Student teaching doesn't start until education students have had at least a year of school. Integrated Business Core, OU's practical business experience, is only for upperclassmen. University Theatre, however, makes no delays in putting its students directly into the limelight.

The final Lab Theatre production of the season, William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Picnic," combines freshmen, sophomore and junior acting students in a realistic small-town drama that showcases that small venue's trademark intimacy.

Inge was from Independence, Kan., and he set this play in a place much like his hometown. The eleven characters are in the same backyard scene for the entire play, which magnifies their closeness to each other and the restlessness caused by this closeness.

Inge once credited his insight into human relationships to his small town background.

"I've always been glad I grew up in Independence, because it gave me a knowledge of people and a love of people. I've often wondered how people in our great cities develop any knowledge of humankind," Inge said.

Director Dana McConnell said this small town feel translates well to the Lab Theatre.

"The intimacy of the relationships plays well to the intimate space that is the Lab," she said.

Amy Coldren, drama junior who plays Rosemary Sydney, said the intimacy of Lab Theatre intensifies certain scenes.

"There are some heart-wrenching scenes, and in this space, you can't back away from that," she said.

The play opens when a charismatic stranger, Hal Carter, wanders into town. Matt Carpenter, University College freshman, plays Hal, this hinge character who changes the course of the play. Helen Potts (Jennifer Casteel, drama freshman) and Flo Owens (Marion Glorioso, drama junior) are neighbors who share the backyard where all the action unfolds. Madge (Carly Jones, drama sophomore) and Millie (Jill Klopp, drama sophomore) are Flo's two very different daughters, Madge being the beautiful, sweet older sister, and Millie being the rambunctious tomboyish kid sister.

Others who come and go through this busy backyard are Rosemary Sydney (Coldren), a discontent teacher who boards with the Owenses, Alan Seymour (drama freshman), Madge's overachieving boyfriend.

McConnell challenged all cast members to leave past performances and character types behind so that underclassmen and upperclassmen start from the same point, Carpenter said.

"Everyone of us has roles we've played in the past, and in 'Picnic,' we've been challenged to get out of those roles and try something new," Carpenter said.

The cast explored the characters and the community together, which built rapport and respect between the actors.

"The freshmen were immediately exposed to people with more training and experience, but they were also part of the play's inception," McConnell said.

Other cast members agree that the varying levels of training do not disturb the cohesiveness of the production.

"It's been pleasantly surprising how everyone is on the same level," Klopp said. "We're so connected and close that the show can't help but bloom."

"Picnic" opens at 8 tonight. It will also run at 8 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. It will finish its run Dec. 13, 14, and 15 at the same times. Tickets are $4 for students. For more ticket information, call the Fine Arts box office at 325-4101.

DETAILS

Event:

Picnic

When:

8 tonight

Where:

Lab Theatre, Old Science Hall
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