News & Spotlights

Shelter Dog Captures Role in Ashland University Theatre Production

From stray to star, Lola from the Ashland County Dog Shelter is currently in rehearsals for her first role on stage with the Ashland University Theatre’s upcoming production of Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men scheduled for October 15 to 24 in Hugo Young Theatre.

In an effort to fill the special role of Candy’s dog in the theatre production, Ashland University Theatre contacted several local veterinarians and rescue organizations for suggestions. After auditioning several prospects, Lola was the perfect fit.

Lola was brought to the theatre department by Ashland University student and PAW’s co-leader Courtney Long from the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Found as a stray in southern Ashland County, Lola was rescued by the Ashland County dog warden in March and has been looking for a “For-ever Home” since then. She is a Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix, spayed and approximately 3 years old.

In addition to featuring Lola in the production, Ashland University Theatre and PAW is collecting donations in Lola’s name at the performances to be equally distributed among the Ashland County Dog Shelter and the Ashland County Humane Society. Due to the circumstances portrayed in the production, the Theatre Department will present special notes in the program offering information and creating awareness for preferred practices of pet euthanasia and adopting rescued pets.

Drop of a Hat Players Now Accepting Bookings for 2010-2011

Ashland University Theatre’s Drop of a Hat Players, a traveling musical revue troupe, is accepting bookings for the 2010-2011 season. Performing classic and contemporary Broadway show tunes with a pianist, the troupe is available to perform at banquets, meetings, parties, civic group engagements or other special events from October through April.

Directed by Fabio Polanco, Assistant Professor of Theatre, the 2010-2011 troupe includes senior Taylor Hale; juniors Madeline Beer, Helena Marshall and Andrew Rothhaar; sophomores Jordan Black, Japhael Bondurant, Bret Cowden, Emily Plank and Brandy Riha; and freshmen Christina Neely, Katie Mounts, Jacob Poiner, Florin Helf, Derek Jackenheimer, Kelsey Bowens and Emily Jeppesen. Music director and accompanist is junior Eddie Carney; and junior Brittany Hartman is the choreographer.

Drop of a Hat Players must be booked at least two weeks in advance of the requested event. Due to students' busy class, rehearsal and production schedules, shows are scheduled around their on-campus responsibilities usually in the evenings or on weekends. Performances are 20 to 60 minutes in length depending upon need. Donations for the performances are customary and encouraged. Founded in the early 1990s as an outreach program for the Ashland University Theatre Department, the group also provides a performance training opportunity for students.