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A great show for a great cause: ‘As You Like It’ opening night supporting student scholarships

Auburn University’s Department of Theatre & Dance will debut its season opener alongside a scholarship benefit initiative designed to double the available financial support for students.

“As You Like It,” a musical adaptation of a William Shakespeare classic, will premiere the evening of Sept. 25 on the Telfair Peet Theatre Mainstage. It explores themes of identity, love and transformation at life’s crossroads, led by talented Auburn students and faculty.

The department’s first production is also the first opportunity to directly support student scholarships by buying a ticket for opening night or directly making a donation to the program.

“For years, Auburn Theatre and Dance has offered an outstanding liberal arts-based education to emerging theatre and dance artists,” said Department Chair Tessa Carr. “This season, we want to show our students how much we appreciate their hard work by providing a better educational path for success through an increase in scholarship funding. To make this journey possible, we need your help.”

Amy Roberts, a senior in theatre management, is one of many students who benefit from the generosity of donors.

She transferred from a small community college to Auburn because of financial support from the department. Theatre’s Robert J. Malone Annual Scholarship ensures that Roberts can devote her time to academics instead of working her way through college.

“Coming from a community theater, everyone's so tight knit, and when I came to Auburn, it feels the same way. I just felt immediately at home and like it’s somewhere I actually belonged,” Roberts said.

“I am very thankful that my parents do help me, but especially with having the scholarship, it helped tremendously with being able to focus on theatre more.”

Amy Roberts, stage manager

Roberts serves as the stage manager for “As You Like It,” which includes everything from filling out paperwork for stage props to composing nightly rehearsal reports for actors and technicians.

While an audience enjoys the delightful music, excellent acting and lively choreography on stage, Roberts will be behind the scenes, directing each moving part into a cohesive experience.

“Opening night for me is always the most fun,” Roberts said. “Everyone backstage is just so excited to finally get to put on a performance that we've all been working on so incredibly hard, and so I think it's just an amazing night to show off our amazing work.”

In addition to a great show, audience members will have the opportunity to support a great cause. On each opening night, every ticket sold and donation made goes directly to supporting student scholarships.

Roberts said as a first-generation student, the generosity of donors has helped her navigate and thrive in university life, living out a dream that will bring her both professional success and personal fulfillment.

“A lot of people are struggling right now financially, so if you can give, it’s a great time because we obviously don't want the arts to die,” Roberts said. “I feel like having financial help from the outside helps people get involved in the arts and fights the stigma that it’s not a job to support you in the future. The arts can support people in the future, but we just need help getting through college and getting that education that we need.”

“As You Like It” will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5. See the full schedule and buy your tickets for opening night at the box office website.

Tags: Theatre and Dance Students Arts and Culture