While most of the students have been busy enjoying the cooler weather, celebrating the return of football season or preparing for midterms, the cast members of "Nickel and Dimed," the first production of the theatre department's 2012-13 season, have been busy doing what they love: performing.
The play, which opened to a sold-out crowd last week, is a dramedy written by Joan Holden and is directed by professor Chris Qualls.
"'Nickel & Dimed' is the story of Barbara Ehrenreich, a middle-aged investigative reporter who goes undercover in several minimum-wage jobs," said cast member Winn Caroll, senior in history. "The play recounts her multiple low-wage jobs and the characters she meets along the way."
The production is different in that several of the actors play more than one character.
The main stage of the Telfair B. Peet Theatre has been renovated to mirror a "theatre-in-the-round" atmosphere, designed by the department's own professor Robin Jaffe.
Like many of the theatrical shows, rehearsals for "Nickel & Dimed" began only a few days after auditions and, in this case, only days after the first day of class.
"We were cast one weekend, and the next day we had rehearsal," said Chelsea Allen, junior in theatre and business. "It was an immediate 'welcome back to college' where you have 800 things to do at once. Most people don't realize the commitment put into a play, but after having rehearsal every day for four hours, you definitely learn a thing or two."
Although the play is geared toward an older audience, it still appeals to Auburn students and has been successful since it opened Thursday, Sept. 20.
"I think the audience will appreciate that we are challenging them," said lead actress Anna Caudle, sophomore in theatre.
"They're smart; they can definitely handle the challenges we present them with during the show," she said.
The production features costumes designed by Tracy Oleinick, lighting designed by Fereshteh Rostampour and sound design by Kelly Walker.
"Nickel and Dimed" is free to Auburn University students, and tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for Auburn faculty and staff.
Performances continue through Saturday, Sept. 29 and begin at 7:30 p.m.
More information regarding the theatre department and upcoming productions can be found at cla.auburn.edu/theatre.
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