By: M.K. Bryant

The University of Montevallo’s theatre department is currently preparing for its 2021-2022 theatre season.

Last spring, two shows, “Stick Fly” and “Company”, were put on in the DiscoverShelby theater. The experience of both shows was different than it had been in past years due to UM’s COVID health and safety regulations.

Actors and audience members wore masks, and a limited number of tickets were sold to ensure social distancing in the audience.

Emily Gill, interim chair of the UM Theatre Department, said that despite limitations, “the attention and effort from students and faculty was equal to that of the ‘full’ productions.”

The UM theatre department will perform two shows this fall semester: Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and The Lightning Thief by Rob Rokicki and Joe Tracz. The second is a musical based off go the first book in Rick Riordan’s book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The preparations for both shows are now underway at the university’s Center for the Arts.

As You Like It will have performances on October 5-6, and on October 8-10. The performances will be held at different outdoor locations on campus.

The Lightning Thief will open on the Luker Stage in the DiscoverShelby Theatre at the Center for the Arts. There will be performances held on November 18-21.

During both shows, UM health and safety guidelines will be followed. The cast and crew of the shows will also take precautions backstage.

Gill says that the department currently expects for the shows to be able to open at full capacity.

Other shows planned for the spring include Anonymous by Naomi Iizuka and A New Brain by William Finn and Jasmine Lapine. More information about the 2021-2022 season can be found on the theatre department’s section of the University of Montevallo’s website.