The Coastal Carolina University Department of Theatre presents "Celebrations," a student showcase of studio class work, from Wednesday, April 19, through Friday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Edwards Recital Hall in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and Saturday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium. Each evening is a different performance highlighting specific areas of theatre. Admission is $7 per event or $30 for all performances, and discounts are available.

All CCU students enrolled in studio performance courses are involved in the event, totaling nearly 100, with about 20 students performing each evening. Course instructors direct each event, while John Woodson, CCU visiting assistant professor of theatre, oversees the entire production. The Wednesday performances feature freshman and sophomore students performing monologues and scenes from modern classic plays, directed by Woodson.

Thursday's event showcases seniors performing scenes, monologues and sonnets by William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw, directed by Monica Bell, associate professor and chair of the theatre department. Also, on Thursday, students will perform favorites from the American musical theatre canon, directed by Adam Pelty, assistant professor of theatre.

Friday brings students performing physically oriented pieces ranging from clowning to circus skills, directed by Ben Sota, assistant professor of theatre, as well as juniors performing devised non-realism pieces, directed by Robin Edwards Russell, associate professor of theater.

On Saturday and Sunday, students from multiple programs and all levels of study perform as a dance company, featuring student choreography, directed by Becky Timms, assistant professor of theatre. Scenes from the musicals "Titanic," "Rags" and "Parade" will be presented.

"Celebrations" is designed to allow the public a glimpse into the pedagogical process of theatre students.

"The public only sees the end product of students' learning through our departmental season productions," said Woodson. "But how do they get there? What are the 'building blocks' that enable our young artists to bring their learning from the classroom into the demands of production? The public never sees this first step. That is what we wish 'Celebrations' to be - a showcase of the students' work in the midst of their learning."

Senior citizens, OLLI members, alumni, teens and CCU/HGTC faculty and staff may purchase tickets for $5. Tickets for children and CCU/HGTC students are $3. To purchase tickets, contact the Wheelwright Auditorium at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The box office is located at 108 Spadoni Park on the Conway campus.

The Edwards Recital Hall is in Room 151 of the Edwards building, located at 133 Chanticleer Drive W. on the Conway campus.