It's not every day that a new tradition is established. But June 27-29, a new tradition was established for the Alumni Association as nearly 100 alumni and friends came together for the first-ever Alumni Days at Shakespeare.The three day event brought alumni and their families and friends back to campus to enjoy one of SUU's most recognizable and valued treasures - the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Monday, June 27, featured The Glass Menagerie and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Festival Founder Fred C. Adams and Executive Director R. Scott Phillips ('76) attended a special reception in the Alumni House and spoke about the 50th anniversary season and the many events, activities and exhibits taking place.
Noises Off! and Richard III were Tuesday's plays. Plus, an exclusive dinner for alumni and guests was held at the Alumni House and attended by Fred, Scott and Co-Artistic Director Brian Vaughn ('95). Fred recounted the early days of theatre at SUU (then CSU) along with an amazing story of how he and his students traveled to New York to watch a few Broadway productions and made a stop in Washington D.C. that included a trip to the White House and a picture with President Lyndon B. Johnson and other top administration officials.
Wednesday began with an exclusive Backstage Tour where guides provided a behind the scenes view of both theatres and insight on the creation of scenery, costumes, hair and make-up design. The day's matinee in the Randall L. Jones Theatre was The Music Man, followed by Romeo & Juliet in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre that evening. An ice cream social was held that evening at the Alumni House and attended by Festival cast and crew - several had just walked off the stage minutes prior to the social. It was fantastic getting acquainted.Response to the inaugural Alumni Days at Shakespeare was so positive that we are excited to make this event an annual tradition. Thank you to all who attended.
Alumni Days 2012 is scheduled for June 25-27. We hope to see you next year!
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