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Freshmen jitters replaced by laughter, smilesIt was a musical. It was a comedy. It had a message. And when it completed its exclusive six-day run in the month of June, 4,000 people had seen it. It may have been the most well-attended summer play in the state. Yet, you couldn't buy tickets for it, and none of the actors had any professional or even college-level theater experience. The Big Break was a 45-minute, lighthearted look at the trials, triumphs and trepidations of college freshmen through the eyes of those who've been through it all--University of Rhode Island students. However, these aren't just any students. The 22-member acting troupe was made up of the URI summer orientation team that not only put on a rousing show, but also introduced its young charges to their advisers, course schedules, URI activities, and of course, the URI Fight Song. "We designed this to put the parents and students at ease," said Jayne Richmond, dean of URI's University College. At all six orientation sessions this year, the play was part of the very opening moments of the two-day Family Orientation programs at URI. Starting with the first performance on June 12, through the last one on June 29, the actors were greeted by capacity crowds in the Will Theatre. By Dave Lavallee |
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