The Northwest Missouri State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts begins its 2013-2014 main stage series this week with its annual Freshman/Transfer Showcase.

This year’s showcase, “New Beginnings,” will play Wednesday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 6, in the Studio Theater at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in addition to matinees at 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. 

“New Beginnings” is a collection of short plays and monologues written by Northwest students and alumni and selected for the showcase by Northwest theater faculty. The showcase is directed by Professor of Theater Dr. Theo Ross.

“New Beginnings” consists of the following short plays:

·         “Ark Nemesis” by Nicki Kearney

·         “Blood from The Donor Plays” by Matt Sweeten

·         “Falling Softly” by Riley Bean

·         “God” by Eli Purdom

·         “Ink and Paper” by Helen Strotman

·         “King of the Birds” by Fred Vogel

·         “Parenthood” by Heather Hare

·         “Trash” by James Fluker

Now in its 23rd year, the Freshman/Transfer Showcase introduces audiences to Northwest’s new theater students, while introducing new performing arts majors to the people and practices of Northwest’s theater program. The production features a cast and crew comprised exclusively of first-year Northwest students, providing them with immediate opportunities to become involved with theater at Northwest.

Tickets are $8 per person and may be purchased with cash or check at the Student Services Center, located on the first floor of the Administration Building between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Patrons wishing to order tickets over the phone may call 660.562.1212 and must have a valid credit card. Tickets also may be purchased at the door, beginning one hour before the show.

Theatre Northwest’s 2013-2014 Main Stage schedule also includes “The Nutcracker” Nov. 15-17, Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 6-8; “Independence” Feb. 20-23; and “Urinetown” April 10-12.

The 2013-2014 Lab Series opens Oct. 11 in the Black Box Theater at the Ron Houston Center with “An Evening of One-Acts.” Other shows in the series include “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Oct. 25-26, “Red vs. the Wolf” Dec. 15, “An Evening of One-Acts” Feb. 28 and March 1, and “The Women of Lockerbie” April 18-19.

For more information about theater and productions at Northwest, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/.