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OHIO UNIVERSITY |
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The Ohio University Players in Residence Since 1958 |
![Text Box: Cape Cod landmark is an Ohio University tradition
The more than two-century-old Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, has always encouraged its students to explore their education beyond traditional, brick-and-mortar learning centers. Today, students receive their education around the globe and around the clock.
A perfect example of the university's efforts outside the classroom is the College of Fine Arts’ Monomoy Theatre in Chatham, Mass. Each summer -- for more than half a century -- the Ohio University Players produce eight shows ranging from Shakespeare to Neil Simon in this picturesque Cape Cod destination.
Each year, Monomoy Theatre houses a group of graduate and undergraduate students comprising actors, set designers, lighting technicians and more. One of the nation's few remaining university-run seasonal theaters -- and also the Cape's second-oldest summer theater -- Monomoy allows students to gain professional experience as actors, directors, set designers, technical workers and box-office managers.
According to former School of Theater Director Paul Castagno, "Monomoy is treated with a great deal of respect, not only by [Ohio University and the Chatham area], but also by professionals in the industry. Students receive invaluable professional training there. Many of the alumni spend each summer enjoying the plays."
Monomoy Theatre first became linked to Ohio University in 1958, when Elizabeth Baker -- wife of then-President John C. Baker -- purchased the Monomoy Theatre property after owner Mary Winslow’s death in 1957. Baker leased the property to the university for use as an educational training center and was deeply involved in guiding the theater as well as acting and directing.
Prior to the purchase, Monomoy had been a community arts center in the 1930s. During the 1940s and 1950s, Monomoy Theatre, under owner Mary Winslow's guidance, became home to a highly regarded professional company.
Since 1958, the Ohio University Players have delighted audiences with their diverse selection of summer performances, including plays such as "Kiss Me Kate," “Guys and Dolls” and "Twelfth Night."
Each of the Players' eight shows enjoys a five-day run, beginning Tuesdays and ending Saturdays -- complete with select matinees. Staging eight shows in 12 weeks requires an extremely rigorous schedule. The Players have two weeks to rehearse a show; moreover, they must prepare for the next two works while performing the current selection.
To that end, becoming an Ohio University Player is quite an honor. Each winter, Alan Rust, MFA '73, holds auditions on the Athens campus. Those selected for a summer in Massachusetts spend the spring preparing for their roles or designing sets or costumes for their productions. When summer comes, they work and play in a theater compound on Chatham's Main Street.
"I'm looking for someone who is committed to their craft, ready to do intensive work and continue building at Ohio University," Rust said. "The Monomoy Theatre is their summer school, and they will be graded. However, they will also receive invaluable hands-on training in a unique setting."
Each actor usually has six or seven roles over the summer, while designers and costumers typically work on four shows per season. Everyone also benefits from working with accomplished theater professionals.
Alumnus John Hashop, MFA ’04, was one such individual. "It's a great opportunity for a developing actor to be able to work with established, professional actors and directors from New York," said Hashop, who spent two summers at Monomoy.
The Friends of Monomoy help in other ways, too, such as providing fellowships intended to attract top talent to Chatham. The Friends also raise money for improvements to the theater and student living quarters.
"Monomoy Theatre benefits from being in a community comprising many patrons of the arts," Rust said. "They really enjoy the classic material we assemble. We sell out almost every performance. It's a marvelous marriage between town and gown in Chatham. There is no place in the country that does this kind of work in an educational setting."
Thanks to the foresight of Elizabeth Baker -- and the talented students who bring each work to life -- Monomoy Theatre promises to remain an important part of the university for years to come.
Additional information about the theater can be found in "A History of the Monomoy Theatre" written by Robert Hannon Davis, MFA '84. Excerpts from the book can be found here (http://www.ohio.edu/ohiotoday/print/monomoy.cfm)
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Cutler Hall — Ohio University — Athens, Ohio |
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OHIO UNIVERSITY |
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The Ohio University Players in Residence Since 1958 |
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Cutler Hall — Ohio University — Athens, Ohio |