WHEELING, WV, Sept. 22, 2009 — The University is offering ts 2009-2010 Performing Arts Series with complimentary admission to students, staff and the entire Ohio Valley community.

"The policy change reflects the university‘s desire to uphold its Jesuit mission of serving our neighbors and expressing the value of human communication through the arts," said Dave Henderson, performing arts coordinator.

(From left are Theater Guild members Annie DeFruscio, Ashley Onufrak, Christopher Bohinski, Jay Yelenic, Hunter Stein, Tim Yelenic (troll), Lacie Cole, Trent Krupika, Emily Cuichta and Michelle Wright.)

“This year‘s offerings promise something for everyone, starting with a fun-filled double-feature for children and families and followed by three powerful contemporary dramas for mature audiences, a holiday concert sponsored jointly with St. Michael’s parish church, and a classic Broadway musical for the entire family,“ he said.

The Performing Arts Series is a proud tradition at the university, parts of which date back to the institution’s opening decade of the 1950s. The current series generally offers four to five fully-staged productions each year, including dramas, comedies, one-acts, children’s theater, and musicals, plus vocal, instrumental, and dance concerts.

The program is primarily produced and performed by student voulunteers who sing, act, dance, build sets and assist with lighting, costumes and box office duties. While it is primarily considered an extra-curricular program, the Performing Arts Series works closely with the university‘s English, communications, and fine arts departments to develop programs and produce plays and events that not only entertain but offer important educational opportunities.

“The Performing Arts Series produces plays that are relevant to the curriculum or that fit with a certain theme or current event, giving our students an opportunity not only to read a play or discuss a topic in the classroom but to see it come to life on the stage and to be an active part of this process. We are proud to be able to produce plays that are box-office favorites alongside works that encourage our campus and community to explore a broader range of human experience,“ said John Whitehead, director of fine arts.

The tradition of theater and performing arts is kept alive in part by the generous financial support of the Student Government Association.

"Their support, as well as the university’s belief that the Performing Arts are a valuable and important part of accessing and sharing human experience, make the program possible," said Henderson.

All performances will be in Troy Theater unless otherwise noted and will be free on a first-come basis. Reservations will not be taken. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis at the box office outside of Troy Theater beginning one hour before curtain time. All seating is festival-style.

Please contact Henderson for more information, special accommodations, or questions regarding special performances for groups or organizations, at daveh@wju.edu or 304-243-2095.

For a complete list of titles, please visit the performing arts Web page.