NOTE FROM THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

“Story, as it turns out, was crucial to our evolution -- more so than opposable thumbs. Opposable thumbs let us hang on; story told us what to hang on to.” - Lisa Cron, Wired for Story

Dear Theatre Friends,

Thank you. There are a number of reasons to say it, primarily that by your attendance at our productions, you are helping to make opportunities in theatre possible for the students of USM. We are proud of the work of our students and it brings us great pride and pleasure to be able to continue sharing stories with you, our community and partners in storytelling. The theme for our 2022-23 season is “The Stories We Tell.” We were curious about the nature of storytelling, specifically WHOSE stories are told, by whom, and how? Why do certain stories continue to be told, or reframed, or reexamined?

A good story inspires its audience to wonder, and engage in dialogue, both entertaining and challenging. Through the vehicle of stories we have the opportunities to better understand our humanity, more bravely ask challenging questions, hopefully gain empathy, offer compassion, and perhaps laugh at ourselves. If the last two and a half years have taught the theatre industry anything, it is that our craft is unique because we need to create and share stories together, in person, in the moment, with each other as artists, and with you, the audience. We are deeply grateful and excited for this co-creative endeavor. Thank you for being a part of our USM story.
-Sara Valentine, Department Chair