Theatre students raised money for charity while swapping roles in the production of Miscast Cabaret.
The Department of Theatre put on a cabaret Sunday called Miscast Cabaret. The concept behind the show was to allow every performer to step away from “social norms” by stripping away all gender and racial boundaries that confine their usual choice in roles. Songs typically sung by women were performed by male students and all performances were cast without regard to skin color or gender.
Director of the show, Alyssa Saenz, said there was a lot of excitement from the performers because they were getting the chance to play a role they may never be able to again. “It gives another layer to the art we do,” said Saenz, senior theatre major from Rio Grande Valley.
Jonathan Steffins, senior musical theatre major from Oklahoma, performed two songs during the show. He said his favorite song was “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from the musical Gypsy.
“It’s a chance to perform in public the songs that you always sing in the shower or in your car that you’re never going to be able to play,” said Steffins. “That is what makes it two times as rewarding.”
The theatre department used the show to assist GATA women’s social club in raising money for the charity, Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Part of international nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, OCC donates shoeboxes filled with school supplies to underprivileged children. The cabaret was free to attend, but donations were accepted for the charity. The show raised $120 and collected 10-15 shoeboxes.
Laura Harris, president of Alpha Psi Omega, a theatre social club, chose the charity for the show. Harris was approached by an APO and GATA member, who brought her attention to OCC.
“We really enjoy doing service projects, and we’re really excited to do it for OCC,” said Harris, senior theatre education major from Arkansas.
Culp Theatre had a full house the night of the show. “The night could not have been better, I could not have wished for anything else,” Saenz said.
The next cabaret will take place close to Valentine’s Day.
