Event raises funds to send aspiring performers to New York auditions

Auctions, music and an exclusive first look at the upcoming musical "Peter Pan" are on the agenda for this year's Extravaganza, put on by the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance and the Society for Theatre and Dance, volunteers who support the efforts of theater and dance students.

The annual fundraiser, organized by volunteers and department staff, helps send Southeast Missouri State University graduating seniors with performing arts degrees to New York City. There, the students can perform in a senior showcase -- essentially to audition -- in front of casting directors, agents and managers.

According to Rhonda Weller-Stilson, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and director of the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast, organizers work each year to encourage as many people as possible to attend the Extravaganza.

"Everything we make from the event helps to take the students to New York and rent the theater in New York," she said.

Funds also help bring guest artists to Southeast to conduct master classes that help students prepare for auditions.

Kim Lanning organizes baskets and their contents for the Department of Theater and Dance's Extravaganza Tuesday, Jan. 14. The baskets will be put up for bid at live and silent auctions during the annual fundraiser which benefits the Senior Showcase. (Adam Vogler)

Weller-Stilson said these opportunities help students realize their dreams can be achieved, whether it's performing on Broadway or touring with theater companies or dance troupes.

"It gives them not just encouragement, but helps them realize they can do this," said Weller-Stilson. "It empowers them, and many students go on to live in big cities like New York or Chicago afterward."

According to Southeast senior William Humphrey, who will participate in this year's New York City showcase, the students take this opportunity very seriously.

"If it wasn't for this university, I probably wouldn't have this opportunity," he said. "The people that attend this event are really big names with a lot of influence in the industry."

Those who attend the Extravaganza can meet seniors such as Humphrey to learn about their interests. Weller-Stilson said it is important for people to realize their support "really does make a difference in these students' lives" -- a sentiment Humphrey echoed.

Southeast Missouri State University Theater and Dance department chairman Phil Nacy organize baskets and their contents for the Department of Theater and Dance's Extravaganza Tuesday, Jan. 14. The baskets will be put up for bid at live and silent auctions during the annual fundraiser which benefits the Senior Showcase. (Adam Vogler)

"It helps us aspiring actors and students make our dreams a reality," he said. "It really does make a difference to us."

The Extravaganza will provide a sneak peak to the upcoming musical "Peter Pan" with a performance by cast members, as well as live and silent auctions, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. "Peter Pan" will be performed Feb. 26 through March 2 in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus.

The Jan. 25 Extravaganza, held in the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus atrium, begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour, followed by musical performances at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $50 a person and may be bought at the Department of Theatre and Dance at the River Campus or by calling 651-2149.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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