Intimate performance experiences that make the creative process visible, ignite the imagination, inspire learning, and promote civic dialogue.
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Individuals needing disability-related accommodations during events should contact the host department or Disability Support Services (205.665.6250, DSS@2fitfashion.com) as early as possible. Efforts will be made to accommodate all access requests regardless of timing, but the University cannot guarantee that requests made with less than one week’s notice can be met.
Performances
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Oct. 3 – 5, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 5 – 6, 2 p.m.
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Some plays invite us not merely to observe, but to actively engage in the life of a specific character. In an autobiographical ‘dream’ play, Tom grapples with the confines of his claustrophobic home, torn between his domineering mother and troubled sister whom he deeply cares for. His struggle is not that he wants to leave, but that he feels obligated to stay. But if he does, can he ever become the man he aspires to be? By Tennessee Williams; Directed by Marcus Lane
Presented in arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. on behalf of The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.
BARBECUE: A Stage Reading
Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m.
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
In this side-splitting and poignant comedy, the four O’Mallery siblings gather for what appears to be a simple barbecue picnic for their youngest sister, Barbara. However, it quickly becomes clear that this gathering is actually an intervention to address Barbara’s outlandish behavior and dangerous substance abuse. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the entire family is dysfunctional, with each sibling in need of their own intervention. The scene abruptly ends in darkness, only to resume with the four siblings in the same park, facing the same issues, but now with Black identities instead of white. This groundbreaking shift leads to an alternate reality where the two parallel families navigate through a chaotic and unpredictable barbecue. **Adult Content** By Robert O’Hara
CABERET
Nov. 21 – 23, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23 – 24, 2 p.m.
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, Discover Shelby Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
As the 1920’s come to a close in a Berlin nightclub, a flamboyant Master of Ceremonies greets the audience with promises of forgetting their troubles at the Cabaret. Through the timeless songs of Kander and Ebb, Cabaret delves into the gritty, intoxicating, and chaotic lives of Berlin’s locals and foreigners as Nazi Germany begins to rise. **Adult Content** Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood; Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb; Directed by David Callaghan; Musical Direction by Jennifer Hartsell.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark, LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
GROUNDED
Jan. 23 – 25, 7:30 p.m.
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, Discover Shelby Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
An unexpected pregnancy ends an ace fighter pilot’s career in the sky. Reassigned to operate military drones from a windowless trailer outside Las Vegas, she hunts terrorists by day and returns to her family each night. As the pressure to track a high-profile target mounts, the boundaries begin to blur between the desert in which she lives and the one she patrols half a world away. By George Brant; Directed by Bart Pitchford
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
POTUS or BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE
Feb. 27 – Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 1 – 2, 2 p.m.
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, Discover Shelby Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, it inevitably falls on the seven women he relies on most to clean up the mess. Experience a wild and hilarious farce as you journey through the corridors of the West Wing in a chaotic and irreverent farce about the men who hold power vs. the women who get the job done. **Adult Content** By Selina Fillinger; Directed by Chalethia Williams
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Apr. 10 – 12, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 12 – 13, 2 p.m.
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Seymour Krelborn, a timid floral assistant, discovers a peculiar new plant species. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore offers Seymour limitless fame and fortune as long as he continues to feed it… blood. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, Little Shop Of Horrors, is a charmingly tongue-in-cheek musical that will have you saying “Don’t Feed the Plants!!” Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman; Music by Alan Menken; Based on the film by Roger Croman; Screenplay by Charles Griffith; Directed by Michael Walker; Musical Direction by Jennifer Hartsell
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Senior Showcases
Sept. 26 – Oct. 11, Emerging Curators Exhibition: “Exposed State of Mind”
Opening Reception Sept. 26, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Students in the Art Department’s Emerging Curators Program work closely with a faculty mentor to organize and manage all aspects of an exhibition of their design, including communication with the artists, production, promotion, curation, and installation. The exhibition not only displays the variety of talent within the department but also allows students the opportunity to develop curatorial and managerial skills. Student Manager: Seven Jones
Oct. 17 – Dec 5, Senior Art Exhibitions
The Gallery at Bloch Hall
The senior exhibitions showcase the versatility and skill of graduating art majors while simultaneously providing the important educational opportunity to install their work in a gallery. These exhibitions present the scope of the students’ creative research at the conclusion of their final semester. *Information of featured student artists and receptions will be announced on social media and through the Department of Art.
Oct. 31, Communication Studies Senior Showcase
2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center
Communication Studies seniors will demonstrate their projects and accomplishments, and discuss how their work maps on to their post-graduation career and academic goals. Once the date is announced, you can RSVP to this event by emailing Dr. Tiffany Wang.
Dec. 3, THEA 450 Play
Time TBD; Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Dec. 4, Directing III Play Festival
Time TBD; Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Jan. 16 – Jan. 31, Emerging Curators Exhibition: “Hypnagogic Epilogue”
Opening Reception Jan. 16, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Students in the Art Department may apply for the Emerging Curators Program, in which a student works closely with a faculty mention to organize and manage all aspects of an exhibition of their design including communication with the artists, production, promotion, curation, and installation. The exhibition not only displays the variety of talent within the department but also allows students the opportunity to develop curatorial and managerial skills. Student Manager: Zoe McPhail
Feb. 26, Communication Career Day
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center
This event provides an opportunity for those interested in careers in communication fields to network with mass media and communication professionals from across the state. Mass Communication (MC) and Communication Studies (COMS) majors are the target audience for this career development event. Formerly known as Mass Communication Media Day.
Mar. 13 – May 2, Senior Art Exhibitions
The Gallery at Bloch Hall
BFA senior exhibitions showcase the versatility and skill of graduating Montevallo art students while simultaneously providing the important educational opportunity to install their work in a gallery. These exhibitions present the scope of the students’ creative research at the conclusion of their final semester. *Information of featured student artists and receptions will be announced on social media and through the Department of Art.
Ensembles
Sept. 30, LeBaron Trio
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Professors Melanie Williams, Lori Ardovino and Laurie Middaugh, will present a recital of classical and contemporary works for soprano voice, clarinet and piano.
Oct. 17, Wind Ensemble Concert
7 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Oct. 20, Concert Choir and University Chorus Fall Concert
3 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
University of Montevallo Concert Choir and University Chorus will perform its annual Fall Concert. Ensembles are comprised of majors and non-majors. The concert will feature a variety of literature ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals.
Nov. 12. Jazz Ensemble Concert
7 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joe Ardovino, the Jazz Ensemble will perform Big Band jazz favorites from several eras of jazz.
Nov. 14, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Chamber ensembles including the Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and others will perform a variety of chamber music literature.
Nov. 22 – 23, Opera Scenes
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The Opera Ensemble performs an evening of scenes from operas composed by the world’s greatest composers. A variety of scenes are performed from operas past and present. The scenes are directed by Dr. Charles Wood. Laurie Middaugh is the piano accompanist.
Dec. 3, A Montevallo Choral Christmas
7 p.m.; American Village
Immerse yourself in the warm sound of sacred and secular Christmas music, performed by the acclaimed University of Montevallo Concert Choir. Set within the austere beauty of a Colonial Chapel, this evening of traditional arrangements is the perfect way to recall the charm and true magic of the holiday season. Tickets required.
Dec. 5, Wind Ensemble Concert
7 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Apr. 4 – 5, Opera
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The opera (TBA) will be cast during the Fall 2024 semester and more information will be available at that time. The opera will be performed in English, fully staged and with orchestra. Admission is free.
Apr. 14, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Chamber ensembles including the Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and others will perform a variety of chamber music literature.
Apr. 15, Jazz Ensemble Concert
7 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joe Ardovino, the Jazz Ensemble will perform Big Band jazz favorites from several eras of jazz.
Apr. 21, Concert Choir and University Chorus Spring Concert
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
University of Montevallo Concert Choir and University Chorus will perform its annual Spring Concert. Ensembles are comprised of majors and non-majors. The concert will feature a variety of literature ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals.
Apr. 22, Wind Ensemble Concert
7 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Exhibits
Aug. 22 – Sept. 20, The Stephens Residency Exhibition
Reception Aug. 22, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
This year, the Stephens Residency participants were asked to respond to the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve- approximately 60 acres of wetlands that are part of the University of Montevallo. The artists were invited to make work about any aspect of the swamp – the charge was intentionally broad. Six printmakers and five student assistants answered the challenge and explored varied subject matter through processes such as laser wood engraving, screen printing, and mono-printing. Collectively, their work investigates and celebrates the exceptional biodiversity, natural beauty, and educational and recreational uses of Ebenezer Swamp.
Artist Residents: Scott Stephens, UM Professor Emeritus; Collin Williams, UM Professor; Sarah Marshall, University of Alabama Associate Professor; Elisabeth Pellathy, UAB Associate Professor; Catherine Walsh, UM Associate Professor; and Nic Tisdale, UM Adjunct Professor.
Student Assistants: Alexia Byrd, Joli Cebrian, Chelsia Crist, Keira Folsom and Makayla McCrary
Aug. 28 – Oct. 18, Sarah West’s “Luminations“
Reception Sept. 28, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Sarah West is an artist from Columbus, GA who has been living and working in Birmingham for the past 5 years. Her vivid and detailed oil paintings fuse multiple references within a single composition, combining digitally-influenced abstraction, landscapes and Early Renaissance paintings. In referencing Renaissance compositions and alluding to digital spaces, West explores the alignment between spiritual narratives and a mystical subtext of developing technologies, prompting reflection on a collective and ancient concern with enlightenment, the ineffable and the divine. More at TheSarahWest.com
Oct. 24 – Dec. 6; Celestia Cookie Morgan’s “Disparities”
Opening Reception Oct. 24, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Celestia Morgan is a conceptual based photographer and sculptor who lives and works in Birmingham Alabama. Morgan received her BFA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an MFA from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. Morgan currently is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama. Morgan’s work explores personal histories, geographical landmarks, and systematic injustice in housing lending practices. Her current work “Disparities” explores vernacular structures, and the complexities found in urban community landscapes. The photographic and sculptural studies magnify and scrutinize the effects of urban planning. Building on the theme from a previous series entitled “REDLINE,” analyzing the impact of racial zoning and housing discrimination is intertwined with the concerns related to community grocery stores, restaurants, and toxic landscapes. More at CelestiaMorgan.com
Jan. 16 – Feb. 15, Alumni Art Auction
Poole Party Feb. 15, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
This annual fundraising event showcases donated artwork from alumni and faculty and features silent bidding throughout the exhibition. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Art Department to support our programs and provide scholarships to students.
Feb. 6 – Mar. 7, Juried Foundations Art Show
Opening Reception Feb. 6, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
The annual Juried Foundations Show is a competitive opportunity for art students to participate in a juried art exhibition. Off-campus jurors are invited to judge student work from introductory level courses and to give merit-based awards for selected pieces. The resulting exhibition presents the best of the best student work from our Foundations program.
Feb. 20 – Apr. 4, Danielle Jones’s “By A Thread“
Opening Reception Feb. 20, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Danielle Jones is a mixed-media visual artist from Louisiana. Influenced by the parallels between rising waters and emotions, Jones’s installations and intricate works made of paper respond to the alternation of disaster and repair while celebrating the often-overlooked lurking residuals of destruction. More at DanielleJonesArt.com
Apr. 10 – May 30, Kaitlyn West’s “Rebuilding“
Opening Reception Apr. 10, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Kaitlin West is an interdisciplinary artist who blurs the line between photography and sculpture while creating stable sculptures on the verge of collapse. Her work constructs damaged concrete columns, slabs, and hand-formed bricks used to create walls inspired by architecture’s support structures to convey her internal psychic framework. Kaitlyn recently graduated from The University of North Texas and currently teaches at Samford University. More at KaitlinWest.net
Guest Series
Sept. 24, Faculty Recital: Dr. Joe Ardovino, Trumpet
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Join us for a recital featuring Dr. Joe Ardovino, trumpet. Dr. Laurie Middaugh will accompany on piano.
Oct. 1, Distinguished Alumni Hiram Dollar Concert
7 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The Hiram Dollar Concert is an annual event that showcases musical performance by distinguished alumni in music.
Oct. 19, National Association of Composers/USA
2 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The Department of Music presents the National Association of Composers/USA (NACUSA) Mid-South Chapter in a performance of new music written and performed by UM faculty and composers based around the country. NACUSA was founded by Henry Hadley in 1933 as the National Association of Composers and Conductors. It is one of the oldest organizations devoted to the promotion and performance of music by Americans. Many of the most distinguished composers of the 20th Century have been among its members.
Mar. 17, Department of Communication Studies Speaker Series
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Strong Hall
Student Enrichment
Sept. 24, Festival of Voices
Concert 4:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
This festival consists of two high quality honors choruses comprised of students nominated by their choir directors, from public and private high schools throughout the State of Alabama. Students work closely with the Festival Clinicians in intense rehearsals focusing on musicianship skills, voice building, and ensemble performance. The choirs also rehearse and perform ‘side-by-side’ with University of Montevallo Choirs, some of the state’s foremost collegiate choirs. Our goal is to provide students with the highest levels of musical achievement through education and performance experiences. Students will experience concerts, masterclasses, and perform with seasoned professionals on traditional and exciting new choral repertoire, hosted by UM’s Department of Music faculty. Online Registration will be required for the festival.
Sept. 25, Exploring Mass Communication Day
Strong Hall
Dedicated to introduce high school students to careers in radio, television, and film production as well as multimedia journalism for radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and online. Participants will gather, write, and present news and entertainment stories using state-of-the-art multimedia journalism equipment and computers, along with the professional-quality broadcast production equipment and TV studio.
Oct. 13, Flute Day
Davis Hall
The University of Montevallo Flute Day will be a celebration of all-things flute! Activities will include a warm-up session, a flute choir reading session, and other flute-y, fun opportunities! For more information, please contact Dr. Brittney Patterson at bpatter5@2fitfashion.com.
Oct. 25, Art Major for a Day
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts and Bloch Hall
Art Major for a Day is a chance for aspiring art students to visit UM and discover what it’s like to be an art major for a day by participating in one of six studio classes. This unique, immersive opportunity will also include a seminar on how to prepare a portfolio of work to be used for scholarship applications taught by the Director of our Foundations area, Professor Michael Willett. A question and answer session with Art Department Chair Misty Bennett, a campus tour, and lunch with some current Art Major students. For more information, contact the Art Department at Art@2fitfashion.com
Nov. 2, 9th Annual Single Reed Symposium
LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
A one-day event with recitals, master classes and performances by the invited clarinet and saxophone artists and participants. This event is open to clarinet and saxophone students and enthusiasts of any age.
Nov. 23, Theatre BFA Scholarship Auditions
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Dec. 7, All-State Band Clinic
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Davis Hall
Faculty members from the Department of Music present practice techniques as well as listen to and work with individuals on the excerpts. This one-day clinic is free. For more information: http://rosp.2fitfashion.com/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/allstateclinic/
Jan. 25, Theatre BFA Scholarship Auditions
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Jan. 28, ChoralFest! ’25
Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall; Final Concert 4:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
This event is designed to affirm the participation of young singers in the vocal arts. The choirs are comprised of high school students throughout Alabama. Students work closely with the festival clinician in rehearsals focusing on musicianship skills, voice building, and ensemble performance. The choir also rehearses and performs side-by-side with University of Montevallo Choirs. Students will experience concerts and masterclasses, and will perform with seasoned professionals on traditional and exciting new choral repertoire. Online Registration can be found at: http://rosp.2fitfashion.com/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/choralfest/
Feb. 15, Theatre BFA Scholarship Auditions
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
Feb. 21 – 22, Middle School Honor Band Workshop
Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall; Final Concert Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Middle School Students from across the State of Alabama come to participate in this two-day event. Students must be recommended by a band instructor in order to register for the UM Honor Band. For more information: http://rosp.2fitfashion.com/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/honor-band-festivals/
Mar. 7 – 9, High School Honor Band Workshop
Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall; Final Concert Mar. 9, 3 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
High School Students from across the State of Alabama come to participate in this three-day event. Students must be recommended by a band instructor in order to register for the UM Honor Band. For more information: http://rosp.2fitfashion.com/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/honor-band-festivals/
Mar. 14, Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP)
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts and Bloch Hall
The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. The program is designed to offer encouragement to young artists, showcase their work, and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school. This art competition is sponsored every year by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The University of Montevallo Art Department is proud to host this event on campus for District 4 B, which includes: Shelby County, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills schools. For more information visit: http://2fitfashion.com/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/department-of-art/visual-art-achievement-program-vaap/
