December 19, 2011
For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Mike Rigert (801) 863-6807
Written by: Traci Hainsworth (801) 863-6739

Utah Valley University’s Department of Theatrical Arts is honored and proud to have been invited to present its production of “Eurydice” at the 43^rd annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in February.

The annual college theatre festival will be hosted this year at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. The UVU theatre department has been invited to compete six times in the last 8 years including five times in the last five years.

“After competing several times in Los Angeles, we’re better known out of state than we are at home,” said James Arrington, chair of UVU’s Theatrical Arts department.

“Eurydice,” presented Oct. 13-Nov. 5 at UVU, tells the ancient Greek story of Orpheus’ famous trek into the Underworld to bring his love, Eurydice, back from the dead. The myth is traditionally told from Orpheus’ point of view, however Sarah Ruhl wrote this version of the play from the viewpoint of its leading lady.

“The students who have designed this play have included incredible elements that aren’t seen in many live plays, including a body of water onstage,” said Katie Sullivan, the play’s stage manager. “We hope that all of the elements of the production help the audience see something personal in the mythic story.”

The Kennedy Center Festival’s selection of “Eurydice” to be presented Feb. 7-11 is an invaluable opportunity for performers, student designers and managers to display their talents and stagecraft first-hand to the entire region while also providing them with opportunities to win awards and network connections that will link them to the national system.

As one of only three Utah shows to be invited to the festival, “Eurydice” will help UVU to continue building its strong reputation in the arts and to distinguish itself as a destination performing arts school.

The UVU Department of Theatrical Arts and its events are supported by the Utah Valley University School of the Arts.

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About UVU

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah, and is home to more than 33,000 students. UVU began as a vocational school during World War II, and in the seven decades since has evolved into a technical school, community college, state college and, finally, a comprehensive regional teaching university. UVU is one of Utah’s largest institutions of higher learning and offers programs ranging from career training to high-demand master degrees, with emphasis on undergraduate education.