As the theatre season neared its end, freshmen made waves in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. Of the 19 actors cast, 12 are freshmen. The story follows Prospero, freshman Tison Johnson, in his quest for revenge against his brother.

Johnson said he was interested in the play because his uncle had done it in college, but he was nervous to audition because he is dyslexic.

“My uncle did ‘The Tempest’ his freshman year of college, and I wanted to see if I could do a Shakespearean play, even though I’m dyslexic,” Johnson said. “I got the same role my uncle played, so it feels like I’m following in his footsteps, which is all I wanted.”

The Tempest is the only non-student-directed performance in the Black Box each year. While the small space can be an adjustment for some, Director Byrce Jones said it allows different actors to shine and the set to expand past the stage.

The interactive experience doesn’t stop with the set, actors brush shoulders and feet with the audience as they move around the space. Junior Kouri Demelash said he enjoys Black Box productions more because he gets to do more audience interaction.

“It’s been easier than an on-stage production, because in the Black Box you can utilize the space and have the audience get into it too,” Demelash said.

Jones says he is excited for the longevity of the program because of the increase in freshman involvement. Adding they have taken ownership of the production, despite being new to the program.

“One of the many things that makes theater awesome is it’s project based, and there’s a deadline,” Jones said ”… so you have to be responsible and lead by example to create an environment where we can tell a story.”

Jones also said to expect Shakespeare productions every other year. He believes that in educational theatre it is necessary to expose students to classical and modern theatre.

“The goal is to get people engaged, interested and involved,” Jones said.