Madison Canez, Staff Writer
This semester has lots in store from Newman University’s thespians, from Sloppy Joe improv troupe performances to full theatre productions.
The Sloppy Joes are a group of student improv actors who put on regular performances. Senior Daniel Cubias, a member of the troupe, said the shows always contain unexpected moments.
“The basis of improv is to not have an idea what is going to happen in a show, so we only have a theme, and the games that will be played are somewhat related to it," he said.
The first Sloppy Joes production of the semester will be put on at 7 p.m. Friday in the Jabara Black Box theatre. Admission is free.
The theatre department also is planning to perform the Shakespeare production “Hamlet” March 6-9 in the Performance Hall.
Senior Corbin Molina, lead actor in the play, says members of the production do their best to entertain the Newman community.
“There is a goal to always bring joy and light to… audience members,” he said. “In doing so, we hope to bring people among the Newman and surrounding community together.”
In the Spring of 2024, many Newman professors were laid off and eight majors were cut, including theatre, as part of what the university called a ‘strategic realignment'.
Molina said he is happy that theatre remains a strong program at Newman even though the major is gone.
“It shows we’re still going strong even with the loss of the major,” he said. “For each play, it's a symphony of several talents and skills working together.”
And that work includes lots of attention to detail, Molina said.
“Everything that goes into the plays takes time and dedication, whether it be from the lighting, stage building, painting, actors and costume designers,” he said.
Showtimes for Hamlet will be 7:30 p.m. March 6-8 and 2 p.m. March 9.
PHOTO: Dannicka McGrath, Photo Editor
