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Student Directors Assist with Calling the Show

Erin Andrews and Jacob Underwood work behind the scenes for Eurydice, which opens October 26

University News | October 18, 2023

Junior Erin Andrews and sophomore Jacob Underwood are no strangers to the stage at Virginia Wesleyan—both have been very involved in the performing arts since they arrived on campus, with experience that includes lead roles in VWU’s 2022 production of “Cabaret.” However, neither will be under the lights in “Eurydice,” which opens on October 26 in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Instead, they will be they’ll be "calling the show," serving as assistant directors and stage managers for the play’s director, Professor of Theatre Dr. Sally Shedd.

Contemporary playwright Sarah Ruhl’s lyrical, poetic retelling of the classic Orpheus myth centers on Eurydice’s reunion with her father in an “Alice in Wonderland”-style underworld. Written by Ruhl in response to the loss of her own father, “Eurydice” is a mystical depiction of the bittersweet yet joyful conversations we continue to have with people and places we have loved and lost. . . and a testament to the unbreakable ties that bind us. The production, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on October 26, 27, 28 and at 2 p.m. on October 29, offers complimentary admission to VWU students, faculty and staff. General admission for others is $15 and $10 for seniors, other students, military, educators and first responders.

Both Andrews and Underwood say they are ecstatic to present this production with its complex, but relatable themes.

“Like in the original story, the play focuses on loss, but not the loss of the relationship between Orpheus and Eurydice,” notes Andrews. “Instead, we narrow in on loss between Eurydice and her father. Everyone can think of a person they’ve lost that they wish they could say one last thing to. That’s what this story is—Eurydice getting to say her ‘one last thing’ that until now, loss has prevented her from saying.”

Underwood shares that he is grateful to get to learn from Andrews who has more technical experience. “Erin is so organized and understands directing so well – it makes rehearsals easy to go through. It’s been a really great learning experience for me, because up until now, my theater participation has been purely on-stage. It’s especially great because she and I are so close, we’re in choirs together as well as fellow music majors, so she’s easily available if I have questions or thoughts, and we’re constantly bouncing ideas off one another and workshopping together.” 

Andrews’ technical experience comes from her involvement in “Airness,” VWU’s 2023 spring theater production. “During ‘Airness,’ I learned a lot about how the rehearsal process works and what the job of directing is. Coming into ‘Eurydice’ with a finished production already under my belt has been helpful because the backstage perspective is so different from acting. I definitely worked out my directing process in ‘Airness,’ but now, tackling ‘Eurydice,’ I really understand the reasons behind the tasks Jacob and I are carrying out. Whether it be taking notes, deciding on set pieces, or workshopping scenes, I know what it’s all for and I can see the finish line for what we’re working towards. I’ve enjoyed bringing Jacob along with me because we’ve been able to share the workload on a really difficult task to produce something we believe will be amazing.”

Both are appreciative of the VWU faculty and staff, especially Shedd, “Eurydice's” director.

“I’m a transfer student,” said Underwood, “and I had very minimal experience with theater at the college or even high-school level before I came to Wesleyan, none of which was on the technical side. The fact that the theater department found a space for me and allowed me to step into this role despite that is amazing. There are so many mentors willing to teach and share their knowledge. The experience I’ve had with Virginia Wesleyan’s faculty and staff is above and beyond anything I’ve known before.”

Andrews certainly agrees. “I have gotten so many opportunities at VWU that I don’t believe I would have anywhere else. The small, individualized approach Virginia Wesleyan takes has allowed me to explore interests that are totally new to me, and I have gotten nothing but support from faculty and staff through all of them.”

Shedd has been involved with more than twenty stage productions at Virginia Wesleyan, and she isn’t running out of stories to tell. Rather, she’s reflecting on the unprecedented times the world finds itself in to tell old stories in a new light.

“In recent years, it seems we’ve all been dealing with loss. The pandemic robbed us of time with friends and family. Some of us mourn the death of loved ones. This lyrical and poetic play is a depiction of humanity’s ability to find beauty, purpose, and sometimes even joy in celebrating conversations and connections with those we continue to hold close in our hearts.”

Shedd says that she is looking forward to bringing Sarah Ruhl’s work to the Virginia Wesleyan stage for the first time. She is also pleased to share “Eurydice and its themes of returning home with VWU alumna Amanda (Wolk) Battle ‘07, who will be performing alongside current VWU student actors. 

Story adapted from The Arts at VWU Newsletter with assistance from Brooke Underwood '24.

“Eurydice” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. .