This semester, QuantUM Entertainment, a student-run theater group, will bring three new plays to the University of Miami free of charge.
The organization, part of Hurricane Productions, puts on several plays and musicals throughout the year, and students are in charge of every aspect of each show.
“All positions- designers, crew, actors, directors and producers- are students,” said Joanna Lamb, vice chair of QuantUM. “Students who participate in QuantUM can come from any major, and there are no prerequisites for participation.”
Technical director Katie Sikora is the perfect example.
“I was a theater nerd in middle school and high school and didn’t have that outlet when I got to college as a marine affairs and visual journalism double major,” Sikora said. “So my second semester of freshman year, one of my friends put me on the listserv for QuantUM, and I ended up as co-producer of the last two productions of the spring semester.”
“Songs for a New World” is scheduled to hit the stage Wedneday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 28 at the School of Communication Courtyard. “Fat Men in Skirts” will be appearing April 16-18, and “Ben” on April 28 to May 2. The venues for these two shows have yet to be determined.
The musical “Songs for a New World” features works written by composer Jason Robert Brown. The musical includes a variety of unique characters linked by one common theme.
Lamb feels very passionate about the showing of this musical at UM.
“I think this show is especially relevant for college students because it addresses the pivotal moments in life when one decision can change everything,” Lamb said. “Everyone who comes to the show may take a different message away from it, but I know that everyone will enjoy the beautiful music and phenomenal acting of our great cast.”
Lamb also said that this is a show that most UM students have never seen before and that she is excited to bring something new to the UM scene.
“Since those working on the show are entirely students, the shows themselves are always fresh and innovative because it is your fellow students with the vision,” QuantUM treasurer Kathleen Molinaro said.
All students, faculty and staff may attend QuantUM productions for free with their Cane Cards.
“Our shows are free for UM students because our funding comes from the student activity fees that every student pays,” Lamb said. “This enables us to create high quality events, and if you come to a QuantUM event, you’re getting use out of your own student activity fee!”
Brooke Burgstahler may be contacted at bburgstahler@themiamihurricane.com.