'Taming of the Shrew' begins
— Fullerton College Hornet - Staff Writer - Friday, October 31st, 1975
"The Taming of the Shrew", the major production of the Theatre Arts department's season, opens Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Campus Theatre at 8 p.m.
Offering insight into the historical position of women in society and featuring two energetic contenders in a traditional battle of the sexes, William Shakespeare's "Taming" will also be performed Nov. 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15.
In the comedy, the battle of the sexes takes place between Katherina, the headstrong daughter of a wealthy family, and Petruchio, a dynamic fortune hunter. The taming of Katherina and the wooing of her sister, Bianca, by two suitors provide the setting for the play.
Leading Roles
In the role of the obstinate Katherina is Becca Godinez, a resident of the Philippines studying theatre arts in the United States and currently living in Placentia. She has played Anita in "West Side Story" and Jessie in "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" previously at FC.
Katherina's husband and tamer is Vince Fay of Brea. He was the promoter in "The Lark", a 1973 Theatre Arts production.
Kathryn Oveson of Anaheim, who was also in "West Side Story" this summer, is Bianca; while Charles Baugh of Fullerton, in his first role for FC, portrays the father Baptista.
Bianca's suitors are Greg Cole of Fullerton, previously seen as Jim in "The Glass Menagerie", and Kevin Coots of Garden Grove, who was Harry in "The Prisoner: of Second Avenue".
"The Taming of the Shrew" is directed by George Stoughton, Theatre Arts instructor, who emphasizes student involvement in all phases of production.
Stage Designer
Theatre Arts major Charles O'Connor of Fullerton has designed the stage set and is supervising its construction.
"O'Connor has a spark of theatrical genius, with the necessary self-discipline and ability to handle the responsibility of carrying through the project", said Todd Glen, theatre crafts instructor, in emphasizing that such a task of designing and supervising is a rare accomplishment for an undergraduate.
Staging of the classic is an important part of the study of drama. Jim Henderson, instructor in dramatic skills, explained that one period piece is considered for each season's program because of the challenge of make-up, costume design, stylized acting and poetic language.
He added that this production of Shakespeare's work will be a light-hearted, romping version.
Student Growth
Theatre Arts department chairman George Archambeqult's philosophy is that, the growth and
development of the' student' must be the primary concern and therefore each production is selected, planned, rehearsed and produced in terms of the opportunities it offers the theatre arts students.
Additional information on the production and ticket reservation may be obtained by phoning the FC Theatre Arts department box office ext. 77, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Areas of Study...
Acting, Performance and Musical Theatre
Each season of plays provides a wide variety of roles and production post experiences for Theatre students. High production values, current state of the art technologies, and a wide spectrum of very challenging styles and subject matter make the performance venues excellent laboratories for student exploration and growth.
Directing and Playwriting
Few community colleges offer students opportunities to study directing and playwrighting in their first two years of undergraduate study. Students follow the classwork they successfully complete with opportunities to compete for assignments in the Playwrights Festival and the Directors Festival.
General Education
For both the non-major and the major alike, the Theatre Arts general education courses meet university transfer requirements and allow the student to build a strong foundation of introductory knowledge to the many facets of theatre-making and theatre-study.