Preparations for the Shackouls Honors College’s fall theatre production are underway. This is the fourth consecutive year for the Honors College to host a fall play as part of “Classical Week.” Last year they performed Aristophanes’ “Clouds,” and in 2014 they performed the Greek tragedy “Medea.” This year the play will be “Phaedra,” Roman tragedy by Seneca.  

The second round of auditions were held Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr. Donna Clevinger, professor at Mississippi State University and Senior Faculty Fellow in the Shackouls Honors College, is directing the play. She said  a lot of work has been put in to the play already, and she is excited to see it all come together.

“I’ve been working alongside Dr. W. Major, a professor at Louisiana State University, since March of this year,” Clevinger said. “We’ve been adapting the Roman tragedy to be playable for a contemporary audience.”

Sean McCarthy, junior Political Science major at MSU, was in the Honors College’s rendition of “Medea” his freshman year. He said getting involved right at the start of the year was one of the best decisions he made as a freshman.

“When I was in “Medea” freshman year, it was an incredibly valuable experience that allowed me to meet other students and pursue my love for the arts,” McCarthy said. “Working with Dr. Clevinger was a fantastic opportunity.” 

Lexie LaCour, a freshman Animal Dairy Science major from Houston, Texas attended the tryouts. She said that she was very involved in theatre in high school and has been performing since 6th grade. She’s also enrolled in one of Dr. Clevinger’s theatre classes this year. 

“I’ve read the play before for one of my classes back home, so I’m familiar with it and very excited to audition. I’ve always loved theatre and I enjoy performing,” LaCour said. “I miss it a lot, and I think this is a great opportunity for me to get involved on campus.” 

Victoria McCaffrey, chemical engineering major from Petal, Mississippi was in the honors College’s “Clouds” production last year. She said that it was one of the most rewarding experiences she has had at MSU.

“Last year the costumes were fantastic, and the amount of time and effort that Dr. Clevinger put into the production made a huge impact on the outcome,” McCaffrey said. “It was a great experience, I got close to a lot of the other cast members. My roommate this year was in the play with me.”

McCaffrey said that one of her favorite things about Classical Week each year is seeing people from all different majors working together.

The production is scheduled to run on September 27 and 28. It will be held outdoors in the Zacharias Village courtyard, behind Griffis Hall.