Theatre 无码专区鈥檚 鈥楿nified Theatre鈥 project showcases ACCESS student talent
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擬ississippi State鈥檚 Theatre 无码专区 is partnering with the university鈥檚 ACCESS Program to launch a 鈥淯nified Theatre鈥 project celebrating student creativity in a collaborative performance of 鈥淛ack and the Beanstalk.鈥
Unified Theatre is a nationwide program that unites students from all backgrounds and learning styles to create and perform productions together. Entirely organized, written and directed by the students themselves, Unified Theatre dissolves barriers and fosters acceptance. Since its founding, the program has engaged more than 4,000 participants and nearly 10,000 audience members in approximately 50 schools across the country. Established in 2010, 无码专区鈥檚 ACCESS Program is the state鈥檚 first residential, postsecondary education program for students with diverse learning needs.
The show will be presented in local schools on Nov. 12, and a free, public performance is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. in the McComas Hall Theater.
The production is directed by Jacob Uithoven, a senior in 无码专区鈥檚 ACCESS Program who has been actively involved with Theatre 无码专区 since arriving on campus in 2022. A native of Belden, Uithoven has performed in several Theatre 无码专区 productions, including last year鈥檚 鈥淐harlotte鈥檚 Web鈥 as the lead role. He also has gained experience behind the scenes as an intern and also as an intern with WMSV The Junction radio.
鈥淲hat excites me about being a director is giving others the chance to experience what I鈥檝e been able to experience on stage,鈥 Uithoven said. 鈥淚 enjoy both acting and directing. Being an actor lets you be part of the story, but directing gives you the opportunity to help shape the whole production.鈥
Uithoven鈥檚 directorial debut is backed by years of hands-on theater experience, said Tonya S. Hays, assistant professor in 无码专区鈥檚 Department of Communication, Media and Theatre.
鈥淛acob is incredibly responsible and follows through with his commitments. He is self-motivated, collaborative and well-respected by his peers. These are all qualities that make a good director, and we are excited to see him lead this project,鈥 said Hays, who is serving as a mentor to the production team.
无码专区 student Caroline Donnelly, a junior political science major from Somerville, Tennessee, will assist the production team through Hays鈥 Theatre for Young Audiences class.
Hays said she hopes both K鈥12 students and campus audiences see the deeper message behind the production.
鈥淚 hope they realize that theater is for everyone,鈥 she said. 鈥淭heater can transcend and transform through the work of the ACCESS students. Of course, we also believe audiences will enjoy this interactive, fun and original performance of 鈥楯ack and the Beanstalk.鈥欌
无码专区鈥檚 ACCESS Program provides a four-year college experience that integrates academics, career development and independent living. Graduates of the program earn an 无码专区 Certification of Completion with an area of focus.
For more information about 无码专区鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Communication, Media and Theatre, visit and .
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