As a college rooted in the liberal arts tradition, Bethany makes every effort to provide a complete and effective fine arts program, offering a wide range of classes and extracurricular activities that allow students to explore and develop their talents.

Art students at Bethany take advantage of a complete curriculum in Studio Arts, choosing to specialise in 2D (painting, drawing, photography), 3D (sculpture, ceramics), or graphic design. The department hosts monthly exhibitions by visiting and resident artists and sponsors yearly travel opportunities to Europe and New York City.

A rich tradition in music is reflected in the number of activities available for student participation. Three choral groups, three bands, and a handbell choir offer group musical experiences while vocal and instrumental lessons offer opportunities for individual advancement.

Bethany also offers several opportunities for students to explore their theatrical technique, both in and out of the classroom. These include at least two major performances each semester.

“Jam Jar Sonnets” Wins Award at KCACTF Region V

Lois Jaeger

The musical “Jam Jar Sonnets,” written and directed by Bethany theatre department’s Peter Bloedel with music by Bloedel and Benjamin Inniger, was one of only four fully mounted productions to be invited to KCACTF Region V Festival 42 held at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas January 17-23. The show was performed on January 21 and 22 in the Polsky Theater. At the Festival Recognition Ceremony the entire production team was awarded the coveted “Golden Hand-truck Award.” For each fully mounted production the process of unloading, setting up the staging, preparing lighting and sound, and finally dissembling the staging and reloading the truck is observed, adjudicated, and responded to by festival-assigned respondents. Those respondents then meet to decide which crew will receive the “Golden Hand-truck” which is award for team spirit, teamwork, organization, and overall quality of the process. The “Golden Hand-truck” is a traveling award and will be on display in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center until January 2011.

In addition, several Certificates of Merit were awarded for the production. Ben Inniger received a commendation for achievement in original music, Jake Yenish was commended for his lighting design, and Peter Bloedel was awarded commendations for achievement in direction, playwriting, and original music.

For people interested in finding out more information about “Jam Jar Sonnets” or for original cast recordings and DVDs of the show, please visit the Jam Jar Sonnets web site.

Bethany theater production selected for regional festival

By Lois Jaeger

The Bethany Theater Department has received notice that the original musical “Jam Jar Sonnets” written and directed by Peter Bloedel (with music by Bloedel and Benjamin Inniger) has been selected for performance at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in January 2010. KCACTF Region V includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The musical premiered on the Bethany stage in April 2009. At that time, representatives from the KCACTF viewed and responded to “Jam Jar Sonnets” and recommended the work to be “held” for consideration for performance at the annual festival. A selection team of 21 theater professionals reviewed all college productions from calendar year 2009 that had been similarly recommended with four productions ultimately invited to perform at the festival. “Jam Jar Sonnets” will be performed at the festival at 2 p.m. January 21 and at 10 a.m. on January 22 in the Polsky Theater on the campus of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.

In addition, “Jam Jar Sonnets” will be performed at Bethany’s Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center Theater on Friday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets for these special performances can be reserved beginning January 11 by calling 507-344-7374 (between the hours of 1- 5 p.m.). Tickets will be $10 ($5 for those under age 12).

Bethany Lutheran College, founded in 1927, is a four-year, private, Christian liberal arts college located in Mankato, Minnesota. Bethany students can choose from nineteen academic programs of study.

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide and has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater in the United States. The KCACTF has grown into a network of more than 600 academic institutions throughout the country, where theater departments and student artists showcase their work and receive outside assessment by KCACTF respondents.