The School of the Arts Schedule
Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you. The Arts Ablaze contains the schedule for the year and comments from each of the arts department chairs. You can also download the entire ArtsAblaze. Looking for a past edition of an ArtsAblaze? Check our archives.
Any changes made from the original printing of the Arts Ablaze will be highlighted in red font below.
For further details or reservations call the appropriate department sponsoring the events or performance:
Belhaven Arts Ablaze Fall 2016
AUGUST 27, 2016
24-HOUR THEATRE EVENT
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
From Zero to Ten Minute Play in 24 Hours! Students gather on Friday and create an original piece of theatre in a single day; from idea to script to rehearsal to performance. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
NFMC YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL
CHRISTIE CONOVER, SOPRANO
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Current National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Young Artist Christie Conover will give a morning master class on stage presence with a voice recital to follow that evening. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2016
COMMUNITY DANCE CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Members of Belhaven University dance faculty, students, DOXA and alumni join together with other local dance artists to offer an inspiring and lively evening of dance. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5; Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open at 7 pm.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2016
READING: DAVID & ASHLEY MACE HAVIRD
VISITING WRITER SERIES,
MONDAY, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER, THEATRE
Visiting Writers David and Ashley Havird will read from their published works and works-in-progress. David’s first collection, Penelope’s Design (2010), won the 2009 Robert Phillips Poetry Chapbook Prize. His second book, Map Home, was published by Texas Review Press in 2013. His poems have been anthologized in The Southern Poetry Anthology: Louisiana (2011) and Hard Lines: Rough South Poetry (2016). His poems also have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, Sewanee Review, Shenandoah, Southwest Review, Texas Review, and Yale Review. Poet and novelist Ashley Mace Havird has published three collections of poems: The Garden of the Fugitives (2014)—which won the 2013 X. J. Kennedy Prize—Sleeping with Animals (2014), and Dirt Eaters (2009), which won the 2008 South Carolina Poetry Initiative Prize. Ashley’s first novel, Lightningstruck, won the 2015 Ferrol Sams Award for Fiction and will be published by Mercer University Press in the fall of 2016. Complimentary Admission / Open to the public.
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 1, 4-6, 14-15, 2016
BIG FISH THE MUSICAL
MUSIC & LYRICS BY ANDREW LIPPA
BOOK BY JOHN AUGUST
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY DANIEL WALLACE
DIRECTED BY DR. DAVID S. SOLLISH
WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY, TUESDAY – THURSDAY, FRIDAY – SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEE, OCTOBER 1, 2 PM,
BLACKBOX THEATRE
A rollicking fantasy set in the American South, Big Fish centers on the charismatic Edward Bloom, whose impossible stories of his epic adventures frustrate his son Will. As Edward’s final chapter approaches, Will embarks on his own journey to find out who his father really is, revealing the man behind the myth, the truth from the tall tales. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, and featuring music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa and a new book by esteemed screenwriter John August, Big Fish is overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft; it is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5; Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
OCTOBER 1, 2016
PRESTON CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS I PIANO QUINTETS
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
“There is no happier or more playful music in all of Schubert than in this work,” declares Maurice Hinson about Franz Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet. Paired with this bubbling piece based on his own song is a second quintet on a Russian folksong composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, Op. 57 in G Minor. MSO violinist Vince Massimino joins Belhaven musicians Nancy Bateman, cello, Richard Brown, double bass, Stephen Sachs, piano, Jessica Schmidt, violin, and Elizabeth Taylor, viola for a delightful evening of intimate chamber music. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
OCTOBER 6, 2016
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT READING SERIES,
THURSDAY, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER, THEATER
Students currently enrolled in the BFA Program in Creative Writing at Belhaven University will read from their works-in-progress. Representing many states and several countries, these students have enrolled at Belhaven because of their passion for writing and devotion to craft. Readings will include fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scripts for screen and stage. Upon graduation, Belhaven’s Creative Writers will join of group of alumni who have published novels, won national poetry prizes, and secured positions with prestigious presses and institutions of higher education.Complimentary Admission / Open to the public / Reception to Follow.
OCTOBER 19-22, 2016
39 STEPS
ADAPTED BY PATRICK BARLOW
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEE, 2 PM, BARBER AUDITORIUM
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This 2-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of 4), an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance! In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure! Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5; Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
OCTOBER 21-22, 2016
MFA DANCE CONCERT
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND
DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
This thesis concert features original choreography by M.F.A. candidates Lauren Ashlee Small and Lisa Renee. The concert is sponsored by DOXA. General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 4, 2016
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra will present Tchaikovsky’s last masterwork---his Symphony No. 6, “The Pathetique.” A profound portrait of his life with saddened themes, deep dark colored orchestration and harmonies, and masterful construction combine to make this a world-wide favorite. You don’t want to miss this deeply moving and expressive night of symphonic music. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 11, 12, 18, 19, 2016
FALL DANCE CONCERT
FRIDAY & SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 7:30 PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 18 & 19, 7:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND
DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5; Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.
NOVEMBER 11-12, 16-19, 2016
THE WHITE SNAKE
WRITTEN BY MARY ZIMMERMAN
DIRECTED BY DR. ELISSA SARTWELL
FRIDAY – SATURDAY,
WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES NOVEMBER 12 & 19,
2 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
In her latest theatrical production inspired by a classic story, Mary Zimmerman reimagines The White Snake, an ancient Chinese legend in which a snake spirit transforms herself into a beautiful woman in order to experience the human world. Adventuring down her mountainside with her companion, Green Snake, White Snake meets and falls in love with the humble, virtuous Xu Xian and convinces him to marry her. Together, the three friends open a pharmacy, but soon the remarkable healing powers of White Snake draw the attention of a treacherous monk, Fa Hai. Outraged at the union between a mortal and a snake spirit, Fa Hai takes it upon himself to destroy it. Zimmerman brings to this timeless romance her usual brilliant mix of ingenious stagecraft, song, abundant humor, and compassion. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5; Complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
NOVEMBER 15, 2016
INSTRUMENTAL ARTS CONCERT
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Come and experience the new and unique timbres of the Woodwind and Brass ensembles as they revisit the works of traditional composers and move to the always exciting contemporary avenue and perform some of the newer music in the small ensemble repertoire. You will hear everything from Baroque to Twentieth century music; in short, IT’S GONNA BE FUN! Complimentary Admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 19, 2016
CHORAL ARTS CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Paradox: Word made Flesh
“...Matris in gremio...Alpha es et O”.
“In the mother’s lap...You are the beginning and the end.” You are invited to experience an evening of thoughtful and devotional musical offerings, both ancient and modern, that illuminate and celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation. Along with student solo offerings, Mr. Christopher Phillips conducts performances by the Belhaven Concert Choir and the Belhaven Chorale. Complimentary admission.
NOVEMBER 21, 2016
BEST OF BELHAVEN I
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester on one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 29, 2016
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT XVII
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Composers Forum invites you to an interactive showcase of engaging new music by Belhaven student composers. The adventure of bringing new musical designs to life continues as the composers and their fellow performers open windows into their creative worlds. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1, 2016
DOXA DANCE CONCERT
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, 7:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER THEATRE
This event is produced by members of DOXA and highlights student choreography and performance. General Admission $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty, students, staff and their immediate families. Doors open at 7 pm.
DECEMBER 2-3, 2016
THE 84th ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM,
BELHAVEN BOWL STADIUM
Voices! Carols! Lights! The Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree is the oldest outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in North America. Mr. Christopher Phillips conducts the tree made up of Belhaven Choral Arts singers along with additional students, faculty, and staff. These voices join forces to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Complimentary admission.
Belhaven Arts Ablaze Spring 2017
January 22, 2017
GRAPHIC DESIGN
DEPARTMENT STUDENT SHOW
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER,
ART GALLERY
FEBRUARY 3-4, 2017
A FAMILY OPERA
(PRODUCTION TBA)
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM,
CONCERT HALL
FEBRUARY 10-11, 2017
DANCE MINISTRY ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND
DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
FEBRUARY 17-18, 22-25, 2017
MAYFAIR MA CHÉRE
WRITTEN BY JOSEPH FROST
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
FRIDAY – SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
FEBRUARY 24, 2017
BA IN DANCE: ORAL PRESENTATIONS
FRIDAY, 6:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
MARCH 3-4, 2017
BFA DANCE CONCERTS
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
MARCH 6, 2017
READING: WILLIAM WRIGHT
VISITING WRITER SERIES,
MONDAY, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER, THEATER
MARCH 24, 2017
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT READING SERIES,
FRIDAY, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER, THEATER
MARCH 30 – APRIL 1, 2017
SKETCHING THE SOUL
WRITTEN BY JACQUELINE LYNCH
DIRECTED BY DR. ELISSA SARTWELL
THURSDAY – SATURDAY, 7:30 PM,
BARBER AUDITORIUM
MARCH 31 – APRIL 1, 7-8, 2017
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY DANCE ENSEMBLE
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND
DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY,
MARCH 31 & APRIL 1, 7:30 PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 7 & 8, 7:30 PM
TBA
STRINGS & ORCHESTRA CONCERT
CONCERT HALL
TBA
ALL-STATE STRINGS CONCERT
CONCERT HALL
APRIL 1, 2017
STUDENT INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBITION
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS
AND DANCE CENTER, GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY,
APRIL 1 2:00 – 4:00 PM
APRIL 11, 2017
STUDENT COMPOSERS
CONCERT XVIII
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 18, 2017
A NIGHT OF PERCUSSION
AND CLASSICAL GUITAR
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 21-22, 25-29, 2017
THE MUSIC MAN
BOOK, LYRICS, & MUSIC BY MEREDITH WILLSON
DIRECTED BY DR. DAVID S. SOLLISH
Friday-Saturday, Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30pm
SATURDAY MATINEES, APRIL 22 & 29, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
APRIL 21, 2017
INSTRUMENTAL ARTS CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 22, 2017
CHORAL CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 24, 2017
COMPOSERS’ ORCHESTRAL
READING SESSION
MONDAY, 5:30 PM, TRUSTMARK GRAND HALL,
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
MAY 1, 2017
BEST OF BELHAVEN II
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL