Upcoming Shows & Performances Rounding Out the Semester at Dean College
- Skylar Raskevitz
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
As the spring semester begins to wind down, the Dean College performing arts community is preparing for its final round of performances on campus. Over the next several weeks, students across the theatre and dance departments will take the stage for productions that highlight months of rehearsal, collaboration, and creative work. From musical theatre to student-led dance showcases, these performances offer audiences a chance to experience the dedication and artistry of Dean students before the academic year comes to a close.
The Dean Daily also had the opportunity to speak with student directors and stage managers from each production to hear directly from the students putting in the work behind the scenes.
The first show to take the stage is The Prom, running April 8–12 on the Main Stage.
Wednesday - Saturday shows will be held at 7:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm. The musical follows four Broadway performers who travel to a small town to support a high school student who wants to attend prom with her girlfriend, blending comedic moments with a powerful theme of acceptance and inclusion.
Assistant director Katrina Goyette described the show’s tone as a mix of fun and emotional storytelling. “The overall tone of the show is energetic and grounded. There are so many moving parts, from comedic bits to high-energy dances to some really hard-hitting emotional moments,” she said.
Preparing the production requires a major time commitment from the cast and crew. “Rehearsal would be around three hours five times a week, but once we hit tech week it was bumped up to four,” Goyette explained.
Goyette said the rehearsal process has focused heavily on exploration and collaboration. “Jim, our director, has a saying that truly encapsulates his process, and that is ‘play,’” she said. “Playing is when you explore the world, yourself, and so much more on the stage. It helps you create and grow.”
Later in the month, the Dean Dance Company will perform April 23–26. The performances will take place on April 23, 24, and 25 at 7:30pm, with additional matinee performances on April 25 and 26 at 2:00pm. The show features a range of choreography and styles created by student dancers throughout the semester.
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Stage manager Paige Langston said the production represents months of preparation from the performers. “I’m really excited for the audience to see all the hard work and dedication
these dancers have put into their pieces,” Langston said. “It is going to be a great show we are excited to share with the audiences.”
To close out the season, graduating seniors will be highlighted in two final showcases the first being on April 26th and 27th at 7:30 p.m. The Theatre Senior Showcase brings together scenes and performances that celebrate the work of the theatre program’s graduating class.
Stage manager Ryan Fraine explained that much of the coordination happens once the show moves into the theater space. “For me, as a stage manager, the process truly begins during the tech week process,” Fraine said. “The rehearsals mainly operate on their own, coming together when the show is moved into the Main Stage. I will be responsible for coordinating lighting and sound during each performance, ensuring the show is running smoothly and on time.”
Fraine added that the performance reflects years of dedication from the students involved. “Audience members will be met with a beautiful culmination of storytelling, drama and symbolism wrapped into a wonderful showcase displaying the hard work each of the performers have put in during their careers at Dean,” he said.
Lastly, taking place on May 1–2 at 7:30pm is the Dance Senior Showcase, directed by students Korynn Dones and Meredith Pickering. The performance highlights choreography created by senior dancers and reflects their artistic growth throughout their time at Dean.
“The audience will be on a journey of the seniors’ choreographic journeys both new and old, showcasing their growth throughout their time at Dean,” the directors explained. “The pieces range from emotional, uplifting and a little sassy, and feature styles like contemporary, jazz and tap.”
Along with directing, the students are balancing the production with their regular coursework. “Each cast meets for one to two hours during the week, while as directors we are often meeting one to two times a week,” they said. “We have met and stayed in contact with our production team, tech crew, choreographers, and faculty to ensure a smooth show.”
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Pickering said the process has brought the class closer together. “Our class has only grown closer through this experience and it feels so special to showcase our seniors with this show,” she said.
Dones added that creating the final production has been a meaningful experience for everyone involved. “Being able to produce a beautiful final show for such an amazing group of seniors is something truly special,” she said. “It has been so meaningful to experience this as both directors and members of this incredible class.”
Together, these performances mark the final stretch of Dean’s theatre and dance season, giving students one last opportunity this academic year to share their work with audiences on the Main Stage.
