College Relations

CONTACT --- Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu

SALEM -- An original play by Salem State College professor Bill Cunningham has been chosen to compete at the Kennedy Center's American College Theater Festival Regional Competition in Providence, R.I. during the week of January 26. However, unless the college's theater department raises an estimated $10,000 for travelling expenses, it may not be able to participate in the competition.

"Course Work," written to commemorate the college's 150 th anniversary, was originally staged by Salem State College students in November. With help from archival photos and slides, newly-shot video and popular music, the play deals with the conflicts and victories of Salem State students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents over the years.

In an effort to cover the estimated cost of transporting the set, cast and crew to the competition, special benefit performances of the play will be staged at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 22-24 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 in the Callan Studio Theatre on Lafayette Street. "We've been selected to compete against a very elite group," said theater co-ordinator David Allen George. "We've received plenty of moral support from the college but our hands are tied when it comes to the financial support. There has a been a financial crisis and there simply is no money."

George went on to point out that Salem State College's theater department would be competing against mostly private colleges and universities. "Here we are, this state college from Massachusetts, getting invited to compete in a national competition against some of the country's top universities, and we may not be able to go."

Tickets for the special Salem performances are available by calling the Theater Department at 978-542-6290.

Tax deductible donations can be sent to Salem State Theater, 352 Lafayette St., Salem, MA. 01970.