There are certain requirements to be successful in the world of theater. Determination and dedication are high on the list – and cast and crews for productions that went up during the first week of school had it.

While rehearsing four hours a day, three days a week during a humid Chicago summer may not sound like a vacation, it is how some students spent the months between spring finals and fall orientations. Though the long hours are grueling, many of the students who take part in rehearsals during their break enjoy the experience.

“It was one of the few things I looked forward to (this summer),” says Communication sophomore Tim McGovern of the time he spent preparing for the Lovers and Madmen’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), one of two productions that showed during New Student Week.

The show’s combination of traditional works with unique twists, such as performing Othello as a rap and throwing Harry Potter into the mix, made for a very physically involved show and rehearsal process. McGovern alone played ten different characters while the use of improvisation during practices, much of which was used in the show, turned all of the actors into writers as well.

It all came together Sept. 22 in Cahn Auditorium in front of a large group of freshmen and returning students.

Hundreds of people got a glimpse of the Northwestern’s theater scene before classes began. Some of them gathered in Shanley Pavilion’s intimate space to witness the complex narrative of a young woman named Lil’ Bit in How I Learned to Drive. The show was produced by Sit and Spin, which usually puts on the first show of the year.

So what is the push to have full-scale productions so early in the school year? Some of those involved cite the many benefits for incoming students.

“It’s a great way to let students know how involved they can be and what type of opportunities there are,” says Danielle Gaines, a Communication sophomore who produced How I Learned to Drive.

Director Joel Sinensky agrees.

“In the theater department, students are thrown in to auditions really quickly,” says Sinensky, a Communication junior. “This gives them a chance to get a concrete idea of what it’s like to work in theater here.”

And what about those who don’t plan on joining the ranks of the acting elite? “This is a way to make theater accessible,” McGovern says, “because not a lot of people are really exposed.”

Shows that rehearse during the summer also provide unique opportunities for students who are apart of the cast and crew. Without classes and other stresses of the school year students can focus on theater in ways unimaginable.

“The early shows are great for first time producers and directors,” says Sinensky, who cites the lack of other commitments as a great way for those involved to give the production their all.

Even with the extra time to focus, there are situations special to the early fall shows.

“While the rehearsal schedule is pretty similar, the production side is really different,” Gaines says. “There aren’t as many meetings or as much involvement because you have to wait as people come into town.”

With shows going up during the first days, there is always time to shine in the world of theater. ?

Medill senior Niema Jordan is a PLAY writer. She can be reached at [email protected].