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Summer Circle Theatre offers free summer plays

June 12, 2013
	<p>Graduate students Andrew Head and Sarah Goeke perform at &#8220;The Turn of the Screw,&#8221; June 12, 2013, outside <span class="caps">MSU</span> Auditorium as part of the Summer Circle Theatre. The theater series has been a <span class="caps">MSU</span> tradition for 53 years. Justin Wan/The State News</p>

Graduate students Andrew Head and Sarah Goeke perform at “The Turn of the Screw,” June 12, 2013, outside MSU Auditorium as part of the Summer Circle Theatre. The theater series has been a MSU tradition for 53 years. Justin Wan/The State News

With plays ranging from dark thrillers to light-hearted musicals, the MSU Summer Circle Theatre been entertaining the Lansing area for more than 50 years with free summer plays.

All of the plays are performed outdoors in June on the banks of the Red Cedar River on the MSU campus.

Rob Roznowski, head of acting and directing in the MSU Department of Theatre, compiled a very diverse lineup of plays this year that he believes will have something to offer all theater lovers.

“What’s interesting is they’re all very different with something for everyone,” Roznowski said. “I think the plays this week, ‘The Turn of the Screw’ and ‘Little Brother: Little Sister,’ are very entertaining.”

This year’s theme is Family Dynamics, and programming director in the MSU Department of Theatre Dionne O’Dell said she turned to her two children to come up with an idea for a charming children’s play.

“I had a brainstorming session with my own children and simply asked them what they thought was funny,” O’Dell said. “Just from that brainstorming session I created the premise of the four girls who have to move to Michigan and don’t want to and imaginary characters come to life and help them in a play called ‘Stop Copying Me.’”

O’Dell said putting the numerous plays together in such a limited amount of time is challenging — but she finds joy in working with the students.

“It’s just fun to see them in different roles and work with them in rehearsals,” she said. “They’re just so dedicated and talented and willing to jump right in and take risks.”

MSU theatre senior Matthew Land said he enjoys performing with the MSU Summer Circle Theatre but playing several roles is difficult.

“I enjoy playing different roles but the process is generally interesting,” Land said. “Being in multiple shows at different times is difficult because you have to juggle rehearsal times.”

Roznowski said the plays have become a tradition for many locals and are growing more successful every year.

“I think the greatest part of it is the actual community,” said Roznowski. “People come back year after year to be a part of this great relaxed, outdoor summer theater experience.”

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