Local Theatre Inspires Creativity at SDSU
The SDSU Department of English and Comparative Literature recently began a partnership with the Cygnet Theatre.
This semester, SDSU NewsCenter will focus on the arts with stories of the creative endeavors of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
A new partnership between the San Diego State University Department of English and Comparative Literature and the Cygnet Theatre began last semester, and the success of the program has set the stage for an extended alliance.
The theatre, located in Old Town, boasts an extensive repertoire, ranging from contemporary American works to classical British plays.
"The Cygnet Theatre has a strong reputation and a lively base of subscribers," said Edith Frampton, lecturer in English and comparative literature and head of the partnership along with Peter Herman. "They do really exciting work."
The partnership exposes students in the English and comparative literature program to alternative career opportunities available in the theatre realm. It has also enabled participants to acquire teaching experience through paid internships.
"It's a paradigm shift," Frampton said. "We're trying to reach out in different ways and show students all the different options they have."
Students developing networks
Students involved with the partnership serve as ambassadors to the community at the Cygnet Theatre. After productions, students facilitate "talkbacks" — question and answer sessions during which the patrons of theaters come and talk with the cast and crew of a production.
The success of the inagural semester prompted a continuation of the partnership. Students will continue to be involved with the Cygnet's upcoming productions.
"It's great for students because they are developing networks and relationships with all these different outlets," Frampton said.
Opening curtains
The partnership has also enabled participants to acquire teaching experience.
SDSU students were assigned specific classes at local high schools, where they introduced students to a production they would see at the Cygnet and talked about the era in which the play was written. High school students played different roles from the production while the rest of the class "set the scene" for the production by providing background sounds and sets.
SDSU students also introduced traditions and games from the time period of the play, some of which were acted out at the end of class.
"Ultimately, it was my goal to give the students background and get them excited about going to see the play," said Khyati Dalal, a senior, double majoring in comparative literature and philosophy.
"It was an excellent opportunity and I'm excited to see the partnership between the department and the theatre grow," Dalal said.
About the Cygnet Theatre
Founded in 2003, Cygnet Theatre is a leading regional company and one of San Diego's cultural icons. Each year, Cygnet Theatre creates an eclectic mix of six or seven mainstage productions, from classical dramas to Broadway-style musicals.
