Improvisation, experimentation featured in WWU student ‘Cabaret’ Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will offer the first installment in the seventh season of ‘Cabaret’ performances at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Nov. 1, in Performing Arts Center Room 16.

The ‘Cabaret’ series features the innovative and original work of approximately 50 students. The ‘Cabaret’ is produced once each quarter, and student performers come mostly from Western’s Department of Theatre and Dance but also from campus in general. ‘Cabaret’ showcases collaborative efforts that span multiple arts forms – including dance, theater, song, poetry, and improvisation – offering students an opportunity to present experimental, collaborative works of their own creation.

Students wanting to participate sign up and meet with Dance instructor Rick Merrill, who mentors the performers.

“They can learn together, feel a sense of community and discover the pleasures of taking risks and expanding their vision,” Merrill said of the rehearsal process. He said he hopes the series create an entry point to experimental theater and dance performance for a larger and more diverse audience. Each ‘Cabaret’ typically attracts an audience of about 150 people to the spacious choir room in the Performing Arts Center, which doubles as an intimate performance venue.

Admission is $5 for students and $8 for the general public. Tickets are available through the WWU Box Office at 360-650-6146 or www.tickets.wwu.edu. WWU Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For individual tickets and disability accommodations, contact the WWU Box Office.

For more details about future Cabaret events, or other dance performances, visit cfpa.wwu.edu or call 360-650-2829.