to alleviate the cost of Showcase and travel as much as humanly possible. This is such a great opportunity and we don’t want any student to be left behind due to money issues."

For those who may question the idea of donating to support students in the arts, Hann is prepared to offer a defense for their subject of study. "It is always asked, “Why the arts?” A lot of people may think that our career path is extremely ridiculous, but just look at what the arts can do! The arts can be a medium of social change in the nation and the world. A lot of change is coming to the world through this generation. There are many of us who want to make a difference in the lives of others through our profession, and to put a smile on a few hundred faces a night is making a difference. We have already dedicated four life-changing years to educating ourselves further in this art. We are ready to spend a lifetime learning more, and shaping communities around us."

To send support to the senior class, please visit their Pledgie site and pass the word along!