Degrees of Rotation Finalizing Preparation

Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center - the site of fourth performance of Degrees of Rotation

 

            Degrees of Rotation is undergoing the final stages of preparation for its showing.

           

            The showcase of four OU Dance graduate students starts at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. on Apr. 28. It will take place in the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center in Room 3002.

            Preparations began in the beginning of the Fall 2011 semester, and the final decisions are being made on what goes into the show. Rehearsals have been ongoing and costumes, music, lighting and edits are all being finalized.

            Charlotte Hart is a choreographer and coordinator for Degrees of Rotation. She says that organizing rehearsals is always hard.

            “In many ways, the most difficult task [for Degrees of Rotation] is the coordination of rehearsals between choreographers and dancers,” says Hart, “All in all, it can be a kind of juggling act between everyone’s schedules.”

           

            Kyle Williams, a Petroleum Engineering junior at OU, thinks the event is great for the school.

            “The event will be very important to the school,” Williams said, “It’s just a good showing of gratitude towards their hard work throughout the years.”

The audience sizes have increased every year for the event, and Hart expects this year to be no different.

            “We’re expecting record breaking crowds this year, and hope to not have to turn anyone away,” said Hart.

AUDIO: Zach Machen RUNS: 0:17

Kyle Williams explains the impact of Degrees of Rotation.

Preparations In Ending Stages For Seussical

Rupel J. Jones Theatre - the site of the first Seussical at the University of Oklahoma

 

Preparations are in their closing stages for opening night of Seussical at the University of Oklahoma.

The show opens on Apr. 27 and runs through May 6 at the Rupel J. Jones Theatre. Showtime is 8 p.m. every night, except for Sundays Apr. 29 and May 6. Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m.

Rehearsals have been underway since Mar. 12, and there have been specific rehearsals to learn songs, choreography and to run through the script. There are three dress rehearsals before the opening performance.

Scenic, costume, lighting, projection and sound preparations are in their final preparations as well.

Sandra Bent is in charge of audience development for the OU School of Drama.

“The production staff and crew work on their positions to perfect before opening night,” Bent said.

Theron Smith, a Journalism junior at OU, anticipates a great show.

“I think it will be a great event. The Performing Arts Center does a really good job with everything they do over there,” Smith said.

Music for the play is by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and the book is by Lynn Aherns and Stephen Flaherty.

Big Event Preparations In Their Final Stages

The North Oval at the University of Oklahoma - where groups met up for the start of the 2011 Big Event

            Preparations are finishing up for the 13^th Annual Big Event at the University of Oklahoma.

                       

Volunteers putting on the event are organizing their Kick-Off Week for Apr. 9-12. Throughout the week, students can stop by to sign their release waiver and receive a free t-shirt.

           

The student organization in charge of the event is finalizing the matching of volunteers to job sites. 

Rachel Tyrrell is the chair of the organization.

“We are in the middle of confirmation calls to the job sites to make sure we are all on the same page with times, location and who is providing lunches,” said Tyrrell.

The organization bought $3000 worth of supplies to be used during the event, and still have more to buy this week.

“There are always last minute changes and issues that arise, and every night we have a list of problems that we have to fix regarding volunteers who have attended Kick-Off Week,” Tyrrell said.

Daré Obasade, a Petroleum Engineering sophomore at OU, plans to attend the event this year, and is looking forward to giving back to the community.

“In an event like this where thousands of students get together, you get to meet new people while you’re also giving back,” Obasade said, “You get to help out and you also get to have a great time.”

The Big Event starts at 9 a.m. on Apr. 14 and runs throughout the day. Over 5,000 volunteers who are OU students, faculty and staff will commit the day to community service for the Norman and greater Oklahoma City metro area.

AUDIO: Zach Machen RUNS: 0:47

Daré Obasade talks about his anticipation of the Big Event.