Waynesburg University Presents \"The Hunchback of Notre Dame\"

Waynesburg University Presents “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

by Lauren Bertovich

Waynesburg University will be presenting The Hunchback of Notre Dame March 27th through the 30th. Edward L. Powers, M.F.A., Director of the Theatre Program at Waynesburg University, has combined the classic writings of Victor Hugo with the songs and music from the loveable Disney version to create a production appreciated by all ages. Each show will begin at 7:30 pm and will include an intermission. Playing the role of Quasimodo is Thomas Faye, a junior majoring in Music Ministry. Tessa Mesula, a senior majoring in Education, is playing Esmerelda.

Powers has been with W.U. for the past 19 years. He moved here from TN, where he received his Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of Memphis. He has founded a group known as the Waynesburg University Players that combines both students and faculty from across many departments to perform. Powers is also responsible for all of the Theatre courses including History of Play Writing, History of Film, and Introduction to Theatre, Acting, Directing and History of the American Musical. Despite not having a Theatre Major, Waynesburg University has been the setting for many plays and musicals including popular titles such as The Little Mermaid, Macbeth, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Frankenstein and Hamlet - all which were directed and produced by Powers. Most of the students involved in Theatre projects are actually majoring in different subjects such as Education, Science or Ministry. Although this may seem to prove difficult for some, Powers draws from different departments and combines the talents of various students to put together something truly amazing.

“Some of our students are satisfying requirements for a Theatre Minor or taking the courses for an art requirement and they must balance this with their other studies. Having such a diverse, volunteer army makes for very interesting rehearsals, “ says Powers as he describes the tasks at hand. When asked about how he chooses what plays or musicals he will direct he says he must consider the show’s contents, will it be interesting to watch, will it educate and challenge his students, and the available talent and resources. The Theatre department draws from a collection of costumes from their own inventory and sometimes rents or purchases new ones. Powers also enlists the services of Dr. Rhonda DePriest, Director of the Music Department at W.U. and Vocal Director Melanie Catana to ensure the success of all the music performed during the production.

Everyone involved shows tremendous talent not only on stage but also in time management, prioritizing his or her theatre commitment with other scholastic requirements. A show of this magnitude takes more than two months of planning and Powers presents his projects to not only entertain but also to enlighten.

Although the productions during the school year primarily involve the students and staff of the University, Powers will direct and produce shows in the summer that involve the community. Anyone interested in auditioning or helping in any way is encouraged to contact him for more information. The Theatre is always accepting volunteers or donations throughout the year, to help these shows be as successful as possible. Unfortunately, it often feels like less people are becoming involved in the arts, possibly due to technology or something generational. Whatever it is, the arts are an important part of our lives. Powers is a storyteller and the stories he tells inspire us, distract us, spark our imaginations, revive our culture, relive history, or help us escape from day to day life.

FMI on upcoming shows or how to get involved with The Waynesburg University Players, contact Edward Powers by email at epowers@ waynesburg.edu or by phone at (724)852-3226.