UM's School Of Theatre And Dance Presents Grace, or the Art of Climbing

UM School of Theatre & Dance's upcoming show, Grace, or the Art of Climbing opens on November 1, 2011, in the Masquer Theatre and is being directed by Theatre & Dance grad student Daniel Haley.

Because Grace ... is a show about climbing, and even involves actual climbing, scenic designer Doug Dion is presented with the task of constructing an actual climbing wall as a major portion of the set. It has taken hours of research and must be built to very high safety standards. The finished set will allow seven people to climb on it with all the requisite climbing gear. In its final state, it will be not only attached to the stage floor, but also tied off to overhead beams.
The actors are currently all taking climbing lessons at the brand-new Freestone Climbing Gym here in town on Toole Avenue. Students are literally rehearsing parts of the show at Freestone nightly to become acquainted with gear, terms, and techniques.

The lead actress, Kristen Beckmann, is a Theatre & Dance grad student as well and is doing the show as part of her Final Creative Project.
The script was written by playwright Lauren Feldman, who developed this piece at the Missoula Colony 14. The November production will be the Northwest premiere of the show.

We are so hoping this will warrant not only the usual wonderful article in the Arts/Entertainment section of your paper, but perhaps also a News, Territory, or Around Town-type human interest story as well.

If you would like further information, please call director Daniel Haley at 208-301-5008 or Publicity Coordinator Teresa Waldorf at 406-243-2854.