Springfield Art + Culture

SPRINGFIELD ART + CULTURE

Standard staff

Advertising staff

Paris Wilken advertising designer

Makayla Malachowski advertising assistant

Editorial staff

Lillian Durr editor-in-chief

Casey Loving editor

Jenna Murray editor

Makayla Malachowski editor

William P. Bohlen editor

Cassidy Hale copy editor

Liliana Hayes copy editor

Madalyn Tuning copy editor

Isabel Gamble copy editor

Mavis Parks social media coordinator

Reporters and visual artists

Allie Free reporter

Alyssa Farrar reporter

Arden Dickson photographer

Ashley Purvis reporter

Ava Gorton reporter

Cecilia Thomas graphic designer

Charles Sargent photographer

Cooper Sago illustrator

Cooper Sams reporter

Journalism is an art. Writing, photography, design, interviewing, these are disciplines that require at least some level of craft and creativity. Like with any art, I don’t believe one can be truly successful as a journalist without one thing: passion. Pick up any issue of The Standard and you’ll see that passion on full display.

That being said, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen as much passion in an issue of The Standard as you will find in these pages.

Perhaps that’s because many of our staff members are, beyond this newsroom, artists of other forms. We are writers, photographers, videographers, actors, musicians. We feel the urge to create and, importantly, to support other creators in turn.

In this paper, you will find numerous examples of art you can see and support locally. Any of them would be a worthy use of time. You can visit local theaters (see pg. 14, 16 and 18), galleries (see pg. 4) and artists (pg. 6), all present intriguing opportunities and experiences.

I believe it is good for everyone to take the time to meaningfully engage with various artistic disciplines when possible. Life is too short to miss out on the beauty of human expression, especially when so much of it can be found right here in Springfield.

-Casey Loving, entertainment and culture editor

Dorottya Faa illustrator

Em Blackstone reporter

Emilia Belcolore reporter

Emily Day photographer

Gabby Marler reporter

Garrett Sims reporter

Hannah Weston photographer

Jason Smith photographer

Jayden Pettus reporter

Joanna Petinaris reporter

Khotso Moore photographer

Liliana Hayes reporter

Liz Garcia photographer

Maddie Sherman photographer

Madelyn Stamper reporter

Madison Reece visual staff

Mary Schwanke graphic designer

Mason Ray reporter

Matthew Huff photographer

Mavis Parks reporter

Morgan Shearhart photographer

Robin Garner reporter

Sam Barnette reporter

Shane Samson reporter

Spencer Justice photographer

Zac Cox reporter

Professional staff

Jack Dimond faculty adviser

Cover design by Paris Wilken

On the cover: A photo of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, taken by Lillian Durr.

SPRINGFIELD ART & CULTURE

is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.

ART WALK

Brick City Gallery and neighbors participate in monthly tradition, uplifting local art

With plenty of sculptures and murals punctuating the flow of each block, it’s clear that downtown Springfield is a hub for the local art scene. While many Springfieldians enjoy checking out downtown art shops and galleries spontaneously, one of the best ways to see what these places have to offer is by taking a self-guided tour during the monthly First Friday Art Walk.

As the name suggests, the Art Walk is a community exposition that takes place on the first Friday of every month. Galleries and businesses participate by displaying the works of local artists, showcasing artistic techniques through demonstrations and offering refreshments to viewers as they peruse artworks in galleries and shops.

The Art Walk is a staple of the Springfield art and nightlife scenes and can be a great group activity for friends, leading to engaging discussion and further exploration of downtown spaces.

“Art walk is such a fun adventure for my friends and I because we end up with something fun to talk about during and after,” said Malena Hemenway, a Missouri State University senior studying art history and museum studies. “And it’s so easy to plan a little get together afterwards!”

The Missouri State galleries are longtime Art Walk participants. The Brick City Galleries are located in Brick City 3 and 4 on West Mill Street, while the Robert and Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center is located on North Boonville Avenue. BCG and Carolla host the works of MSU students as well as traveling shows from contemporary artists from across the world.

The current exhibition at BCG is “Homeland: Photographs from the Anthropocene,” which includes pieces by four photographers that are focused around the subjects of nature and landscape.

Carolla’s current show — which opened this week — is the 2024 Annual Juried Student Exhibition. All pieces in this show were made by MSU students and selected by Steve

Located at 215 W. Mill St., Brick City Gallery has locations in Brick City 3 and 4. Missouri State University also holds galleries in the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, Cabot Gallery and Taylor Gallery.

Snell, a Kansas City-based artist. Snell will also select which pieces receive monetary awards, including the Mark J. Hall Best in Show Award.

Outside the galleries’ regular hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, BCG and Carolla are open for the Art Walk from 6-9 p.m.

Next door to Brick City 4 is the Fresh Gallery, an art shop and gallery operated by over 20 local juried artists. Fresh Gallery’s website lists their artists as specializing in a plethora of 3D disciplines, including jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass and mixed media, as well as 2D disciplines such as painting, pastels and photography.

On first Fridays, Fresh Gallery provides refreshments and invites the public to shop — and view — small. Along with their featured pieces for sale and display, they occasionally host demonstrations, namely glass blowing, when they open the garage doors to their glass blowing studio to show how to work this medium.

Off West Phelps Street — on the same block as BCG and Fresh Gallery — is Obelisk Home, an interior design firm, retail store and art gallery. During the Art Walk, visitors are welcome to shop for home furnishings and browse the gallery.

When arranged alongside their furniture, Obelisk stages their gallery pieces in ways

to inspire viewers to purchase the artwork to complement their homes. The gallery showcases the work of local resident artists as well as the work of a new featured artist each month.

According to their website, Obelisk’s featured artist for April is painter T.D. Scott, whose painting method involves hot wax mixed with pigment, otherwise known as encaustic painting.

Because of its once-a-month nature, First Friday Art Walk looks different each time. Springfield Regional Arts Council’s website posts a newsletter before each one — the next edition will be posted before Friday, April 5.

CASSIDY HALE Copy Editor

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Local musicians reflect on experience performing at The Outland Complex

JENNA MURRAY Editor D@Jenna_Murray5

Before the downtown Springfield location closed, The Outland Complex was made up of the ground-level Odyssey Lounge and upstairs Outland Ballroom, located at 322 and 324 South Ave. respectively. The Outland Complex has been a live music hotspot in Springfield for almost 30 years, according to theoutlandcomplex.com.

Several bands connected to the Missouri State University community have performed at The Outland Complex. MSU junior Pace Evans, a digital film and television production major and the drummer for No Vacancy, performed at the Odyssey Lounge on Oct. 18.

“It was a small show, but it was honestly one of our most memorable shows,” Evans said. “The biggest thing was just the sound of it, it sounded really good in there.”

Evans explained how The Outland Complex is different than other live music venues in Springfield.

“They really care about the music scene in Springfield,” Evans said. “The biggest scene in Springfield is the hardcore scene, and the two venues that would house the shows would be either the Odyssey or Lindberg’s (Tavern) now. They’re super cool with any band that wants to play there.”

Jackson Ruthenburg, the lead guitarist for Blue Madison, Crunchy Honey and Humble Menace, has performed with his bands at both the Odyssey Lounge and Outland Ballroom over 20 times.

Ruthenburg described performing at the Odyssey Lounge with his bands as an overall positive experience.

“As a performer, it was always a cool place to play; they seem to have a decent turnout for most of the time,” Ruthenburg said. “I mean, of course there was a show every now and then where there wouldn’t be a ton of people, just because of pure coincidence most of the time. Being a college town and having an influx of your population with people leaving for breaks and stuff like that. But, I’d say that overall it was a positive experience.”

Although both venues are a part of The Outland Complex, Ruthenburg said that performing at The Outland Ballroom was considerably different from playing at the

Odyssey Lounge.

“It’s night and day from the Odyssey Lounge,” Ruthenburg said. “Nothing against the Odyssey, but as a local musician everyone wanted to play the ballroom. If you got to say that you played the ballroom, that’s just kind of like a cool little thing, even if you only played to like 50 people in the ballroom. There was just more of a curated vibe with the ballroom. It seemed like it knew what it was more than the Odyssey Lounge did, because the Odyssey was always changing its vibe to try to bring in more people.”

The Outland Complex has a unique reputation among Springfield’s local musicians and live music enthusiasts.

“The established history of the venue gives it prestige,” Ruthenburg said. “There was kind of like an aura about it at one point just because they used to have a lot more big-name acts come through there. I feel like with a lot of other live music venues that have been getting rolling recently, they’re all trying to establish a name for themselves even if they’re in a place that was previously occupied by a music venue. I think the combination of location and its reputation were the two main factors of why it’s so much different than any of the other venues.”

Since the downtown location closed in January, The Outland Complex has moved its shows to nearby Springfield venues, including The Riff and The Regency Live.

In a Facebook post from Jan. 28, Kevin Dunn, the owner of The Outland Complex, hinted at a plan to continue the venue’s legacy at a new location.

“We do hope that what we have in the works will satisfy your entertainment needs,” Dunn posted. “Sincerely, the entire

staff who have been troopers and all the promoters who have stuck by our side while moving shows. It sure is nice knowing all of you.”

According to their website, The Outland Complex currently has two shows set to be located at the new Odyssey Lounge on May 11 and July 10. The address on the promotion poster is 1948 S. Glenstone Ave.

Both Evans and Ruthenburg said they’d be interested in performing with their bands at The Outland Complex’s new location.

Photo by Makayla Malachowski Q@m.malachowski_

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Previously located on South Avenue, near Park Central Square, the Outland Complex includes The Outland Ballroom and Odyssey Lounge.

The Outland Complex’s South Avenue location closed its doors this January.

Malachowski: For the arts to continue

MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI Editor

Q@m.malachowski_

When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the world in 2020, it also complicated things for the local arts scene. That spring, Artsfest, hosted by the Downtown Springfield Association and the Springfield Regional Arts Council, was moved to a virtual space to support artists and their work even in an uncertain time.

In 2021, the SRAC and DSA were able to host Artsfest in its normal location again on Historic Walnut Street with extra space between each booth. Sarah Abele, director of programming and development for the SRAC, said 2021 was a “return to normalcy” for the event.

Since that return, Abele said Artsfest has broken records in attendance and sales. But Artsfest is not the only aspect of the visual arts scene breaking records.

According to the Economic and Social Impact study by Americans for the Arts, the arts and culture sector in Springfield generated $89.2 million in economic activity in 2022. The study reports this activity “supported 1,610 jobs, provided $50.9 million in personal income to residents and generated $13.5 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments.”

Abele said since the pandemic, the economic value of the arts in Springfield has more than doubled.

Springfield has an incredibly vibrant art scene that houses artists of all mediums, but for those artists to continue bringing beauty to our town, it is paramount that our support for them prevails.

The local impact

The arts community in Springfield has shared many successes recently. When Springfield Little Theatre and Mosaic Arts Collective held their production of “In the Heights” in January and February, Abele said most of the showings were sold out for the event’s 17-day run.

Alongside SLT and MAC, Springfield Ballet’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” was also sold out by the end of November 2023, and the Springfield Symphony has additionally seen record turnouts this year.

“We’re hearing from all quadrants that there is a huge thirst for the arts and that we’re just really trying to get people enough access,” Abele said. “That is really the biggest struggle. We just don’t have enough performances and enough space.”

Tourism

It’s clear that the arts are important to the local community, but what about visitors? Ac-

cording to the Economic and Social Impact study, 90.4 percent of nonlocal visitors reported their visit was specifically for some aspect of visual art.

“If a community fails to provide a variety

of opportunities to experience the arts and culture, it risks not attracting cultural tourists and their valuable dollars as well as losing the discretionary spending of its own residents who will travel elsewhere in search of the diverse

artistic expressions and authentic cultural experiences they seek,” the report said.

Springfield is unique for many reasons, but it seems that the arts are part of what makes Springfield an ideal destination for visitors.

Photographer Randy Bacon spoke at the opening reception of his exhibition “8 Billion Ones: A Randy Bacon Retrospective.” The reception was held July 14, 2023, at the Creamery Arts Center, located at 411 N. Sherman Parkway.

Photos by Makayla Malachowski Q@m.malachowski_

making an impact, it needs your support

Cultural impact

The arts give the community a shared space to engage with culture.

“We all have shared experiences, whether or not they happen at the same time or in the same way,” Abele said. “Being able to come together and celebrate someone who is putting themselves out there by creating is a really important thing that people should be able to do.”

When the community is able to come together and do just that – celebrate the creative works of their neighbors and loved ones –these cultural experiences “strengthen sense of belonging and community pride” and create a more vibrant living space, according to the Economic and Social Impact study.

How do we help?

Abele said there are a number of ways to support the arts in Springfield.

“The best way is to show up and participate in any way that feels right to you,” Abele said.

One example Abele gave was to purchase a ticket to see Ozark Lyric Opera’s show “Black Rider: The Casting of the Magical Bullets” in April.

“(By buying a ticket), you’re not only supporting the Ozark Lyric Opera,” Abele said. “You’re also supporting a historic theater in downtown Springfield; you’re supporting all of those amazing people who want to get up there and sing and be vulnerable on stage.”

For those who like to create, Abele suggested visiting Arrow Creative Reuse for art supplies and inspiration. According to the Ar-

Everyone deserves the chance to express themselves in a way that makes sense to them. The arts — regardless of one’s chosen medium to — deserve a place in our community and can even improve our quality of life.

row’s website, Arrow is an “art supply thrift store” that provides recycled art supplies at an affordable cost. Arrow also hosts a number of workshops and events for people of all skill levels.

If you’d rather support the arts in a different way, Abele said you can donate to the organizations of your choice, volunteer at events or fill out surveys like the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Community Survey, which can be found at survey.alchemer. com/s3/7757859/Springfield. You can register to volunteer for this year’s Artsfest by visiting www. springfieldarts.org/volunteer/.

Supporting the arts not only means supporting our city, but it also means supporting a dream. Learn more about how you can support your local artists by visiting springfieldarts.org.

Cider Days, hosted by the Downtown Springfield Association, is one of the arts festivals held on Historic Walnut Street. Another annual arts festival, Artsfest, will be held on May 4 and 5 this year.

DID YOU HEAR? WE HAVE PODCASTS!

LISTEN TO RECAPS OF NOTE-WORTHY NEWS, ALL THINGS CINEMA, AND SPORTS. LISTEN TO OUR SHOWS ON SPOTIFY AND SOUNDCLOUD!

UPCOMING ART EVENTS

“Fences”

Springfield Contemporary Theatre

March 28-31, Historic Fox Theatre

First Friday Art Walk

April 5, Downtown Springfield

“Mary Poppins Jr.”

Springfield Little Theatre

April 11-21, Landers Theatre

“A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical”

MSU Theatre and Dance

April 11-14, Coger Theatre

“Spring Dance Concert: Movement Mechanized”

April 25-28, Coger Theatre

MSU Theatre and Dance Artsfest

May 4 and 5, Walnut Street

“Aladdin Jr.”

Mosaic Arts Collective and Springfield Little Theatre

May 31-June 9, Landers Theatre

Missouri State University Chorale visits South Korea for international festivals

EMILIA BELCOLORE Reporter

Q@emilia_m_belcolore

On Feb. 19, the Missouri State University Chorale landed in South Korea for a nine-day trip, during which they represented North America at the Jeju International Choir Festival and Symposium. In Seoul, the musical group participated in the Incheon Free Economic Zone World Choral Festival, the World Church Music Choir Festival and the PACEM World Choir Festival.

The trip the choir took was not to compete; rather, it helped members gain experience and create memories. Choir singer and composer Erich Eastman said about 40 members were able to attend. During the trip, the chorale performed nine concerts.

“Most of our concerts were joint performances with choirs from a lot of different countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Indonesia, the Philippines and of course (South) Korea,” Eastman said.

During the concerts, the chorale performed a variety of songs from American and Korean backgrounds.

“We tried to focus on taking a lot of songs that felt American so we could bring our own culture over with us for others to experience for possibly the first time,” choir member Alandra Hutchens said. “One we did a lot was ‘Daniel Servant of The Lord,’ which is more of a traditional gospel. We also took two songs by Korean Composer Hyo-Won Woo, who we met and sang to.”

One song by Woo the Chorale performed is titled “Arirant.”

“To me, the most meaningful (song) was ‘Arirant,’” Eastman said. “(‘Arirant’ is) an arrangement of a Korean folk song. Just about every Korean person knows the tune. It is an important element of Korean culture and history. HyoWon Woo’s arrangement is captivating and the Korean audiences responded with such sincerity that it drove many of us in the choir to

tears.”

Multiple times after each concert, the choir held lobby performances to continue singing for others to hear. Hutchens said music has the ability to connect people of different languages.

“We just sang to each other and danced around for 30 minutes or so after the concert together,” Hutchens said. “Many, many people spoke English, but it was like having a second language being able to be together through music and song.”

Preparation for the performance in South Korea took months of dedication and hard work. The singers have been learning and practicing since the start of the semester.

“Our group began preparations in August. A tour like this requires a lot of repertoire, so we had to learn and memorize quite a few pieces in various styles,” Eastman said.

Besides learning the songs, members of the group also had to complete additional tasks in order to travel abroad.

“It was essential that we all either have or go through the process of acquiring a passport,” Eastman said. “Many of us also put in some time learning common Korean phrases so that we could respectfully and efficiently communicate while in the country. We also attended a presentation by MSU graduate Hwanwook Lee, in which we explained cultural differences and similarities with us.”

This is not the last time the chorale will be leaving the country to perform. In May, the group will leave for Chile and Argentina.

“This tour was my third international tour with the chorale, and every one of those trips has impacted me in ways that will stick with me forever,” Eastman said. “One thing that has remained consistent throughout each tour is this: music unifies people. It transcends language barriers and cultural differences, and the feeling of elation that comes with every performance of this kind is really special.”

Missouri State University Chorale visited South Korea from Feb. 19-28. During their visit, choir member Alandra Hutchens said they got to meet Korean Composer Hyo-Won Woo whose music the Chorale performed.

Photo submitted by Alandra Hutchens

DR. MATTHEW BOSWELL

MSU Associate Director of Bands embraces lifelong journey with music while educating young musicians

COOPER SAMS Reporter

“Being a musician is a journey, it’s not a destination.”

- Matthew Boswell

There are few things more present than music. It’s in our cars and our homes and you can scarcely find a place where it isn’t present.

For many, music is listened to just for fun, but for some, it’s something more serious: a passion, a profession and even a lifestyle. From Tokyo to Times Square, you’ll find musicians who dedicate their lives to music, yet no two are the same.

One of those musicians can be found at Missouri State University: Matthew Boswell. As a faculty member of MSU’s music program, with a PhD in music education from Florida State University, Boswell knows what it’s like to go through life as a musician.

Boswell started his musical journey early, beginning to play the piano in preschool and later picking up the saxophone. In high school, his leadership and teaching skills began to shine.

Boswell recalled a time in high school when he helped a friend through a difficult section in their music. Afterwards, his band director complimented his ability to teach.

“That was the experience that I think started me on the path to being here,” Boswell said.

Along with his band director, Boswell said there were many who helped him on his journey. He fondly remembered receiving a VHS tape of one of composer Leonard Bernstein’s “Young People’s Concerts” from his piano teacher.

Bernstein taught students how to listen to and understand music, which inspired Boswell. He said he was touched that such an influential man in his field sought to teach young people.

“I was enamored with Leonard Bernstein because of his story,” Boswell said. “A good performer, a good musician (and) a good teacher.”

Even as someone who has always loved music, Boswell wasn’t always sure about choosing it as a career. He was always interested in science, and he considered going into chemical engineering before eventually choosing music.

“I didn’t like sitting at a desk and solving problems all day,” Boswell said. “(Music is) a dynamic thing; it changes every day, and it’s never the same thing twice.”

But when you choose something you love as your profession, it’s easy to become disillusioned. Boswell even said he rarely listens to music at home. “I do love music, but even for me it’s work,” he said.

Despite this, he emphasized how important it is to be able to balance both a personal and professional love of music.

“Music is an avocation — something you do, in addition to just being a professional thing,” Boswell said. “Some of our students don’t understand that, and it’s unfortunate.”

To his students struggling with this balance, Boswell said, “Being a musician is a journey, it’s not a destination.” He tries to guide his own students to see the bigger picture in music.

Seeing young musicians grow and improve is what motivates Boswell, and it’s in the students that he sees the true value, not in the music itself.

“If you build an environment where they are successful and they learn, then the music will take care of itself,” Boswell said.

As a final word of advice for aspiring musicians, Boswell simply said, “Have fun …Music can be hard, and it can be

intense, but at the end of the day, it should be something that you enjoy.”

Graphic by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Springfield Art Museum prepares for big changes ahead of renovations

EM BLACKSTONE Reporter D@EmBlackstone

Let the countdown begin! The Springfield Art Museum has only a few months left of its current building and exhibitions. Starting Sept. 1, 2024, the museum will undergo a massive renovation which will span about three years.

This ambitious $50 million renovation — part of the Springfield Art Museum 2028 Campaign project initiated in 2018 — aims to revitalize the museum and its surroundings. Museum Director Nick Nelson expressed enthusiasm for the campaign, emphasizing its importance in making the museum a vital part of Springfield.

“It’s really a campaign to set up the museum for success as a civic asset for everyone in Springfield and the surrounding region in the future,” Nelson said.

New changes will include an educational wing and west facade; new west entry with a community front porch; east facade; family learning center; large gallery space and other functional building changes. The educational wing will contain many unique features and rooms that benefit everyone in the community, particularly art-focused university students.

“One exciting thing that we’re adding to the museum which directly impacts university students is an art study room,” Nelson said. “This is a space where faculty from local colleges and universities can bring students to learn directly from the art in our collection … It was really based on the need and the desire to expand those partnerships with our local higher education community.”

What does this mean for the art currently in the museum? The art and artifacts in the museum will take around four months to relocate for their preservation. After that, they will be inaccessible to the public and will only become available when the museum reopens in 2028.

The art may be leaving temporarily, but the museum won’t stop all public outreach. The museum runs an exhibition through Brick City Gallery at MSU called “All School Exhibition” and will continue to dedicate time to community outreach efforts.

“We’re working on a project called “Art is Everywhere,” where we’ll be doing arts programs throughout town and different places,” Nelson said. “Then we’re looking at other partnerships that we can build … also looking at our own opportunity to have our own space where we can produce programs as well.”

Interviews:

Required qualifications: To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students at Missouri State University, must be committed to full-time enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year, must be in academic good standing with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, and must be eligible for student employment.

Preferred qualifications: Candidates should be able to demonstrate an adequate background to carry out the duties of this position, through academic coursework and/or work experience.

Duties: The successful candidate will begin work in summer 2024. (Summer enrollment is not required.) Duties include overseeing the newspaper's editorial operation; supervising the writers, copy desk, section editors, graphic designers and photographers; establishing and maintaining consistent editorial deadlines; organizing copy flow; guiding staff in the overall production of the newspaper; selecting the editorial staff in consultation with the faculty adviser; and upholding The Standard's ethical and professional standards.

To Apply: Applications may be submitted at The Standard's office in Clay Hall, 744 E. Cherry St. Each candidate’s application must include a letter of application, a resume, three letters of reference, the candidate’s proposed fall 2024 class schedule, and samples of work that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the position. Applications must be emailed to Standard@MissouriState.edu no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024.

Photos by Madison Reece

Renovation to the Springfield Art Museum will begin in September and span about three years. The renovations are part of the Springfield Art Museum 2028 campaign.

Located at 1111 E. Brookside Dr., the Springfield Art Museum’s website “invites you to connect with the world, your community, and yourself through active engagement with art objects.”

LOVING: SPRINGFIELD GEM, MOXIE CINEMA, BRINGS THE WORLD TO LOCAL SCREENS

CASEY LOVING Editor

D@CaseyMLoving

A freshman year night started like countless others for me: I wanted to go to the movies. But this one was causing me a bit of trouble.

At the time, I was racing to see each of that year’s Oscar nominees before the night of the ceremony, a tradition I started that year as the post-COVID-19 landscape in -

creased widespread access to films through streaming. Unfortunately, one Best Picture nominee had eluded me for months, a film titled “Minari.”

Only a semester and a half into what would become my four-year stay at Missouri State University, I remained unfamiliar with some of the city’s hidden gems. To that point, the only Springfield movie theater I’d been to was the now closed Regal Cinemas.

After checking local listings for weeks

with no luck, I stumbled upon a place downtown that was screening “Minari.” It was a theater I’d never heard of: The Moxie.

Walking into The Moxie for the first time felt magical. As a young film fan, I could hardly believe my eyes. How was it possible that we had a non-profit theater dedicated to showing smaller cinema in Springfield, Missouri, of all places? I felt impossibly lucky.

I remember everything about that first trip to The Moxie vividly: where I sat, the

pre-show introduction, the popcorn and, of course, the excellent movie itself. I walked out thinking that was one of my favorite theater-going experiences ever.

Basically every time I’ve gone to the Moxie since, I get that same exact feeling. I have yet to find a theater that I love more.

Moxie Cinema is described on moxiecinema.com/about-us as “Springfield’s community-supported arthouse theater,” an entertainment venue dedicated to film distribution and education. The website says the theater shows “critically-acclaimed films, new and old, that might otherwise not be shown locally,” embracing films from throughout the world that often have smaller budgets.

“We exist to enrich our community through film’s power to engage, educate, and inspire,” the website reads. “Yes, we show movies and sell tickets, but at our core, we exist to make our community a better place to live.”

Current and upcoming showings include 2024 Best International Feature nominee “Perfect Days,” Julio Torres’ “Problemista” and a repertory screening of Bong Joon Ho’s “The Host.”

“The Host” will be shown as part of the Moxie’s FilmStubs series, which is a series of free re-release screenings hosted through a grant from the Springfield-Greene County Library’s Friends of the Library program.

As a film student, and simply a guy who loves going to the movies, I cannot understate how much I appreciate having a theater like Moxie Cinema in Springfield. The ability to see the kinds of movies shown at The Moxie has been one of the absolute highlights of my time at MSU.

Seeing The Moxie’s incoming slate of movies always feels like a treat. Often, smaller films of critical acclaim I’ve only heard tell of online appear on the list of showtimes, movies I would otherwise have to wait for streaming availability to see. I’ve had my sights expanded by watching films both domestic and foreign that didn’t play on any other screens for hours in every direction. And this is to say nothing of the pieces of film history, released long before I was born, now able to be seen on the big screen once again in my college town.

I adore the feeling of sitting in a packed house for a massive blockbuster, feeling a gargantuan experience take over the room

Photos by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

First opened in 2004, The Moxie is a non-profit independent movie theater. “We exist to enrich our community through film’s power to engage, educate, and inspire,” says the cinema’s website.

as we collectively lock in. At the same time, there’s so much joy to be found in sitting in a room of only 30 people, knowing you’re all watching a masterpiece of intimate moviemaking as one.

When I go to larger theaters, I run the risk of rowdy guests or blinding cell phones. At The Moxie, all screenings seem to carry with them an unspoken covenant, a shared understanding that the room we occupy is sacred. I find it odd that all movie theaters don’t always feel this way, but screenings at The Moxie, in my experience, universally feel like everyone wants to be there.

I’m a firm believer that the world would be a kinder, better place if more people went to places like The Moxie. This may sound like optimistic, movie-loving drivel, but I say it with my whole heart.

All film has merit, and I will champion widely distributed, blockbuster filmmaking until my last breath. But the sheer amount of powerful art that people cut themselves off from by only being willing to engage with the year’s biggest movies is staggering.

It’s hard to see the different viewpoints and perspectives that can be found in independent or international

filmmaking without it changing your view on the world. I feel like I have been fundamentally changed, bit by bit over time, by the movies I’ve seen. It is truly a way to see the world through different eyes over and over again.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend that arts education is only valuable because it’s “important.” Going to The Moxie is also, across all of my experiences, an incredibly fun time.

I remember seeing Julia Ducournau’s “Titane” in a crowded room with a group of friends, none of us quite sure what we were in for. The next few hours were a wild ride, one that the whole audience seemed to be fully invested in. There’s something sobering about watching a woman get impregnated by a show car in a room full of strangers, but it felt like we were in it together.

I remember, by happenstance, attending a showing of Pedro Almodóvar’s “Parallel Mothers” as the only member of the audience. It was a thrilling experience, one that made me feel like there was nothing else in the world besides myself and the film before me. In that room, no one could hear me cry.

I remember the multiple trips I took

to The Moxie with my best friend during our time together at MSU. Some of my favorite films of the past few years — “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Drive My Car,” “The Worst Person in the World” and more — were first seen by the pair of us on one of the two screens. I owe Moxie Cinema a lot of gratitude for making those experiences possible.

Profundity and entertainment can both be found in art from across the world and with a variety of price tags. Sticking to only the big budget stock that holds a three-month engagement at a massive multiplex sells yourself short more than anything.

All movies, big and small, deserve their time to shine on the big screen. All audiences deserve the chance to see these movies in their optimal environment.

I’m proud of Moxie Cinema for giving the people of Springfield what they deserve.

Moxie Cinema offers a student ticket rate of $9 with a student ID and a Monday/Tuesday discount rate of $8. Students can become Moxie members for $50 for access to $3 off tickets and free repertory screenings.

Moxie Cinema is located at 305 S. Campbell Ave., less than a mile from the Missouri State University campus.

Laboratory Theatre Company provides for theatre and dance students at Missouri State

Submitted by Zoe Rico-Beaubien, photographed by Scout Mayberry

through student leadership and talent.

When the lights begin to dim before a performance and the last few stragglers sneak in through the doors, quietly shuffling to their seats, audiences simmer with the excitement of the theatrics that are about to unfold. Mesmerized by belted songs and flashy dance numbers, most audience members do not think about the people it took for the performance to reach the stage. Who and what exactly is behind the spectacle of theater, and where are students seeing this process on Missouri State University’s campus?

Laboratory Theatre Company is pulling these curtains on the home front.

Laboratory Theatre Company is a student-led theater company associated with the Theatre and Dance Department at MSU. Since its beginning in 2021, LTC has produced a number of shows each season, all executed

Operating as any professional theater company would, LTC creates technical budgets for its own shows, rents venues, writes contracts for members and more. All aspects of the company are managed by students, unveiling the technical processes behind theater production. LTC offers opportunities including leadership and creative positions as well as on-stage performing roles. The organization promotes a safe environment for students to learn from one another without the shame of failing.

“I think LTC kind of operates as a safe space to allow students the ability to try and fail, but also learn what they love and why they like it,” said company manager Zoe Rico-Beaubien.

Rico-Beaubien first became involved with LTC as a scenic designer for the company’s debut production, “Exit the King.” They slowly became intrigued by the administrative side of theater, later serving on the executive board as associate artistic director and artis-

tic director before their current position as the 2023-24 season company manager.

Now as head of the company, Rico-Beaubien has many overarching duties such as being a representative for the organization, tailoring experiences for individuals and communicating the needs of actors to the executive board. Hoping to end up as what they call the “head honcho” of a production company in the future, Rico-Beaubien said their position in LTC has set them up for professional success.

The encouraging atmosphere propagated by LTC strips students of fear and replaces it with a desire for growth and knowledge. It exposes its members to the realities of theater production, teaching them valuable career information in a space that promotes curiosity and learning. Students have the chance to undertake practical operations, like booking professional venues or buying the rights to a show and taking on acting roles. This may be the first time some students are exposed to these positions.

“I think a lot of times there’s this idea that students maybe don’t have the responsibility or determination to take on these high-pressure roles and positions,” Rico-Beaubien said. “But with LTC being like, ‘No, you do have a voice, you do have a space that teaches you how to do this,’ I think it allows people to be a lot more comfortable to professionally seek out roles that are similar.”

Charlie Foy and Lauren Hulsebus, playwrights of the original Scooby-Doo parody musical “Meddling Kids!” produced by LTC, have the pleasure of experiencing the real-life benefits of being involved with a college theater company. Inspired by the art of improv and professional theater companies like StarKid — best known for their Harry Potter parody production, “A Very Potter Musical” — Foy and Hulsebus’s two-year project finally gets to see the light of day.

“There is not a lot of opportunities in the theater department for student written work,” Hulsebus said. “So ultimately, I knew that if I ever wanted to do something that was original, I would essentially have to go about it myself. That’s really where LTC comes into play.”

“Meddling Kids!” began as a fulfillment for Foy and Hulsebus’s program-required senior project. The musical, which takes place 10 years after Scooby’s death, follows the rekindling of the Mystery Gang after they learn their beloved canine member was murdered.

Tackling such a large collaborative project has its challenges — time constraint, conflicting schedules, balancing school and work and songwriting — but persevering through the obstacles has proven to be a rewarding adventure.

“Our very first draft is so much different than what the musical is now,” Hulsebus said. “It was around maybe 45-50 pages, and now it’s a 100-page musical. So, it’s kind of crazy how far it’s come.”

As Hulsebus expressed, these kinds of opportunities for students may not be available elsewhere on campus. LTC has access to funds, resources and people that make it easier to produce shows. Working alongside fellow theater peers, “the hecticness of being a theater student,” as referred to by Foy, is a feeling understood by LTC members that helps breed compassion for one another.

“Yes, we have deadlines. Yes, we have contracts,” Foy said. “But we’re also all students, so in that, there’s a certain level of basic empathy for the student experience, where it’s like, ‘Yeah, you have midterms, I totally understand if it wouldn’t help you to stay.’”

As financial manager for the organization, Foy finds it daunting trying to uphold all the values of the company but finds solace in the support of their fellow board members. Leaders of student organizations, such as Rico-Beaubien and Foy, are pivotal in the student experience on campus.

LIZ GARCIA Reporter

Laboratory Theatre Company’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” took place during the spring 2023 semester. This spring, the company is putting on a production of “Meddling Kids!” from April 4-6 at the Credo Arts Center.

Student organizations like LTC help students develop and build confidence by establishing opportunities that are not available in the classroom.

“I know this work needs to be done in order for LTC to continue to exist,” Foy said.

Audiences can see “Meddling Kids!” April 4-6, at 7:30 p.m., at the Credo Arts Center. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to donate to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society. To make a ticket reservation, visit signupgenius.com/go /20F0C49A5AB2EA0FC147480915-meddling#/.

Submitted by Zoe Rico-Beaubien, photographed by Arden Dickson

LTC’s 2023 production of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” was held at Founders Park in downtown Springfield. LTC’s 2023-24 season included productions of “Julius Caesar,” “The Drowning Girls” and “Meddling Kids!”

Durr: The Springfield theater community is the beating heart of our city

LILLIAN DURR Editor-in-Chief

Q@lillian_durr_art

When you think Springfield, maybe you think cashew chicken or Bass Pro Shops. Maybe the giant fork on the south side of town? For many, saying “Springfield” evokes images of downtown around the holidays, with lights decorating streets and the tree on the square.

It’s possible when you think of Springfield, you don’t think “live theater.” I do.

As a native of the greater-Springfield area, I’ve been treated to productions from Tent Theatre, Springfield Little Theatre, Mosaic Arts Collective, Springfield Contemporary Theatre — truly the list could just keep going — for my entire life. I’ve cried in the John Goodman Amphitheatre holding my mom’s hand while the final notes of “The Prom” played and cheered myself hoarse during the final bows of a dozen or more productions in the Landers Theatre.

To me, Springfield is home, and local live productions are an essential part of its ecosystem. Something special happens at the shows our local theater community puts on. Even when their stories take place worlds away, these shows seem to me to be the truest heart of our community.

This commitment to community can be seen directly in many of the local theaters’ missions.

According to the SLT website, “Springfield Little Theatre is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization energized by the highest artistic ideals that strives to entertain, educate and involve the community in live theatrical productions and in the preservation of the historic Landers Theatre.”

Similarly, SCT’s website describes themselves as boldly connecting and engaging the Springfield community with “inclusive high-quality entertainment.”

“Mosaic Arts Collective is a non-profit organization designed to provide individuals of marginalized groups and races the opportunity for arts education, preparation and performance by engaging local resources, increasing accessibility and overall cre -

ating more diversity within the regional arts community,” Mosaic’s website says.

But the grasp local theater has on our community is something I find, somewhat ironically, that words can’t do full justice.

On one hand, it is fascinating to get to see up on the stage, livelier than ever, people from ordinary life — classmates, coworkers, a close friend’s middle school English teacher, a nurse who helped take my blood during a donation drive. I find I’m hardly ever more engaged in a story than when I’m seeing someone I know on stage, even if I have lost them in their character. There’s a pride that rises in me stronger with each belted ballad and quiet reprise.

But more deeply, it is beautiful to see past the people you know and into their hearts as artists choosing to perform for the sake of only art. While I am incredibly privileged to have seen professional touring productions at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, there is something even these masterclasses cannot reproduce from my favorite local shows.

When art takes place within a community and is produced locally, it reflects its home.

Whether that show takes place in Washington Heights, Shakespearean England, Urinetown or Pittsburgh, when you see a local production, you are seeing Springfield on that stage.

According to Mosaic’s website, the collective directly works to reflect and further the community through their art: “We are forging a way for area businesses, organizations and individuals to get involved by offering their time, services and financial support to the common goal of diversifying our arts community.”

SCT’s website also mentions that “special emphasis is given in programming to works by voices under-represented in our community and works that address issues facing our Springfield community and the world around us.”

This rings true for all of our local theaters. The voices you hear and the faces you see on stage leave you more aware of a diverse and engaging Springfield. An artist’s

mission is to give life to the unseen, and I find the Springfield theater community is accomplishing this spectacularly.

So while I love seeing familiar faces up on stage, even if you don’t know local actors, I can’t recommend experiencing local community-led productions enough. Take the opportunity to see deeper into your commu -

nity. Get to know the faces on the stage through their art. See the struggles and triumphs of Springfield through these productions.

Take that chance, and when you think Springfield, you’ll begin to think “live theater,” too.

Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art

Springfield Contemporary Theatre is currently the resident company of the Historic Fox Theatre. The Fox Theatre is located on Park Central Square, next to the Springfield History Museum. SCT’s production of August Wilson’s “Fences” will be held at the theater through March 31.

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Visit us on campus in the basement of Freudenberger, Room #36 or contact us at 417-836-5793 to find out more about ROTC opportunities at Missouri State University today!