All the world's a stage . . .

Costume sketches for "Le Misanthrope," a University Theatre Production.

By Mayumi Izutani

Have you ever considered yourself more mature than your peers? Perhaps you'd like to try things that are a bit more "cultured" or "refined" than your typical pizza and movie nights. Or maybe you're 21, and had your share of dancing at clubs and boozing it up at the local pub. Then again, you could just be the typical bored individual, sitting at home twiddling your thumbs. If you're feeling a lack of "art" in your party, don't despair. It's probably just time to search for some new activities. But before you reach for the beer bong or shot glass (or for those underage, hopefully something else), you might want to take a good look at some other forms of entertainment.

In an era where movies have become a common leisure activity for today's youth, big-budget Hollywood films frequently overshadow theatrical productions. These days, watching a small play can be quite refreshing. For some, the theatre provides a whole new experience.

For those who haven't tapped into Eugene's rich sources of entertainment, there's still hope. Plenty of venues feature ballet, opera, music, and drama. "But that's for older folks," you might hear yourself saying. Just remind yourself--"older folks'" entertainment provides classy enjoyment without any age restrictions. In fact, you just might feel more mature as you're watching "Chicago" performed live, sans the silver screen with surround sound. The uninitiated need not fear, however. The process in getting involved with theatre arts is rather painless.

Act I: The Plays

A good way to catch the theatre bug is to gradually wean oneself off more commercial fare, or at least reduce the intake. Let's start with some theatrical performances. There are several places where you can watch a play for a relatively low price. Student discounts apply to many of the local theatres/production companies. If you'd like to feel the atmosphere of sophisticated entertainment, you might want to dress up (after all, it's not every day that you attend the theatre). Say goodbye to the fattening, rip-off popcorn, and immerse yourself in the arts.

University Theatre: Includes ongoing performances at Robinson Theater, Arena Theater and Pocket Playhouse. Tickets are $6 for the general public, $4 UO students. Tickets can be purchased at the UO box office in the EMU. Find out what's playing year-round at http://theatre.uoregon.edu

Actor's Cabaret of Eugene: A local theatre company, 996 Willamette. For a current listing of the season, see the website at http://www.actorscabaret.org.

Hult Center: One Eugene Center, Sixth and Willamette. A variety of theatrical events year-round. Tickets can be purchased at the EMU box office as well. Website: http://www.hultcenter.org

Lord Leebrick Theatre Company: 540 Charnelton, Eugene. Some University students and faculty produce plays and work backstage for this local theatre. Check them out at http://www.lordleebrick.com

Willamette Repertory Theatre: Most of their performances are at the Hult Center's Soreng Theater. For more information, see http://willrep.ourwest.com

Center for the Performing Arts: Don't be fooled by its appearance. Dance workshops and theatre classes are offered in this building.

Very Little Theatre: 2350 Hilyard, Eugene. One of Eugene's older venues, now into its 74th season. Many volunteer opportunities. For more information, see the homepage at http://www.thevlt.com/htm_pages/vlthomepage.htm

Intermission: Behind the stage

Okay, so now you've presumably gotten up and decided to watch some plays. That wasn't so hard now, was it? Now brace yourself--here comes the next step in overcoming an apathetic lifestyle. You might be asking yourself, "Great. Now what will I do for the next 60 years for my amusement?" Here's another interesting question: Now that you've seen the play, why not become a part of it?

A great deal of hard work, dedication and time go into making such productions work. For starters, one can go to the University's Theater Arts Department and take some introductory courses in acting, makeup or costumes. The theatre provides a wide range of possible jobs that are potentially fun and fulfilling.

Those who are a little shy can still play a role backstage. There are opportunities in acting, set design, lighting, costume design and wardrobe, and even playwriting or research. Some positions even compensate volunteers with money or complimentary show tickets. At the University, course credits are the main unit of "payment." However, there are still ways to make money. A healthy community has many donors who are likely to chip in, says costume shop manager Vicki Vanacek-Young. While actors may land more jobs, the tech students are more likely to get paid, says Vanacek-Young. "But there are people who are happy doing what they do and have a lot of fun," she says.

According to University theatre professor Sandy Bonds, the local theatres (listed above) have a strong sense of community. Often the crews swap equipment, costumes and sometimes laborers. Auditions are held regularly in many venues, but the University Theatre is open for students only (non-majors included). The auditions are held usually one term before production so a working cast can be established. Smaller productions such as the Pocket Playhouse are supported by the ASUO, and are entirely student-driven. While on a tighter schedule, the Pocket welcomes students from all backgrounds and majors.

Additionally, tech-savvy students don't have to feel left out. Music majors may enjoy working with the sound, and multimedia undergrads might find the more technical aspects (such as lighting) appealing. Costuming and creating props are other tasks that require nothing but a desire to bring the productions to reality. Many introductory theatre courses are repeatable; and costumers can sew, paint, and assemble stage garments for easily earned credits. Who says work can't have a little play?

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