Step into a world of creativity and expression with Cal Poly's Theatre & Dance Department's spectacular lineup of performances for 2025. Featuring the dynamic Orchesis: Elevate concert, the thought-provoking play Passage, and the innovative Spring Dance Concert, these events promise to captivate audiences with their unique choreography, profound narratives, and diverse artistic contributions. Held at the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre in San Luis Obispo, these showcases offer a platform for professional and student artists alike to explore and present their craft, making them a must-see for art enthusiasts and the general public.

An Artistic Journey: Exploring Cal Poly's Vibrant Dance and Theatre Scene

The annual Spring Dance Concert is sponsored by Cal Poly's Theatre and Dance Department under the direction of student directors and faculty advisors. This eclectic combination of student choreography includes a variety of dance genres and dancers of different skill levels, while reflecting artistic exploration, originality, professionalism, and maturity. Cal Poly students from diverse majors and backgrounds choreograph and perform the dances. Spring Concert production dates for 2025 are May 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30pm in the Spanos Theatre.

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Spring Dance Concert

Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre

A meditation on how power imbalances affect personal and interpersonal dynamics across a spectrum of situations, the play allows a director wide latitude in casting the roles by race, ethnicity, and gender, with different casting choices highlighting different societal structures.

Passage

The Cal Poly Orchesis Dance Company presents its 54th annual dance concert, "Elevate" on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 19, and Thursday through Saturday, January 23-25, in the Spanos Theatre. Performances will begin at 7:30pm on all days, with a matinee scheduled at 2pm on Saturday, January 18. The concert includes a variety of dance genres, choreographed by professional guest artists, faculty, and Cal Poly students.

Orchesis: Elevate

Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, once the most powerful woman in the world, is allowed out of prison to spend Christmas with her husband, King Henry II of England, and their three sons. When the question of royal succession is raised, the plotting begins, alliances are formed, betrayals start, and knives are drawn. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception.

The Lion in Winter

**Polaris Spring 2024: A Stellar Spring Dance Concert at Cal Poly**

Join us for an extraordinary evening of dance and creativity at the Spanos Theater, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, as the Theatre & Dance Department proudly presents the Spring Dance Concert: Polaris. Scheduled for May 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 pm, this event promises to be a highlight of the Spring 2024 season.

**About Polaris**

Polaris, also known as the North Star, has historically been a beacon of guidance and direction. In the spirit of this celestial guide, the Spring Dance Concert brings together 100 talented dancers from across Cal Poly to present a performance that reflects the diversity and unity of its cast. The concert showcases a variety of dance styles, including modern, contemporary, jazz, and tap, allowing dancers to explore and express their artistic visions.

**A Student-Driven Performance**

True to Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy, Polaris is a student-driven endeavor from start to finish. The concert is entirely directed, choreographed, and performed by students, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity, and leadership skills. This year's artistic team includes student directors Dana Craighead, Carly Morris, and Chloe Rosero, along with a talented group of student choreographers who have worked tirelessly to bring their visions to life on stage.

**Ticketing and Venue Information**

Polaris will be held at the Spanos Theater, a premier venue located on the Cal Poly campus. For ticketing information and to ensure your spot at this must-see event, please visit the PAC Tickets website. If you have accessibility needs or require accommodations to fully enjoy the performance, do not hesitate to contact the Theatre and Dance Department at 805 756-1465.

**Join Us Under the Stars**

Don't miss this opportunity to support Cal Poly's vibrant arts community and witness the culmination of our students' hard work and dedication. Polaris is more than just a dance concert; it's a celebration of artistic expression, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of guidance and exploration that the North Star represents. See you at the Spanos Theater for an unforgettable night of dance and inspiration!

Polaris Spring 2024

**Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play - Spring 2024**

Join us at the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Theatre & Dance Department for an unforgettable production of "Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play" in Spring 2024. This innovative play will be staged from May 9-12 & 16-18, 2024, at the Spanos Theatre, promising an engaging experience for all attendees.

**Synopsis:**
After the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors gathers around a campfire, piecing together the plot of a "The Simpsons" episode from memory. This act of remembrance sparks a tradition that survives through generations, transforming snippets of pop culture into the myths and legends of a post-apocalyptic society. Witness the evolution of storytelling in this darkly comic exploration of human resilience.

**Performance Details:**
- **Dates:** May 9-12 & 16-18, 2024
- **Venue:** Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- **Seating:** Limited to 80 seats per performance to ensure an intimate viewing experience.

**Accessibility:**
We are committed to making our performances accessible to everyone. If you have accessibility needs or require accommodations to fully enjoy the show, please contact the Theatre and Dance Department at 805 756-1465.

**Cast & Creative Team:**
The production features a talented cast including roles such as MATT/HOMER/CHORUS by Willy, JENNY/MARGE, SAM/BART, and many more, bringing to life the beloved characters of "The Simpsons" in a post-electric world. Directed by Josh Machamer, with scenic design by Brian Healy, costumes by Thomas John Bernard, and lighting by Richard Jackson, this production is a collaborative effort of faculty, staff, and students, including music direction by guest artist Paul Marszalkowsi and a dedicated student production team.

Don't miss this unique theatrical experience that examines the enduring power of storytelling and the indomitable human spirit. Reserve your tickets early to secure your seat at this limited engagement. For ticketing and further information, visit the Cal Poly Theatre & Dance Department website.

Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play

This winter, the Theatre & Dance Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, is proud to present "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" as part of its 2023-24 Season lineup. Scheduled to run from February 29 to March 1-3 & 7-9, 2024, at the Spanos Theatre, this electrifying production brings to life the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young demigod grappling with newly-discovered powers, a destiny he's reluctant to accept, and a host of mythological monsters on his trail.

Adapted from Rick Riordan's best-selling novel, the musical follows Percy as he becomes the prime suspect in the theft of Zeus's master lightning bolt. To prove his innocence and prevent a war among the gods, Percy embarks on a perilous quest that will take him to the Underworld and back. Along the way, he must solve the riddle of the Oracle, confront betrayal, and reconcile with the father who abandoned him. With a thrilling original rock score, "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" promises an action-packed mythical adventure that has earned acclaim as "worthy of the gods" from Time Out New York.

The cast features talented performers taking on the roles of iconic characters, including Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood, among others. Directed by Ramón Esquivel, with music direction by Paul Marszalkowski and a creative team that includes scenic designer Brian Healy and costume designer Thomas John Bernard, this production is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Cal Poly's Theatre & Dance Department.

For ticketing and venue information, or to request accommodations for accessibility needs, please contact the Theatre and Dance Department at 805 756-1465. Don't miss this spellbinding musical adventure that captures the heart and imagination of audiences of all ages.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

**Orchesis: Retrograde Winter 2024**

Join us for a mesmerizing journey through dance as the Cal Poly Orchesis Dance Company proudly presents its 54th annual dance concert, "Retrograde." This captivating event is set to take place on January 19-20 & 25-27, 2024, at the Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. 

**Event Dates & Times:**
- Friday and Saturday, January 19 and 20, 2024
- Thursday through Saturday, January 25-27, 2024
- Evening performances at 7:30pm
- Special matinee on Saturday, January 20, at 2pm

**About the Performance:**
"Retrograde" explores the innovative concept of reversing movement phrases, akin to watching a video backward. This year's theme challenges choreographers to incorporate this unique compositional tool into their dances, offering audiences new perspectives on movement and storytelling. The concert will feature a diverse array of dance genres, brought to life by the creative talents of professional guest artists, faculty, and Cal Poly students.

**Ticketing and Venue Information:**
For those with accessibility needs or requests for accommodations to fully enjoy the production, please reach out to the Theatre and Dance Department at 805 756-1465.

Don't miss this extraordinary showcase of talent and creativity. Experience the beauty of dance in reverse and see the world from a new angle at "Orchesis: Retrograde."

Orchesis: Retrograde

This fall, the Theatre & Dance Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, presents "Dead Man's Cell Phone," a wildly imaginative new comedy by the acclaimed Sarah Ruhl, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize finalist. The play embarks on a thought-provoking journey that explores themes of mortality, morality, redemption, and the impact of technology on human connections. The story unfolds with an incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café, a dead man with unfinished business, and a woman, Jean, who decides to answer the call, leading her into a world of unexpected adventures and ethical quandaries.

The performances are scheduled to take place from November 2-5 & 9-11, 2023, at the Spanos Theatre, promising audiences a blend of humor, mystery, and philosophical inquiry. The production showcases the talents of Cal Poly students and faculty, with Karin Hendricks-Bolen leading as the director, sound designer, fight choreographer, and dialect coach, alongside a dedicated artistic and production team. The cast features roles such as Jean, the woman who answers the dead man's phone; Gordon, the deceased; Mrs. Gottlieb, Gordon's mother; and other pivotal characters that bring this intriguing narrative to life.

"Dead Man's Cell Phone" is part of the 2023-24 season lineup for the Theatre & Dance Department, highlighting the department's commitment to presenting thought-provoking and innovative works that engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of the human condition through the arts.

Dead Man's Cell Phone

Spanos Theatre

Quintessence Spring 2023 - Theatre & Dance Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

This spring, the Theatre & Dance Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, proudly presents "Quintessence," a captivating dance concert that showcases the talent and diversity of its student body. Bringing together 100 dancers from across the university, "Quintessence" is a testament to the unity and variety found within the Cal Poly community.

The performance is a celebration of dance, featuring a wide array of styles including contemporary, modern, jazz, jazz funk, tap, ballet, and ballroom. Each piece is a reflection of the show's title, embodying the pure essence and soul of dance in its most authentic form. What makes "Quintessence" particularly special is its foundation in Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy. The entire production is student-led, from the direction and choreography to the performances on stage, showcasing the creativity, talent, and hard work of Cal Poly's students.

For those interested in experiencing the magic of "Quintessence," a digital program is available for further insight into the production. The event is captured through the lens of photographer Evan Ricaurté, whose images serve educational purposes and highlight the beauty and emotion of the performances.

"Quintessence" is more than just a dance concert; it's a celebration of student achievement, creativity, and the unifying power of the arts. Don't miss the opportunity to support and enjoy the hard work and talent of Cal Poly's Theatre & Dance Department this Spring 2023.

Quintessence Spring 2023

**Event Title:** Somewhere, a Primer for the End of Days

**Dates:** May 11-14 & 18-20, 2023

**Location:** Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

**Description:**
This spring, the Theatre & Dance Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, presents a compelling production titled "Somewhere, a Primer for the End of Days." Set against the backdrop of a world grappling with years-long natural and humanitarian disasters, this narrative unfolds in the forests of the West Coast. Here, survivors—bound by blood and found families—navigate through the challenges of a blight attacking tree roots and the mysterious disappearance of insects. Amidst these crises, Cassandra, an entomologist, and her brother Alexander, an engineer, discover a glimmer of hope in the migration of Monarch butterflies to new nesting grounds. This story poses a poignant question: Is this the end, or are we, like the butterflies, undergoing a transformation?

**Director’s Note:** Ramón Esquivel reflects on the fascination with post-apocalyptic narratives among younger generations, drawing parallels to the current climate crisis. "Somewhere, a Primer for the End of Days" is set in an alternate timeline where human civilization began to collapse in 1991. The play explores the dichotomy between those clinging to the past and those preparing for the future, offering a narrative that is both cautionary and inspiring.

**Cast & Creative Team:**
- **Director:** Ramón Esquivel
- **Cast:** Niah Pratt as CASSANDRA, Eric Monjoy as ALEXANDER, Sophia Tinkey as DIANA, and others bringing the world of "Somewhere" to life.
- **Artistic/Production Team:** Includes professionals and students from Cal Poly's Theatre & Dance Department, with contributions in costume design, scenic design, lighting, sound, and more.

**Special Notes:** The production also features dramaturgy projects by Max Kennel on World Building and Ella Marchal on Monarch Butterflies, adding depth to the thematic exploration of the play.

Don't miss this thought-provoking production that delves into themes of survival, hope, and transformation in the face of environmental catastrophe.

Somewhere, a Primer for the End of Days

This Tony Award-winning musical from one of Musical Theater's most significant composers of all time, Stephen Sondheim, examines relationships through the lens of its unmarried protagonist. Featuring many of Sondheim's best-known songs, Company takes the audience on a comedic and heartfelt journey fueled by the complexities of love, commitment, and friendship that explores the modern reality of "Being Alive".

Cal Poly Theatre & Dance Department

21 - 23 May, 2025

Spring Dance Concert

8 - 17 May, 2025

Passage

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