May 17, 2005 – Sylvia Bierschenk

Theatre department seeking dog pictures for summer season opener

LNACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - As the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Theatre opens its summer repertory season with A. R. Gurney's "Sylvia, " it is seeking the help of dog lovers throughout East Texas.

"The lead role in the hysterical comedy is the dog Sylvia, which will be played by Nacogdoches native and SFA alumna Stephanie Cozart," explained Dr. Clarence W. Bahs, chair of the Department of Theatre and the play's director.

"At the end of the play, however, Sylvia's owner shares a picture of his beloved pet with the audience, so we're looking for photographs of deceased dogs from our community, as a way of paying tribute to those pets." Bahs said.

Bahs explained that he needed good quality close up photographs of dogs, with no people in the pictures.

The play will run for four nights, Wednesday, June 22, through Saturday, June 25, in W. M. Turner Auditorium. Bahs will use a different photograph for each evening's production. Two complimentary tickets will be issued to the photograph's submitters for the evening on which their dog's picture is being projected.

Betty Ann Taylor, vice president of the Theatre Board and local animal advocate, will assist Bahs in the selection process.

"We plan on using all of the submitted photographs on a display board in the lobby," said Taylor. "Please include with the photograph the dog's name, birth and death years, owners' name(s). address and telephone number. We will make every effort to return the photographs to the owners after the production," she continued.

Submissions, which must be received by Wednesday, June 1, can be sent to Taylor at 3200 Warwick Lane, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. Anyone with questions about submissions can call her at (936) 559-1092.

Taylor said she would also be working with the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter during "Sylvia" by displaying in the lobby photographs of animals that are available for adoption. Each evening one of the adoptable animals will be introduced to the audience from the stage.

Also included in the Summer Repertory season is Alan Cullen's "Trudi and the Minstrel," which Bahs described as an "over-the-top production that is fun for the entire family." It will be presented Wednesday, July 6; Thursday, July 7; Friday, July 15; and Saturday, July 16.

The third show included in the season is Michael Cristofer's "The Shadow Box," a moving tribute to those who are surviving and living with cancer, according to Bahs. It will run Friday, July 8; Saturday, July 9; Wednesday, July 13; and Thursday, July 14.

Season tickets for all three shows are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Single tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

For tickets or more information on the productions, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407.