The Ferris State University Theatre Group got a chance to show off their voices and talent at The Backroom at Toppings for the 2024 Festival of the Arts.
The theater group presented “An Evening of Songs and Scenes” during the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts. The show took place on Feb. 10.
The show featured songs from previous Ferris State musicals in the past, such as “Working: A Musical” and “Kinky Boots,” along with songs from other musical productions like “The Greatest Showman” and “The Little Mermaid” with stage direction from group director Dennis Henry and musical direction by Courtney Piercey.
Henry chose the Festival of the Arts as a way of giving back to the community through song and talent.
“I thought it was an opportunity to reach out to the community to offer a free show to people who might not have heard of us who may or may not always go to something on campus, but would come to something that’s in the community,” Henry said. “I think it’s just letting the Big Rapids community know we’re out there and that they might have a good time if they come and see us.”
The combined interest in the community and the calming small coffee shop vibes allowed the show to greet the audience with open arms and open minds. The show itself used previous material the students were familiar with and was not very long but in that short time, strong voices took the stage which was quickly followed by an eruption of cheers from the audience.
“We didn’t want to do anything new for this. We got using some songs from the musical we did last semester, as well as some songs that people just knew really well and we worked on them,” Henry said. “We only did two rehearsals because there are songs that they had rehearsed a ton before.”
With past material lined up for the show, students were able to feel comfortable and confident while performing, maybe even improving along the way. The middle of the show also featured a sneak peek of their upcoming play “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory. For some students, the theater group gives them a much-needed break from the everyday struggles of school and the work that comes with it.
Pre-optometry junior Emma Olinger stated how theater gives her a sense of calm at the end of the day, after her hard work.
“Honestly, being in theater is like a stress reliever. It’s kind of like, ‘Oh I get to go do what I love,’” Olinger said. “It’s very therapeutic for me, honestly. So I feel like it just benefits my mental health and it’s interesting.”
For other students, theater offers something new for them to try and experience what theater has to offer. Providing a creative outlet for students to really engage and learn new skills in singing and acting.
Medical laboratory science junior Mary Hobar commented on much she liked being with the group.
“This is my first show with them,” Hobar said. “In the past, I’ve been more busy with school and work, but right now I’m just doing school so I thought it’d be really fun to do this show. I’ve seen this show before and I really like it.”
Even if students are not involved or have no experience, it offers a way for students to take a walk on the wild side and gain confidence, when it comes to standing and performing in front of people. This opportunity creates a boost in self-esteem and mental health.
“I think it’s great to use the other side of your brain when you’re doing a lot of math, science type stuff, doing the singing and acting really opens up the rest,” Henry said. “I think it allows people a creative outlet. I think it’s wonderful for mental health and it’s a lot of fun too.”
With the group giving their final performances, they received an encore and cheers from the crowd. The play “Radium Girls” starts on March 21 with performances being at 7:30 p.m. on March 21-23 and at 2:30 p.m. on March 24. Tickets are available now.