Happy Friday and welcome back Missouri State Bears! We in the Theatre and Dance Department are so thrilled to see all of our returning students’ bright faces and lovely faculty members. Of course, a joyous and splendid welcome as well to our incoming student body and new instructors joining the T&D staff! While it is going to be a completely unique and one-of-a-kind semester, we are excited nonetheless and completely devoted to making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable return to campus.

On that note, we do have a few announcements to start off our year:

There has been some changes in regards to how this season’s productions will be available for viewing. Performances of The Secret Garden, These Shining Lives, and Argonautika will all be recorded prior to their release date, and then each will be made available for viewing on select dates with access received from purchasing a ticket. Those dates can be found below:

• The Secret Garden: September 15-18, 2020 at 7:30pm
• These Shining Lives: October 15-17, 2020 at 7:30pm; and October 18, 2020 at 2:30pm
• Argonautika: November 19-21, 2020 at 7:30pm; and November 22, 2020 at 2:30pm

More information including show descriptions, ticket pricing, and production information can be found here https://theatreanddance.missouristate.edu/CurrentProductions.htm.

Additionally, because the safety of all members in and outside of our university is of the utmost priority, there are new regulations this academic year regarding the prevention of COVID-19. These include to maintain social distancing of at least six feet whenever possible, correctly wearing a face mask when inside academic buildings, and encouraging the use of hand washing or utilizing hand sanitizer. Please use the link proved here https://www.missouristate.edu/Coronavirus/?rel=20200817T1706 to keep informed and stay up to date on changes around campus.

The semester is only beginning, and we are all anticipating what is to come. Remain optimistic, enjoy the nice weather, stop to smell the flowers, have fun in this new chapter of your lives, and most importantly- be kind and be safe. Have a great academic year, everyone.