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Before the Auditions: How the Theatre Program Selects Its Shows

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Theatre students perform "9 to 5: The Musical" for a November 2024 dress rehearsal in Smothers Theatre. The show, directed by Theatre Professor Kelly Todd, is about a group of women who rise up against sexual harassment from their boss. File photo by Mary Elisabeth ('25)Months of work go into producing Pepperdine’s Theatre productions each year. But before auditions even … [Read more...] about Before the Auditions: How the Theatre Program Selects Its Shows

Graduates Fight the Theatre Major Stigma

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Audition, audition, audition. After graduating from Pepperdine, Theatre alumna Caitlin O’Grady (‘17) moved to Atlanta and was acting and modeling, despite the starving artist stigma. “You're told so often when you're young, and especially in college, and right after college, this isn't a career you should pursue,” O’Grady said. “It's very fickle. It's unstable. But once … [Read more...] about Graduates Fight the Theatre Major Stigma

Magic, Revenge and Reconciliation Swirl in ‘The Tempest’

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Shipwrecked shores, swirling magic and sweet first love — on the surface, “The Tempest” is a comedy. Diving deeper, the story deals with themes of revenge and reconciliation.From April 3-6, Pepperdine’s Theatre program presented their adaptation of William Shakespeare's “The Tempest” in Smothers Theatre.Director Cathy Thomas-Grant said she … [Read more...] about Magic, Revenge and Reconciliation Swirl in ‘The Tempest’

‘Americana: A Murder Ballad’ Brings Awareness of Gun Violence in Schools

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The cast of 'Americana: A Murder Ballad' stand on stage at Smothers Theatre on April 3. The play opened as the cast walked on stage holding candles and singing a ballad. Photos by Lucian Himes Content Warning: This coverage story includes the topic of gun violence. “I should be writing my college essay, not my will.” These are the words on one of many banners that hung above … [Read more...] about ‘Americana: A Murder Ballad’ Brings Awareness of Gun Violence in Schools

Fine Arts Majors Adapt to Online Classes

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Sophomore Music major Alison Kiaseleh joins a Zoom call with her private vocal instruction class. Photo courtesy of Alison Kiaseleh After the Pepperdine community transitioned to online classes in the wake of COVID-19 concerns, Fine Arts faculty converted syllabi dependent on performances and exhibitions to teleconference platforms like Zoom. The Fine Arts Division — … [Read more...] about Fine Arts Majors Adapt to Online Classes