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 2019
AUGUST 24
24-HOUR THEATRE EVENT
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, BARBER 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 14–OCTOBER 11
SENIOR ART EXHIBITION
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2:00–4:00 PM
You are invited to attend this visual art exhibition that showcases the works of graduating art majors as the culminating requirement of completing their degrees. Please come and celebrate all of their hard work and talents with us and their families.
SEPTEMBER 21
COMMUNITY DANCE CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:00 PM, CONCERT HALL
Belhaven University dance faculty, students, DOXA members, 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 Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
SEPTEMBER 26–28, OCTOBER 2–5
THE FANTASTICKS
MUSIC BY HARVEY SCHMIDT; BOOK & LYRICS BY TOM JONES; DIRECTED BY MARIANNE SAVELL
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM,
BLACKBOX THEATRE
The timeless, charming story of a pair of parents who want their rebellious children to fall in love, and so pretend to feud, enlisting the help of a romantic narrator and two bumbling actors. At one time both nostalgic and universal, The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in history. Join us for this enchanting musical, a sweet fable for all ages. 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 TBA
READING: GREG ILES
VISITING WRITER SERIES
TBA, STUDENT CENTER, THEATER
Greg Iles is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of seventeen novels, including his most recent, Cemetery Road (2019). In a Washington Post book review, Bill Sheehan describes Cemetery Road as "an ambitious stand-alone thriller that...is both an absorbing crime story and an in-depth exploration of grief, betrayal and corruption in a small Southern community." In addition to writing, Iles also performs as a member of the literary musical group The Rock Bottom Remainders, which includes authors Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Stephen King, Scott Turow, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Roy Blount, Jr., Matt Groening, and James McBride. Iles grew up in Natchez, MS, where he currently lives.
Complimentary admission. Open to the public.
OCTOBER 4
PRESTON CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS I
Diamond Piano Trio: SHELLIE BROWN KEMP, VIOLIN; VERONICA PARRALES, CELLO; DR. STEPHEN SACHS, PIANO
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Diamond Piano Trio, first heard at Belhaven, returns for its fourth concert in the Belhaven Concert Hall. Come listen and celebrate with this ensemble as they have recently been named to the Mississippi Arts Commission Performing Artist Roster for 2019-2022. More imaginative programming is on tap as “old meets new” again. Music selections by Arensky, Ravel, Higdon and others are likely repertoire. Alumna and MSO First Violinist Shellie Brown, MSO Principal Cellist Veronica Parrales, and BU Professor Emeritus/MSO Pianist Dr. Stephen W. Sachs look forward to offering you another highly enjoyable program. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
OCTOBER 17–19
THE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF ART MUSIC COMPOSERS (CFAMC) 2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, TBA
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL & MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
Christian composers from all over the United States gather to share their music and perspectives in a series of new-music concerts and presentations. Events are free and open to the public. Event times and locations will be announced in September.
OCTOBER 23–26, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 2
THE MYSTERIES
ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, 6:00 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 10AM & 2 PM
*TBA performances held around campus and the Jackson area
The Mysteries follows the medieval tradition of presenting the biblical story of the Mystery of God’s relationship to the world through a series of short plays in common language and understanding in an outdoor festival presentation. The plays range from the fantastic Creation Play to the melodramatic Abraham and Isaac to the slapstick Second Shepard’s Play to the terrifying Hell’s Mouth. Our production will recreate the festival atmosphere by performing on a pageant wagon and holding performances at several locations on our main campus. Complimentary admission. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
NOVEMBER 7–9, 13–16
THE ILLUSION
BY PIERRE CORNEILLE; ADAPTED BY TONY KUSHNER; DIRECTED BY ELISSA SARTWELL
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
A lawyer, facing mortality, desperate to find the son he drove away years before, travels in the dead of night to a mysterious cave. There he engages the services of a wizard, who conjures up visions of the romantic, adventurous, perilous life the lawyer’s son has been living since his father expelled him from home. 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 8
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra will present one of Beethoven's monumental Masterworks: His "Eroica" Symphony No. 3 Op. 55. You will also hear the famous Overture "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner. Please come and enjoy a night of high quality and profoundly moving performance by our excellent Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 8–9, 15–16
FALL DANCE CONCERT
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
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 Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30pm.
NOVEMBER 9–DECEMBER 14
ALUMNI INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2:00–4:00 PM
The Alumni Invitational Exhibition is a special art show comprised of five visual art graduates. The opening reception is on November 9 from 2-4 p.m. and will launch the exhibition, scheduled to run through the rest of the year. Works will include paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and mixed media.
NOVEMBER 12
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT XXII
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Composers Forum invites you to participate in making newly-composed and improvised music with Belhaven student composers and performers. Join in with the creative discovery and exploration of bringing freshly-fabricated musical worlds to life. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.
NOVEMBER 19, 2019
CHORAL ARTS CONCERT
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 22–23
DOXA EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS CONCERT
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
This event is produced by members of DOXA and highlights student choreography and performance. General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
NOVEMBER 25
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.
DECEMBER 6–7
THE 87th ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, BELHAVEN BOWL
Voices! Carols! Lights! The Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree is the oldest continuous outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in North America. The tree is made up of Belhaven Choral Arts singers along with additional students, faculty, staff, and alumni. These voices join forces to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Complimentary admission.
Belhaven Arts Ablaze Spring 2020
FEBRUARY 1-17
GRAPHIC DESIGN DEPARTMENT STUDENT SHOW
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
FEBRUARY 13-15, 19-22
THE HEIR OF MAYFAIR A WORLD PREMIERE!
WRITTEN BY JOSEPH FROST; DIRECTED BY JOHN MAXWELL
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
FEBRUARY 14–15
DANCE MINISTRY ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
FEBRUARY 19–20
SENIOR DANCE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
WEDNESDAY–THURSDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
FEBRUARY 26–29
SENIOR DANCE CONCERT
CONCERT A- WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY, 7:00 PM
CONCERT B- THURSDAY & SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
MARCH 2–29
SENIOR ART EXHIBITION
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2:00–4:00 PM
MARCH 16
READING: Adam Vines, Poet
VISITNG WRITER SERIES
MONDAY, 5:30–6:30 PM, STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Adam Vines is editor of Birmingham Poetry Review and author of two books of poetry, The Coal Life (2012) and Out of Speech (2018). He also co-authored a book of poems (According to Discretion, 2015) with Allen Jih. Vines graduated with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received his MFA from the University of Florida. He is now an assistant professor at UAB, where he teaches poetry writing workshops. Vines has published work in Kenyon Review, Southwest Review, Poetry, and many other journals. He was named the Tennessee Williams Scholar at the 2008 Sewanee Writers’ Conference and was awarded the William Alexander II & Lisa Percy Fellowship at the Rivendell Writers’ Colony in 2017.
Complimentary admission. Open to the public.
MARCH 28
COLLABORATIVE ARTS CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
APRIL TBA
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT WRITER SERIES
TBA, 6:00–7:30 PM, STUDENT CENTER, THEATER
April 14, 2019
CHORAL ARTS CONCERT
Tuesday, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL TBA
MSO COMPOSERS FORUM: ORCHESTRAL READINGS
TUESDAY, 5:30 PM
TRUSTMARK GRAND HALL, MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
APRIL 2-4, 8-9, 16–18
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
MUSIC BY ARTHUR SULLIVAN; BOOK & LYRICS BY W. S. GILBERT; DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY–THURSDAY, THURSDAY-SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
APRIL 3
STRINGS & ORCHESTRA CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 4
ALL-STATE STRINGS CONCERT
SATURDAY, 3 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 4–MAY 9
STUDENT INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBITION
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2:00–4:00 PM
APRIL 9
INSTRUMENTAL ARTS CONCERT
THURSDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 16
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT WRITER 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 work. Representing many states and several countries, these students have enrolled at Belhaven because of their gift 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 a group of alumni who have published novels, topped The New York Times bestseller list, won national poetry prizes and Fulbright Scholarships, and secured positions with prestigious presses and institutions of higher education.
Complimentary Admission / Open to the public / Reception to Follow.
APRIL 17–18, 24–25
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY DANCE ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY–SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER
DAN FREDERICKS PERFORMANCE DANCE STUDIO
APRIL 21
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT XXIII
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
APRIL 25
BEST OF BELHAVEN III
Saturday, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL