Feature: FSU Presents SEMINAR to Open School of Theatre Season

The School of Theatre at Florida State kicks off its 2016-17 season with Seminar by Theresa Rebeck. Seminar focuses on four young, aspiring novelists who sign up for a private writing seminar, thinking they will be getting sage advice regarding their work. Instead, their lessons are more personal in nature and touch on every aspect of their lives. Unorthodox and relentless methods by their professor leave the students questioning if they'll even survive.

This production features School of Theatre students Skye Kim (Izzy), Cecil Jennings (Martin), Antonina Vargas (Kate), and Daniel Deist (Douglas). They are accompanied by alum R. Ward Duffy (Leonard) [FSU/Asolo Conservatory MFA Acting, 1989]. Seminar features scenic design by guest artist Tamara L. Honesty, costume design by MFA Costume Design candidate Rachel Buechele, and lighting design by guest artist Genny Wynn.

Cameron Jackson, Executive Director of the School of Theatre at Florida State and Director of Seminar, recently spoke about this production and how it fits into the 2016-17 Season. "The theme of this season is about the journeys that one takes within themselves or in response to the world around them. Each story takes our audiences on a journey; they will be introduced to characters that are changed by the events occurring around them and the choices made in response to these events. Beginning our season with Seminar really grounds us in our theme of journeys. In Seminar, Leonard is committed to telling the truth even when these truths are not always easily heard. The audience gets to watch these students process this information and decide what they are going to do with it. These characters are trying to make sense of their lives and their careers as writers and why they write what they write. They are coached, cajoled, and perhaps the characters would say, beaten down along the way but like life, the journey continues."

Seminar made its debut at Broadway's John Golden Theatre on November 20, 2011 and ran for 191 performances before closing on May 6, 2012. The original production starred Alan Rickman (Leonard), Jerry O'Connell (Douglas), and Lily Rabe (Kate). The production was nominated for a Drama League and Outer Critics Circle award for Best Play of 2012.

Don't miss The School of Theatre's production of Seminar playing at The Augsuta Conradi Studio Theatre at Florida State University October 7-16. For additional media, information, or interview opportunities, contact: Michael Stone - (850) 644-6488 or mes15k@my.fsu.edu

Recommended age: 18+; Contains adult material and brief nudity that may be inappropriate for audiences under the age of 18.

Tickets: Tickets for Seminar are $10-22, plus applicable fees, and are subject to availability. For information on the purchase of tickets, discounts, and student tickets, please visit http://tickets.fsu.edu/General-Information. Tickets may be purchased online at tickets.fsu.edu, by phone at (850) 644-6500, or at the Fine Arts Ticket Office located in the Fine Arts Building at 540 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306.

Performance Times: October 7 - 8, 2016 at 8:00pm, October 9, 2016 at 2:00pm, October 12 - 15, 2016 at 8:00pm, and October 16, 2016 at 2:00pm.

Location: The Augusta Conradi Studio Theatre at Florida State University is in the Williams Building, near the intersection of Jefferson and Copeland Streets.

Photo Credits: Michael Stone

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