The cast and crew of the AU fall musical, “Gypsy,” has been working tirelessly to put together an amazing experience for their audience. “Gypsy” is a musical about Rose, the mother of Vaudeville star Gypsy Rose Lee, as together they face the reality of show business. The musical follows the progress of Rose as she works to raise two daughters to live out her dream for them: to perform on stage. The musical was written by Arthur Laurents with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is known for … [Read more...]
Covenant Productions staff creates music video
Earlier this summer, an alumnus of AU had an idea to create a music video to Justin Timberlake’s hit song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” that would feature the faculty, staff, and student groups at AU. He kept directing the video in his head but couldn’t quite figure out how to get the job done. Eventually, he shared the project with David Armstrong, the operations director at Covenant Productions, AU’s on-campus video production company. Armstrong decided that the video could be used as a tool to … [Read more...]
A glimpse at Fall Into Dance open auditions
The nervous excitement starts to build as the dancers hear the music beginning to play. Shauna Steele, the area coordinator for dance in the School of Music at AU, instructs the performers to make a giant circle on stage behind the curtain as they await the opening of the show. “Take your energy and throw it into the circle,” she instructs. “Clear your mind and focus on the performance, but have fun.” It’s show time. This is the scene just moments before the Fall Into Dance show begins. With … [Read more...]
Gaither Archive to showcase alumni legacy
Bill and Gloria Gaither are undoubtedly two of the most successful alumni in AU history, but are at the same time largely unknown to much of the student body. The husband and wife song writing duo and associated Gaither Vocal Band have been making music for over 30 years. Starting Sep. 23, their work will be featured in the York Performance Hall Gaither Gallery as a part of the new Gaither Archive exhibits. Tai Lipan, director of university galleries and instructor of art, calls it a “living … [Read more...]
Senior exhibit “Still Here” on display until May
Last Saturday, the Communication and Design Arts Department hosted “Still Here,” which was the department’s senior art exhibition. The opening ceremony of the exhibit was held from 1-3 p.m. in AU’s Jessie C. Wilson Gallery. The exhibit featured the work of eight seniors, six of whom are design majors, and two who are fine arts majors, meaning that they focus primarily on painting. These students chose a project or subject to focus on at the beginning of the year and have spent the duration of … [Read more...]
AU Theatre presents ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)’
Shakespeare has a reputation for leaving a bad impression on students worldwide. Maybe it’s the elevated language, maybe it’s the complicated plots, maybe it’s simply the fact that his works are “old,” but The Bard’s works, though widely read, are not always widely appreciated. Over the next few weekends, however, AU theatre students will take audiences on a rollercoaster ride of jokes and gags to help people lighten up and enjoy Shakespeare in the spring play “The Complete Works of William … [Read more...]
Revived men’s rugby team looking for new members
After graduating eight seniors, the AU men’s rugby team welcomes newcomers to join their organized club. “We’re looking for anyone who is real aggressive in nature,” said Hunter Rush, president of the rugby team. In his second season coaching and first year as head coach, Stephan Savarimuthu, says the team has worked diligently in creating a brotherhood that plays and enjoys rugby. “I’ve really enjoyed coaching these young men, and seeing how their fascination with the sport has grown,” said … [Read more...]
The Bible Tour concert arrives at AU
Now more than ever, faith and Bible-based stories are hitting movie and TV screens alike, and now these visual stories are making their way to another medium: The Bible Tour concert series. On April 14, The Bible Tour will make a stop at Reardon Auditorium. It is a multimedia concert experience featuring footage from “The Bible” TV series, its recent feature film “Son of God,” and the music of artists Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets, Aaron Shust, Love & the Outcome, and Blanca. According … [Read more...]
Literary arts magazine revamps for April release
The editors of AU’s student-run Literary Arts Magazine have revamped the online magazine to encourage students to publish literary works. “I’m curious to know how people are responding to the types of changes the magazine staff has made and if they think this change has been beneficial or not,” said copyeditor Jordan Schmidt. The staff has changed the Literary Arts Magazine’s name to Slates, which represents a space where thoughts and ideas can be expressed. “Slates are like ballots where you … [Read more...]
Student United Way concert raises money for local children
Last Friday night, April 1, Student United Way hosted a concert to benefit the United Way Born Learning program, which promotes the education of children under the age of six in Madison County. The Five Saxes, Luke Stafford and Overtime supplied the entertainment for the evening. Raffle baskets full of items from the community were offered, with a grand prize of dinner with President Pistole. Gordon Housman, who plays bass in Overtime, said that he enjoyed being part of an event that helps the … [Read more...]