USM Collaborates with Hattiesburg Arts Council to Present Children's Theater Performances to Community

Wed, 01/10/2024 - 02:26pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

An original play written and produced collaboratively by The University of Southern Mississippi (USM)'s Theatre and Dance programs, in conjunction with local Hattiesburg artists, will be presented by the Hattiesburg Arts Council at the historic Saenger Theater on Jan. 23 and 24, from 9 to 10 a.m.

The production titled, “Why Not Me? … A Story of Being Free” will be presented to PreK to K-5 students, teachers, and parents. Tickets (individual and group) are $3 and can be purchased directly through the Hattiesburg Arts Council’s website. Any attending school, classroom teacher, or parent can also request access to lesson plans written in support of the play’s theme and featured dance forms.   

The play was written by USM Theatre graduate student Petron Brown and Scenic Designer Wes Hanson, in collaboration with USM Dance Professor Julie Hammond. In addition to script writing, Hanson also designed and built all props, sets, and scenery. Costumes were created by Costume Designer J. Theresa Bush.

All dances were choreographed and performed by USM Dance majors, under the direction of Hammond. The casting process and rehearsals involving students from Sacred Heart Catholic School Centerstage were conducted in collaboration with their director, Abigail Lenz Allen.

Funded through a Mississippi Arts Commission Individual Project Grant awarded to Hammond, the play was created to share a diversity of dance experiences, including cultural, contemporary, creative, and social dance forms.

“This production was developed in collaboration with many local Hattiesburg artists with the aim to delight, engage, and educate K12 elementary school students,” said Hammond. “It will not only provide an entertaining experience but will also celebrate diversity which is the theme of the show.”

Among the local artists are middle and high school students from Centerstage at Sacred Heart Catholic School, who participate as the main characters.

“This special Children’s Theatre performance is a celebration of collaboration,” said Hammond. “It is made possible thanks the production talents of our college students and the efforts of all the K12 middle and high school students cast in the play.”

The dance performances featured in the play tell a story about a group of frogs, who are great friends, and discover they must make a journey to save themselves and their homes from the evil Robart. Their adventure helps them remember the power of being different, but also the importance of working together with people who are different from them.

The performance is produced by Wiggle Genius LLC., an organization founded by Hammond and dedicated to helping K-12 teachers, parents, students, and community members understand — through classroom, performance, and personal experiences — the power of dance in learning and in life.

For questions, email the Hattiesburg Arts Council or call 601.583.6005.