03/28/08

The Baker University theater department is preparing for the final shows of the semester. Darby-Hope Theater will host the senior capstones for three Baker seniors. However, these shows hold more for the actors and crew than previous shows during the year.

The capstones are the final performances of the year for the theater department and mean more than a normal show for three students.

“It’s my final show,” senior Katie Bettis said. “It’s a summary of what I’ve done at Baker.”

Seniors Hali Jewell, Susan Surman and Bettis will all be presenting their senior capstones for Baker.

“This will be the show that will mean the most to me,” Jewell said.

Bettis is preparing to perform a diverse selection of scenes, songs and monologues.

“These are things I can use for auditions after I leave Baker,” Bettis said.

Jewell and Surman are working to produce a short play called “The Fourth Wall” by A.R. Gurney.

“It’s a political absurdist comedy,” Jewell said. “It’s so much fun, but we haven’t gotten to do much with the break.”

The play about a woman who decorates her living room except for one wall will star neither Jewell nor Surman. Jewell will direct the play as well as design costumes and sound. Surman will be stage manager, design lights and the sets.

“It’s one more chance to do what I love at Baker,” Surman said.

Despite this being the last performance for the year, the two shows have been in production for far longer.

“Hali, Katie and I got together and chose the play,” Surman said. “We started the process way last year.”

Before the final decision, the trio had narrowed down the choices to three plays; however, Bettis approached the theater faculty and asked if she could perform on her own. Despite the difference in artistic views, the trio still has high hopes for their performances.

“I’m dedicating the show to Larry Peters, the Ottawa (University) theater director who died my freshman year of college,” Bettis said.

The seniors all have fond memories of their years with the Baker theater department.

“It’s changed quite a bit for the better,” Surman said. “We really started expanding the theater department.”

Each senior has their own memories and feelings about the upcoming performances.

“It’s been a blast going from a sophomore to senior and following everybody to being the one everyone follows,” Bettis said.

Surman and Jewell echoed Bettis’ feelings.

“I’ve always been a part of the theater; I’ve been a part of almost every show,” Jewell said. “It’s just been so much fun.”