BU fine arts on display in downtown Baldwin City April 15-18

Baker University students will perform two plays and a concert in Sullivan Square, in downtown Baldwin City, next weekend, and artwork will be on display in the Lumberyard Arts Center. All events are free and open to the public.

The event came about when faculty from the Department of Music and Theatre realized they were scheduling events at Sullivan Square during the same week.

“I realized there was an opportunity to showcase the amazing fine arts Baker has to offer and open the events up to the Baldwin Community,” said Emily Kasprzak, assistant professor of theatre. “The community has been largely excluded from our fine art events due to Covid, so we were excited to partner with Baldwin City Recreation Commission and invite the people of Baldwin to come join us.”

The Department of Theatre is excited to hold its first performance in Sullivan Square.

“I think when we perform in spaces like Rice it can feel formal, and outdoor performances feel more casual,” Kasprzak said. “There is something wonderful about enjoying art outdoors from the comfort of your picnic blanket. Performing outdoors presents its own set of challenges, so it is a great experience for our students as well.”

A performance by the Baker Jazz Ensemble and Friends last October was the second concert in the new venue at Sullivan Square.

“The students enjoyed it and are excited to be able to perform there again,” said Dr. Frank Perez, director of bands. “We hope to make performances there a regular part of our schedule. The stage in Sullivan Square makes it easier to share the talents of our students with the community.”

Kasprzak believes this will be the first of many partnerships between Baker fine arts and the arts community of Baldwin City.

Schedule

Baker Student Art Show | April 13 – 17

Tuesday through Thursday 1 – 5 p.m.
Friday 1 – 7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – noon

 “Lemonade” by James Prideaux

Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 17 at 8 p.m.

Presented with special arrangement of Dramatist Play Service. Directed by Chloe Kraus.  In this short comedy about getting older, two women adjust to life with an empty nest! (Not suitable for children.)

Warm Up in Sullivan Square, featuring the Baker University Jazz Ensemble

Friday, April 16 at 6 p.m.

Food and activities available before and after the concert.

“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” by Don Zolidis 

Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m.

Presented with special arrangement of Playscripts Inc. Directed by Kenzie Kuhlmann. A short comedy for the whole family. Four cast members try to tell as many Grimm’s fairy tales as they can!

If you can’t attend in person, stream the theatre productions via Broadway On Demand.