Posted: Monday, April 1, 2013

Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s most well-known and accessible plays, but mounting a high-quality Shakespearean production is anything but simple. To tell the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers from feuding families, the University of Evansville’s Department of Theatre enlisted a team of talented actors, vocal coaches, fight directors, costume designers, and many others.

This month, UE’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series will offer a behind-the-scenes look into one of the nation’s top undergraduate theatre programs. “Behind the Scenes: UE Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet” will take place at noon on Thursday, April 4, in the Blue & Gold Room on the first floor of Old National Bank’s headquarters in Downtown Evansville. The event is free and open to the public.

The presentation will begin with a 15-minute video that features interviews with many of the students involved in the production. The video explores the audition process, Shakespearean language, fight scenes, set design, costumes and wigs, and makeup and hair for Romeo and Juliet. Following the video, John David Lutz, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and director of Romeo and Juliet, will answer questions from the audience. Attendees will also have the chance to win one of two gift certificates that can be redeemed for two tickets to Romeo and Juliet, which runs April 12-14 and 18-21 in Shanklin Theatre.

“When audience members come to Shanklin Theatre, they’ll see a polished production of one of the greatest romantic tragedies in history,” said Lutz. “What they won’t see are the dozens of students and faculty members involved in bringing Romeo and Juliet to the stage. At this month’s Think Outside the Lunch Box event, I hope to provide an overview of the creative process that goes into mounting a Shakespearean production.”

UE’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series is in its third year and is typically held the first Thursday of every month. This is the last event in the 2012-13 academic year, and after a summer break, the 2013-14 series will resume in the fall.

Attendees are welcome to bring lunch and eat during the presentation. Please note that the restaurant in Old National Bank’s lobby has closed.

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