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Spin Theatre awakes in an actor's nightmare

Date 2/24/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & Culture

Audience members who entered Storre Theatre last weekend walked into someone else's nightmare.

And not just any nightmare - "The Actor's Nightmare." This was the title of the first performance conducted by Luther's newly introduced student-run theatre/dance group.

Spin Theatre began its existence last fall when four theatre/dance students were asked - by the theatre/dance department - to make a seven-year dream into a reality.

The theatre/dance department had been contemplating the creation of a student-led theatre for seven years and now their dream been activated.

Matt Stensrud ('06), Anna Bingham ('07), Micaela Mooers ('07) and Justin Kessel ('05) make up the Spin executive board.

Hal Cropp, a member of The Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minn., is helping the Spin board with preparations.

Spin also receives help from theatre/dance faculty members.

Stensrud compiled and directed "The Actor's Nightmare."

"I chose this show because it offered a chance to present some comedy and let people relax," said Stensrud.

"The Actor's Nightmare" was a combination of acts from four plays, including "Hamlet" and "A Man For All Seasons."

The story follows an accountant who awakes to find himself in the middle of a stage. He soon realizes he is an understudy for the lead character and has been sent in to replace the lead. Unfortunately, he does not know his lines.

The nightmare progresses as his character attempts to perform well. The show is viewed through the actor's progression of fear as the nightmare becomes more real.

Carl Brockhoff ('08) played George in the show.

Brockhoff said throughout the rehearsal process he has learned "more about being free and open and having fun."

Damara Stanley ('05) said, "I love the randomness of the four shows."

"It's complete chaos," she added.

Bingham ended Spin's first production with her original piece titled "Shattered Light." This piece depicts Bingham's interpretation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.

"I've had inspiration to do this piece for about a year," said Bingham. "I've never choreographed anything before."

The board members of Spin Theatre are excited about the creation and continued development of the student-run theatre.

They hope to produce more shows this semester and lead theatre workshops open to all Luther students.

"It's about taking ideas and having an open forum to express those ideas," said Bingham of Spin's mission.

"We really want to get people excited about it and expand Spin into the entire student body," Bingham said.

Spin Theatre will be holding open auditions for anyone interested in participating in this creative endeavor throughout the semester.

Watch for further development of this organization in the next few months.

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Melissa Serres

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