Grease production puts student designers center stage

The Boise State Theatre Arts Program and Department of Music will stage "Grease," the classic musical, with a production that centers student designers and their work. From props to projections, dance choreography to costume construction, theatre arts students' creativity will be all over the stage.

"I think […] the highlight is that I have the opportunity to be creative with creative people," said theatre arts student Jordan Russell, who designed the digital projections for the show. "I am so grateful to be in a room with so many professional, passionate individuals that created space and encouraged me to bring my artistic skills to the table. Getting to practice being a working professional with Boise State and the Morrison Center, which has hosted many skilled and seasoned artists, is really a treat."

"I never felt like 'just a student designer'"

For each of its productions, the Theatre Arts Program strives to create an environment and process as close to a professional theatrical production as possible, preparing students to succeed in theatrical careers after they graduate. At weekly Production Meetings, student designers give updates on their progress, receive feedback from faculty and troubleshoot.

"This has been vital behind-the-scenes experience, seeing how plays develop and all the necessary roles needed to mount a production," said Michael Scherer, who designed the props. "There is no substitute for working on a project together with high demands and tight deadlines."

"I was terrified when I first transferred that I wouldn't be able to contribute to Boise State shows until later on in college," Russell said. "I am so fortunate that I not only get to participate in the making of amazing productions, but also gain meaningful feedback and guidance from talented, working professionals in the industry."

By creating a professional atmosphere, the Theatre Arts Program also hopes to inspire students to take pride in their art. "From the very start, I never felt like 'just a student designer,'" Russell said. "Everyone was so encouraging and open to what I brought to the table, which helped me feel confident to present my ideas in a professional environment."

A collaborative artform

While student designers exercise freedom to explore and take risks, at the same time the collaborative process provides support. "One of the best things about theatre as an artform is that it is highly collaborative," Russell said, "and getting to support other artists with my own work is a wonderful experience."

The collaborative environment not only supports students' artistic processes, but also helps students form meaningful relationships, Schere noted. "Designing props has allowed me to form relationships that might not have happened otherwise," Scherer said.

You can purchase tickets to Grease on the Morrison Center website here.

All Boise State students and employees may receive one free ticket to the show by presenting their Boise State ID to the Morrison Center Box Office during their business hours. Subject to availability.

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