Student work: 'This is an Elephant'

By Cameron Johanning, Class of 2016, and the Lewis Center for the Arts on Oct. 15, 2014, 12:19 p.m.

Senior theater certificate student Ava Geyer's new play, "This is an Elephant, will premiere at 8 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 22, 23 and 24 in the Matthews Acting Studio at 185 Nassau St.

Sophocles' tragedy "Elektra," a dark, bloody tale of familial vengeance from ancient Greece, is explored anew by senior Evelyn Giovine in the title role with direction by Alexandru Mihail. Performances are at 8 p.m. Feb. 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in the Matthews '53 Acting Studio at 185 Nassau St. Tickets are available at Frist Campus Center or online through University Ticketing. A talkback with Visiting Lecturer in Theater Bryan Doerries follows the Feb. 12 performance.

Student work: 'Great Expectations' .

Take a look behind the scenes as the student cast prepares for a Princeton production of "Great Expectations," Charles Dickens' beloved coming-of-age epic. Directed by Tim Vasen, director of the Program in Theater, the play will feature senior Peter Giovine as Pip with senior Emma Boettcher serving as dramaturg. The production will be performed at 8 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and 20-22 Matthews '53 Acting Studio. Tickets are available through University Ticketing.

Student work: 'Uncle Vanya' trailer .

The Lewis Center for the Arts' Program in Theater at Princeton University will present "Uncle Vanya" by Anton Chekhov, directed by faculty member R.N. Sandberg and featuring senior Zachary Salk as Vanya, at 8 p.m. Oct. 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25, in the Matthews Acting Studio at 185 Nassau St. A talk-back discussion with Princeton theater lecturer Mark Nelson will be held following the Oct. 24 performance.

Student work: 'Annie & Rose' .

In "Annie & Rose," two seniors in the Program in Theater at Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts offer a unique, theatrical exploration of two strong, iconic female characters of the American musical stage, Annie Oakley and Rose Hovick. Presentations will take place at 8 p.m. March 4 and 5 and at 8:30 p.m. March 9-11 in the Marie and Edward Matthews '53 Acting Studio at 185 Nassau St. A talkback with Professor of Theater and musical theater scholar Stacy Wolf follows the presentation on Wednesday, March 9.

Sneak preview: New Lewis Center for the Arts to open in one year .

"Behind the scenes" is a common phrase pulled from the performance world. At Princeton University, one "performance" in particular that has been behind the scenes for nearly a decade will make its debut in one year. On the weekend of Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 5-7, 2017, the new Lewis Center for the Arts — a dynamic multi-facility complex that will greatly expand the performance, rehearsal and teaching spaces for the arts — will open its doors and spaces to the University and greater Princeton community.

Student work: 'Cloud 9' .

"Cloud 9," a play by Caryl Churchill, is being directed by faculty member R.N. Sandberg and performed by seniors Victoria Gruenberg, Tyler Lawrence and Will Plunkett. The play, which will be staged at Princeton at 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Matthews '53 Acting Studio, is one of the classic comedic satires of the British stage and features gender-bending characters and a time-warping exploration of political and sexual oppression.

Student work: 'Spring Awakening' .

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, "Spring Awakening" is the story of a group of teenagers growing up in the repressive world of late-19th-century Germany, and it celebrates youth and rebellion with an electric rock and roll score. This Program in Theater production is directed by Julia Hammer and features John Somers Fairchild as Moritz; both are senior theater certificate students. Performances will be at 8 p.m. March 12-13 in the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center.