Olivia Ground

Articles

Behind the scenes at Ball State theatre

Silence falls over the crowd. The orchestra plays the first notes. Energy vibrates through the room, as anticipation grows. Goosebumps form, and smiles widen as the curtain opens to reveal a the set — elaborately painted structures and period props, costumes, hair and makeup.  Before an actor says the first line — in that opening pause — the audience enters the story. Kip Shawager, associate professor emeritus of theatre design of the Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance, said these visual cues establish the setting, the time period and the tone of the story.    “We’re supporting the actors and the directions and everything they do by surrounding them with visuals to tell the story that makes sense,” he added.  Shawger shared that all the visual and design aspects of theatre — costuming, sets, props, hair, makeup and lighting — all have to work in unison.  


Ball State bus driver says goodbye to students and faculty after five years

He greeted every single person who stepped foot on the bus with a smile. He knew multiple students by name. He knew their major, their schedule and where they were headed. He knew their plan for the day, and what they were doing that evening. He knew when they were graduating, how their extracurriculars were and what they planned to do after school.  He took care and pride in keeping students safe, especially at night.  Ball State University bus driver Brian Kemp has driven campus shuttles for five years. For him, the best part about this job is the students. 


Ball State School of Theatre and Dance show off creativity with their take on Into The Woods

“It’s all the stories that we know and love and the childhood fairy tales that we grew up with … and so, kind of seeing them in a new way is really exciting,” said Payten Romig, third-year student assistant director of "Into the Woods." The unique direction of BSU School of Theatre and Dance's latest production tells an old story to a new generation with renewed depth.


Taking the Stage

John Marsh, a Ball State/Indiana Academy history professor and Jenni Marsh, president and CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way, moonlight as a dynamic playwright duo. Their newest work, "Cat's Pajamas," premiered as a staged reading on Oct. 20.


Day of a Thousand Bulbs

The East Central Neighborhood Association arranged for volunteers to plant flowers in a couple of spots downtown. Take a look at the members of the Muncie community during this beautification effort.


Society’s Silent Killer

As a society, we have put our literal well-being on a backburner and chosen to prioritize “the hustle.” We’re obsessed with “the grind” and “getting the bag.” 


Fall in Love with Muncie

Muncie changes with the seasons, and new opportunities pop up when autumn rolls around. Here are a few ideas for exciting things to do this time of year.


7 Dorm-Friendly Delicacies

Ever wondered how people ever cook anything in the tiny dorm kitchenettes at Ball State University? Here are 7 simple ideas that work despite the limited space and equipment.