Theater at Cornell University

“Wait, we have a theater major here?” is perhaps the most common student response to any mention of theater and dance classes at Cornell University. Cornell, with its adage “any person, any study” not only has a theater major, but dance and film majors and minors as well; however, for some reason knowledge of the strength and excellence of these programs is hard to come by. Whether it’s poor publicity or simply lack of awareness, attendance at Cornell theatrical productions is mostly populated by Ithaca natives, or students who have made the trip to that sparkling contemporary building on the cusp of Collegetown to support friends appearing in a show. It is rare for students of this fine university, many of whom undoubtedly have a yearning for quality entertainment and do not wish to spend every free moment participating in one of Cornell’s favorite pastimes (the university is notoriously rated high in college rankings as a binge drinking school) to attend a campus theatrical production.


This fact is unfortunate because Cornell students definitely know how to put on a show, and there are so many ways in which they prove it. First and foremost is the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. The Schwartz Center hosts brilliant theater seasons at very reasonable prices making great theater easily accessible to the Cornell community and surrounding towns. Many students are unaware of just how lucky they are to have such an outlet available to them. The plays at the Schwartz Center cast students, as well as professional in residence actors (known as RPTA’s) in their productions which give each play a professional edge while still involving students and faculty members, allowing the productions a community feel at the same time. Cornell Theater is also adventurous in the sense that it puts on some very experimental works many people would not otherwise have the opportunity to see. Last week, for instance, Cornell featured an intimate, one man performance by E. Patrick Johnson titled Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Stories, available free of charge to Cornell students and faculty. An extremely poignant performance with deeply serious themes told through the devices of physical narration and humor, it was very well received by those who attended. However, the small theater in which it was presented was only about ¾ filled with students, the rest of the audience members coming from the Ithaca community and other local townships.


Last weekend also marked the closing of The Servant of Two Masters, which according to Cornell’s theater department website was a “classic Italian comedy stemming from the commedia dell’ arte form.” Perhaps it is the weighty descriptions that keep students from seeking out these productions. If unsure what “commedia dell'arte” means, or the words “classic Italian comedy” come off as dull or dated, it’s likely students would seek entertainment elsewhere. However, had they seen the show, they would have discovered a lively, humorous production filled with references to their own Ithaca, NY and Cornell University inserted by the director to help the play resonate better with the anticipated audience. The production also included a modernized script, and instances of energetic physical humor and audience participation that received great reviews by those who saw the show as well as local critics.


Aside from Schwartz productions, there are countless other instances to experience performing arts right on Cornell’s campus. Risley residential hall has a black box theater whose shows are beautifully put together, very well acted and received, yet they usually struggle to break even at the box office. Student organizations and clubs offer entertainment as well with comedy shows and dance troupes providing fun and excitement to students from all disciplines.


The Cornell theater scene is very much an exciting and stimulating place to be. While the turnout at events is not always as high as the performers and producers would like it to be, those who have the pleasure of attending a Cornell production definitely get their money’s worth.

Information on the upcoming theater season at the Schwartz Center can be seen here: http://www.arts.cornell.edu/theatrearts/
Information about upcoming shows and events at Risley Theater can be found at this address: http://www.risleytheatre.org/