On the first day of classes, the Department of Theatre and Dance announced their shows for the 2024-25 school year. With some classics and new shows, students can’t wait to get back on stage.

“Our students are always excited to get involved in shows, processes and projects,” said Victoria Averett, the theater program’s director. “I think this year’s season was a surprise to many – we have a great variety of productions that offer students and audiences many different types of experiences.”

Some of the fall semester shows include “The Old Man and the Old Moon,” “Our Lady of 7-Eleven,” and “Tempo.” It was also announced that the spring musical will be “The Music Man.”

For the dance department, they will perform “Art in Motion: Twisted Tales” and “Page to Stage.” They also host many showcases and final projects throughout the semester.

“Our faculty always looks at different things when selecting shows,” said Averett. “We take a complex set of criteria into account when selecting seasons.”

The upper lobby outside the Trojan Center was filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Students lined up along the hallway, preparing monologues and songs for their auditions.

The students were full of energy for the start of a new season. Some had spent the entire summer preparing for auditions.

“I think it’s always a very exciting time for everyone; it’s like a big family,” said John Alloway, a junior theater student from Troy and assistant at Malone Hall. “More than anything, we were happy to be back together and start this journey into the new shows.”

The theater and dance department takes some creative liberties. For example, “The Music Man” is performed in Troy University’s amphitheater, an open-air venue behind Rushing Hall.

“I’m glad we’re doing ‘Music Man.’ It’s going to be a lot of fun in the amphitheater,” said Emma Remaley, a sophomore theater student from Prattville, Alabama. “I can’t remember the last time we did an amphitheater show.”

“I think it will be a very personal approach to the audience,” said Remaley. “We will get people excited with the music; it will be great.”

Preparations for the upcoming shows have already begun. Auditions and callbacks for this semester are over and the cast will begin rehearsals soon. Auditions for “The Music Man” will take place next semester.