What to Expect from Student Theater

On Friday night, CFA presented its annual collaboration of junior acting majors and oft-forgotten Shakespearean scenes in The Shakespeare Project. The performance, which pulled from several Shakespearean plays, sent me straight back to the first time I attended a student production as an undergrad.

The big man himself - Bill Shakespeare. | Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The big man himself – Bill Shakespeare. | Photo courtesy of user Kamooly Wikimedia Commons.

My previous school was home to the Little Theatre, where the spattering of theatre buffs (and for a small tech school, there were quite a few) came together to construct minimalistic yet riveting pieces to share with those of us who yearned for a little theatre to fill our nights in Worcester. I grew up watching my best friend on stage, so as soon as CFA announced its first play of the year, I was so on it.

I arrived expecting what I was used to.

I left unsure of what I had just seen.

The Shakespeare Project stands the epitome of what sets student productions apart from the stereotypical view of theatre (flashy Broadway musicals, grand sets and costumes, etc.). In my three years of college, I’ve seen plenty of wonderful work come out of the likes of the Little Theatre and CFA, but I’ve also come to understand the distinct culture that defines these performances.

If you’re used to glitz and glamour, student theatre might shock your senses a bit – but don’t worry, it’s worth it. However, to ease the transition for those of you who have not yet entered the wonderful world of BU Theatre, or to stop anyone from swearing it off after his or her first go, I present to you a list of what to expect when you make your way to CFA for your first time, so you can get a quick taste of what you might find once you get there.

Note: not all student productions fit neatly into these generalizations. There is a wide variety of student theatrical productions; however, this article speaks to those productions that may be unfamiliar to people who never rode the theatre train in high school.

1. Have cash on you, just in case.

Often times, student productions are free. However, for the times they have a price tag attached, don’t expect to pay with your credit or debit card. Have a five or a ten handy, and you’ll be set. You can also check online – many companies now sell tickets beforehand that you can print out, saving you some hassle as long as you actually remember to bring the ticket to the show.

Theatre doesn't have to be this flashy and snazzy to be intriguing and entertaining. | Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user upyernoz
Theatre doesn’t have to be this flashy and snazzy to be intriguing and entertaining. | Photo courtesy of user upyernoz via Wikimedia Commons.

2. There’s a chance that the theatre will be small, bare, and crowded.

If you’re expecting a high-ceilinged, red velvet-curtained, row-upon-row type of set-up, don’t. Unless the production is being held in one of BU’s fancy auditoriums, you will most likely end up in a small black box with a hand-built and transportable set. Sometimes things break, sometimes things don’t seem to fit quite right, but it’s all part of the fun. As for fancy costumes? Nope, the Shakespeareans were in simple garb – it’s all about working with what you got.

3. You may be seated too close for comfort.

As noted above, some of these theaters are small, small, small, and many times you’ll find yourself up-close and personal with a bellowing, spit-slewing actor. That’s just how it is. Also, don’t expect the stage to be up in front, or for there even to be a stage at all. Floors surrounded by fold-out chairs are just as common in these productions as traditional stage-facing-audience configurations.

4. You may have no idea what’s going on.

There will be points in the production when you may have no idea what’s happening. Common concerns include: Was that just the end? Why is everyone dancing? What the…I don’t even know? Don’t stress about it too much and just go with the flow. And if you end up clapping in the middle of a scene, trust me, everyone will be good-humored about it. There’s no strict, hoity-toity director decked out in a tux there to berate you, just some fellow theatre buffs who are more than willing to go along with it and share the moment with you.

5. Read the program the usher hands you – it’s definitely worth the two or three minutes it will take you.

There’s usually a synopsis in the program – read it. Seriously. And if the play involves Shakespeare, there’s a good chance that it’s not updated into the contemporary English we all know and love. I’ve learned this the hard way. Twice.

So now that you’re prepared for what’s to come, ready for some student theatre? Well, good news – BU has plenty of it. Visit the School of Theater events page or the official BU calendar to check out upcoming theatrical events.  To learn more about some of BU’s theatre groups check out BU Stage Troupe and BU on Broadway.

About Nicole Seese

Nicole Seese (COM '15) is a native Pennsylvanian who spent 19 years of her life convinced that her home state rivaled Texas in size. Her interests include wandering aimlessly, listening to other people tell her their stories, and snuggling up in any type of worn-in flannel attire. She fears strawberry seeds and escalators and will probably judge you if you don't judge her for that.

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