As students fall back into their routines, the Keene State Theatre and Dance program (TAD) has already started preparing for this semester’s upcoming performances.
Last week, auditions and callbacks were held for this year’s fall musical, “Dear Evan Hansen”.
The rights to the Tony Award-winning musical had not yet been available to collegiate theatres until Dec. 2025. Theatre coordinator Kirstin O’Brien expressed her excitement about KSC receiving this opportunity.
“I know we’re one of the first collegiate programs since the rights came out to be doing ‘Dear Evan Hansen’.”
O’Brien also said that there was a great turnout for auditions, and that TAD students are excited.
“We feel really special to be doing this story and bring it to Keene State, have a premiere of sorts if you will.”
The musical will be co-directed by O’Brien and recent KSC Alum, Kei Eaccarino.
O’Brien mentioned her love for musical theatre that brings forth tough conversations. “This musical is about mental health, different humans and how they navigate it, the choices that they make.”
Behind the scenes, O’Brien is grateful to have music and theatre faculty supporting the show.
“I love knowing when I’m coming back to do the musical here, I have the most amazing set designer, Celine Perron. She finds the most amazing student designers to work with her.”
The music department supports vocal lessons, and the pit is led by Steve Cady.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is one of three shows for TAD this semester, alongside the play HOOKMAN, guest-directed by Hallie Flower and the annual Choreography Showcase.
According to Flower, the playwright describes the show as an ‘existential slasher comedy.’
“I am looking forward to collaborating with the students on that scary and surreal ride we want the audience to take.”
Flower is a returning guest director, having done a production four years ago. According to O’Brien, “It’s exciting because none of the students that were in that former production are still in school, so we have a new group of humans that are embracing Hallie.”
“This has already been good fun, and I am grateful for another chance to work with the department,” stated Flower in an email to The Equinox.
“I am impressed by the students I have had the chance to work with so far. It feels like the department has grown in numbers and enthusiasm!”
You can catch opening night of the first theatre production this semester, HOOKMAN, on Oct. 14 in the Wright Theatre.
A month later, “Dear Evan Hansen” will open in the Main Theatre on Nov. 18. Both shows will have Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee (2 p.m.).
Each fall, dance students who are able to register for the class Research in Choreography make work with Theatre and Dance Chair Cynthia McLaughlin throughout the semester. This course gives students the opportunity to choreograph their own dance to be performed in the showcase.
“The actual rehearsing for the work happens outside of class because like any other art form, it’s not just magic that makes it,” said McLaughlin.
Alongside learning different choreography skills, students will also learn how to run a rehearsal and produce the show.
“I have to really lead them and teach them about what it means to produce the show and how to work as a collaborative community,” continued McLaughlin.
“I feel like the work gets stronger every year that they all keep learning from one another and pushing each other to be even more inventive, daring and brave.”
McLaughlin described it as one of the high points of her year and how she felt upperclassmen see it as the high point of their time at Keene State.
Choreography Showcase opens in the Mabel Brown Room on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and closes Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
Madelyn Marabella can be contacted at
mmarabella@kscequinox.com
