‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’ lives on VICTORIA WHITWELL Managing Editor
T
he weeks are counting down to the opening night of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Originally planned to open in the Fall 2014 semester, the play was postponed due to unforeseen setbacks. With a new year, a new semester, and even some new people in the cast, the theatre department is “working quickly and efficiently” in high hopes for the production. “I’ve struggled with how to classify what we’re doing as a second chance or as a continuation or to just think of [Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead] as something fresh and new that hasn’t been done before,” said Micah Goodding, director. “I’m comfortable with a combination of
all three.” Goodding and the cast see this opportunity as a “benefit to explore things they only were able to touch on in the past.” Given four more weeks to work on the show, Goodding has had more time to think about the thematic elements of the play and focus more on the details that worked for the production. “There is no wasted time for the ideas that didn’t work,” Goodding said. “We now have a specific idea, can revisit some original ideas, and then go deeper into them. What makes this play so special is that it is the type of play you can spend a lot of time on.” The play may be the same, but there is a new “mix of people” in the cast. Some people may have the same roles, while others have been switched. Due to some students graduating or moving on, there
are new accompanying members in the cast as well. One of these new members is Taylor Farrell, who plays Rosencrantz. According to Goodding, Farrell was never able to participate in productions due to what his previous major required of him schedule-wise. Now that Farrell has chosen theatre as his major, he is able to do what he always has wanted to do. Sheridan Baze who plays both Horatio and a guard, along with Dera Cardozo who plays an ambassador are also new to the cast. Both cast members have had experience in theatre from high school, but “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” is their first college theatre production. Goodding is confident that the new cast members will catch up with See THEATRE on Page
THE FLARE
From left: Taylor Farrell, Reid McDonald and Brett Lee rehearse a scene from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, which will run Tuesday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, March 1.
The Flare
Friday, February 6, 2015 Vol. 78 No. 13 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Capitol Day in Austin Community College Day aims to strengthen future of Texas KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor KC faculty and student representatives from The Flare, PTK, SGA, and TRIO. KC President Bill Holda was also in attendance. The bi-annual Community College Day was hosted by the Texas Association of Community Colleges at the Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd. The TACC has worked with students, faculty, and administrators from community colleges all over Texas to host Community College Day. It affords students the chance to tell their stories of how community college has changed their lives to their legislators face to face. Community College Day begins with a rally on the steps of the Capitol. The importance of community colleges to Texas’ future was a common thread in the testimonies given by the speakers. Dr. Richard Rhodes, president of Austin Community College, spoke of the importance of students letting their legislators know about their personal community college experience. “Telling your story is critical,” he said. “The pathway to success is through community college.” Lydia Santibanez, the Community College Association of Texas Trustees Chair, said this year’s gathering was the largest number of attendees for Community College Day. “Know all of you are seeking education that will enhance your life and the Texas economy. Community college is an affordable and quality pathway to education.” The keynote speaker was Representative Jimmie Don Aycock. He was elected to the Texas Legislature in 2006, and is the chairman of the public education committee. Aycock authored House Bill 5, which passed in 2013. This bill restructured graduation and testing requirements in Texas. “I care deeply about education at all levels,” he said. “You are the future of Texas. Community college is an integral part of the education process.” Like Rhodes, he encouraged students to “tell your stories, speak your mind.” He told his story of being on his family’s cotton patch when his mother ran up to him with his college acceptance letter, and how many community college students are the first members of their family to attend college. “Today I stand before you humbly,” he said. “What you are doing will change not just your life, but the lives of your children and grandchildren. Hang with it, it’s worth it. Don’t give up, find something that moves you forward in life.” Senator Larry Taylor of District 11 spoke of the many doors community college can open. “We live in a land of freedom where opportunity reigns,” he said. “A dream is only a dream until you make it come true. Community college can make that dream come true. Many different dreams and paths led all of you to community college to make your dreams a reality. You are not only improving THE FLARE
College students, faculty and administrators rally on the steps of the Capitol in Austin for Community College Day 2015.
Job fairs, site offer employment opportunities JULIANNA KENDALL Staff Writer KC will be holding the Health Occupations Job Fair 1-3 p.m., Feb. 17, and the Spring Job Fair 9-11 a.m., March 5, in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. “It’s a great opportunity for students to find more about the career they want to pursue, or if they don’t know, what is out there after graduating from college,”
Candace Heezen, Career Service support specialist, said. The job fairs will allow students to speak to employers about upcoming job opportunities within their workforce, as well as learn more information about what the jobs have to offer. There will be many hospitals and other healthcare facilities being represented at the Health Occupations Job Fair. Some include: Good Shepherd Medical
Center, The Willows, East Texas Treatment Facility and Rusk State Hospital. The Spring Job Fair will have many East Texas police departments being represented, as well as the Dallas Police Department. Other possible employers include: Convergys, FESCO, Alpha Pipeline Integrity Services and Longview ISD. “We have had many students prepared with resumés and
ended up getting a job because they were able to talk to them and show them what they have to offer,” Heezen said. Students can visit the KC website and find Job Search Tools and Resources under Career Services and select “Optimal Resume.” Students will then be able to insert their information, submit it and allow it to be reviewed by the career services personnel.
See CAPITOL on Page 8
DROP DEADLINE The 12th class day which students could withdraw from a class without a W. Students are still able to withdraw from classes, but as a result, they will earn no credit hours. The state of Texas allows 6 W’s total for a student’s college career. Consult the Registrar’s be dropped.