Theatre department has virtual performance of Joan the Girl of Arc

Second year music theater and music performance major, Lexie Schultz, performs on stage as Joan for the production, Joan the Girl of Arc. Vanguard Photo | Audrey Bergey

The SVSU Theatre Department performed a five-night show of “Joan: The Girl of Arc” Feb. 24-28.

Due to COVID restrictions, the cast performed to an empty auditorium for virtual showings. Tickets were available to livestream the show on YouTube.

Brielle Myles-Williams, a theatre and Spanish fifth-year, said the changes in their performance formatting had little effect on the cast’s energy.

“Yes, it is more challenging but that gives more experience, which is perfect for the world of theatre,” she said.

In addition to being part of the ensemble cast for “Joan,” Myles-William also served as the assistant prop designer.

Director Peggy Mead-Finizio said she had complete confidence in her team, despite the possibility of someone contracting COVID and being unable to attend a performance.

“We didn’t cast understudies,” she said. “We had an ensemble of actors that would need to fill in for one another in the event of illness.”

The play documents Joan, a shepherd girl in France in the 1420s. She hears a voice one day while she is tending her sheep. The plays shows her walk through her faith journey.

Abbey Kuhns, a professional and technical writing freshman, played Denise, Joan’s little sister.

“I like the role that faith takes in the play,” she said. “It builds a connection. Faith plays a major role in my life and I think so many people can connect to Joan’s story.”

Lexi Schultz, a music and theatre sophomore, played Joan throughout the week’s performances.

“Music and theatre have been a part of my life since freshman year,” she said. “It takes priority. I never did any sports or anything. It was always theatre.”

Kylee Monahan, a theatre and communications major and stage manager, said the storyline was her favorite part of the show.

“My favorite part of being a part of ‘Joan’ is seeing the progression of her story being told,” Monahan said. “It has been super interesting to see the actors discover their characters and learn about Joan’s story throughout the rehearsal process.”

Additional information on “Joan: The Girl of Arc” and upcoming plays can be found on the theatre department’s webpage: https://www.svsu.edu/theatre/showschedule/.

Categories: Uncategorized

Tagged as: , , ,

Leave a Reply