provides unique Honors Program experience ne might not associate theater with the typical college
honors program, but GGC’s Honors Program is in its third
year of providing such broad, holistic learning experiences.
produce videos of the performances. Art students exhibit works in the theater lobby. Grizzlies from across campus attend the
performances independently or for class assignments. Some also volunteer to help. Each play involves more than 50 students. GGC’s Honors Program is designed for students who
demonstrate excellence and who want to enjoy an integrated learning experience, Wunder said. Members develop
essential professional and leadership skills through workshops, field trips, projects, cultural events and special classes.
Membership requirements include a 3.5 GPA, an essay, letter of recommendation and interview.
“We provide Honors Program members with a holistic,
transformative experience,” Wunder said. “This particular activity is a wonderful way for students to participate in theater while earning college credit.” “Working” cast members perform a musical number.
One such student is Kevin Davis, ’17, who described his
involvement in the musical “Working” as a dream come true.
Through an innovative collaboration with Lawrenceville’s Aurora
“I am beyond thankful for the collaboration that GGC and the
productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Arts or Crafts”
I never could have imagined,” said Davis, who will graduate in
Theatre, Honors Program members have presented sold-out
Aurora Theatre have forged, as it is truly shaping my life in ways
and “Working,” the college’s first musical.
psychology with a minor in sociology.
This semester, members are presenting a 1940s-era version
of “Much Ado About Nothing,” as part of the Honors Program’s 3000-level class. Students are applying skills learned in their
majors to activities required to produce the play. History majors are examining historical aspects of the original work as well as how to interpret it for the 1940s. Business and English majors
are developing the play’s marketing campaign. Science majors are using technical skills on set design and construction. All benefit from mentorship by Aurora’s professional staff and Jaclyn Hofmann, its director of education and a part-time theater instructor at GGC.
“Theater allows for broad participation in project-based learning,” said Dr. Jennifer Wunder, director of the Honors Program. “Stu-
dents engage in scholarship, show leadership, express creativity and provide service – all core to the GGC Honors experience.” That experience is shared with the whole college, and many students take advantage of the opportunities. Film students
Jacob McKee, an Aurora Theatre apprentice, rehearses a scene from “Arts of Crafts” with GGC student Timothy Wylie.
e n g a g e.g g c. e d u
I
13
