The theater, dance and music departments at Colorado Mesa University all put on performances for the students to enjoy. Between the jazz band to experimental theater to dancing, this year was one to remember in terms of performances. 

Looking back on all the different talent and dedication that each student showed and the challenges that had to be overcome, everyone in these performing departments deserves a standing ovation. There was sickness, there were injuries and there were hours and hours of rehearsing.

These students have dedication to not only attending classes and getting good grades, but to spending hours in the Moss Performing Arts building, sometimes past midnight, to practice, practice, practice. They work hard to create something that others can enjoy. 

Performer of the year goes to Carly Nugent, a junior musical theater major, took the lead in the spring musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Nugent takes the performer of the year due to both the challenges she faced and her dedication to this production.

Not only did this production require learning lines and singing, but it also included some serious tap technique. She fit the part of Millie perfectly with her vocal chords and tapping feet. Her dedication really shined when she became ill the week of opening for “Millie.” With tonsillitis and other sickness flying around the cast, Nugent pushed through for opening night. She and the director then decided that the next two performances she would sit out to take it easy since there were still plenty of performances to be done. 

Nugent also performed in Amanda Benzin’s tap piece called “#metoo” during Spring Into Dance.

Nugent has another year at CMU to showcase even more of her talents. 

A few other notable performers this year are . . .

Anna Dworkin, the understudy for Nugent in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” is also a junior had to step up on opening weekend to fill a couple performances as the lead. Dworkin was also cast in another part in the production and therefore not only had to learn the lines for Millie but also her part.

Although an understudy’s job is to learn and know the part as if they were performing it, it can be a bit shocking and frightening to find out that they will actually be performing that part. Dworkin found out she would take the stage hours before the curtain opened. She was ready and said that the cast and crew really made the show happen. 

Tilly Leeder who is a freshman took the lead in “Our Town” this fall.

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This performance was a play, but involved Leeder playing a child through old age. Leeder was able to embody each part of life with her acting since this production did not have major costume changes as well as no set. With no set it is up to the performers to help the audience see time change. Leeder did just that. 

Joey DeMers who is a senior took the lead in “Mr. Burns: A Post electric play”. Instead of a usual comedic and light hearted character, DeMers had to play more of a villain with a darker role in this production.

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This showcased the range of acting he can perform. This production was unique and was set in the future, the cast, directors and crew were able to have some freedom in the creation of this play. 

There were many other talented students in the theater, music, art and dance departments that deserve a round of applause for their hard work and dedication. These students really know how to shine.