We Are Stardust Opens in Studio Theatre

“We Are Stardust,” an original Devised Theatre piece helmed by Glendale Community College Theatre Arts Department Co-Chair Melissa Randel will open in the Auditorium Studio Theatre on April 28 for eight performances.

Devised Theatre is original theatre constructed by multiple partners, often with diverse skill sets, during an extended period of collaboration. Randel took a one-year sabbatical to work on the campus-wide collaborative for “We Are Stardust.” She has been training with the renowned SITI Company and Anne Bogart in contemporary theatre methods of Suzuki, Viewpoints and Composition since 2006. Last fall semester Theatre Arts 164, an experimental theatre class, was offered at GCC and Randel was able to teach students in the Devised Theatre techniques. Faculty and staff collaborators joined students to generate the movement, visuals and scenes revolving around the studies of astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson. At the end of the semester, each student wrote their own version of “We Are Stardust” as their final exam. Randel put together a script based on several versions. Auditions were held in spring.

The music department is also adding to the process by offering a class in world music and jazz improvisation. There will be live, improvisational music performed at each show.

Performances of “We Are Stardust” will be held at 8 p.m. on April 28, 29, 30, May 5, 6 and 7. Matinees at 2 p.m. will be held May 1 and May 7. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for students and seniors. They can be purchased online at www.glendalearts.org or at the college box office in the Auditorium. The college is located at 1500 N. Verdugo Rd.