Freed-Hardeman University

"Try to be happy and always appreciate your blessings." "Whatever you do, always put the Lord in it." "Be a good servant to your family." These words of wisdom, shared by local senior citizens, came to life on stage as Freed-Hardeman University students reenacted their stories in Ayers Auditorium. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the Living Memories project recently captured the experiences of four residents from Southern Oaks, an assisted living home in Henderson. The production was the result of a three-week journey in which students conducted interviews, rehearsed and ultimately performed snippets from the seniors' stories. Associate professor of theatre Brandyn Graves described the artistic process as devised theatre, a method in which the performance is developed through improvisation and collaborative staging rather than a prewritten script. Living Memories was funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission's Art Builds Communities grant. For the participating students, this project was more than an academic exercise-it was an opportunity to connect across generations.

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre is set to transport audiences into a gripping vision of the future with its production of "After the Blast," a thought-provoking drama by playwright Zoe Kazan. The show runs Thursday, March 6, through Saturday, March 8, with shows at 7 p.m. There is a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday. Set in a world where humanity has retreated underground after an environmental disaster, the play follows Anna and Oliver, a couple navigating the strict regulations of their controlled society while holding onto the hope of having a child. With time running out, Anna's struggle with depression and self-worth is brought to the forefront through her unlikely connection with a robot companion, raising deep questions about resilience, identity and the cost of survival in a world shaped by technology. Director and FHU Theatre Professor Dr. Cliff Thompson describes "After the Blast" as an exciting departure from previous productions, incorporating multimedia elements and a visually immersive experience. "This is something new that we've never done before," Thompson said. "The use of futuristic screens, a dynamic set design and standout performances-including a robot brought to life by student actor Luke Noles-makes this a production that will challenge audiences both emotionally and intellectually."

Congratulations to seniors Morgan Milliken, Tori Robison, and Cooper Whitney, who were selected from nearly 300 entries across nine states to participate in this year's Bellwethers Exhibition. The Bellwethers is an annual juried exhibition for undergraduate art majors, hosted by UT Martin and displayed at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Humboldt. This year's juror was Beth Edwards, Professor Emeritus of Painting from the University of Memphis. FHU's artists showcased their work alongside 53 other students from major universities, including the University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of North Carolina, University of Tennessee, and Mississippi State University. FHU students have participated in the Bellwethers Exhibition for 14 of the past 16 years. "We've had past students win 'Best in Show' or first place in '2D Media' over the years," said Brian Bundren, associate professor of art at FHU.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi. This year's Spirit of Makin' Music Award was presented to Omega Chi.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi.

Thousands of visitors flooded the Freed-Hardeman University campus April 5-6 eager to "Make Some Noise" for one of the biggest FHU events of the year. Makin' Music 47 thrilled audiences over four performances full of original club shows, emcee entertainment and hosts and hostess showstoppers. At the conclusion of Saturday evening's closing show, Phi Kappa Alpha was awarded the coveted sweepstakes trophy for the first time in seven years. Xi Chi Delta was awarded second place, while third place went to Chi Beta Chi.

More than 80 Freed-Hardeman students took center stage at the Link Centre in Tupelo, Mississippi, Saturday, Feb. 17, displaying a wide array of talents in visual art, photography, music and theatre. President David R. Shannon welcomed approximately 165 alumni and friends who had gathered to celebrate the talents of the university's fine and performing arts students. The evening began with an art and photography showcase highlighting the work of six students: Leilani Baker's debut oil painting she calls "Motionless," Tori Robison's painting "Madonna and The Frogs," Anniston McCall's photograph in a light and shadows series, Angelina Barr's photo series "I Am Not My Hair," Gabrielle Smith's 4 ft by 3 ft painting called "Pieces" and Morgan Milliken's photo series called "The Difference a Wig Can Make."

Freed-Hardeman University junior Tucker Brown is proving that pursuing multiple passions is not only possible but can also lead to remarkable achievements. Brown, both a computer science major and an aspiring actor, recently made his full-length film debut in "Camp Hideout," a faith-based comedy about a troubled teen caught between juvenile detention and a youth camp. In the film, he steals an important item from two big-city tough guys and hides in a church summer camp. He enlists the help of his newfound friends when he's tracked down. Brown plays Paulie, one of the campers who aids the main character. Prior to filming "Camp Hideout," Brown's first acting job was in a short film called "Wildness," and another acting opportunity came along in a short film called "Pieces." And to think, all of this started when Brown was bitten by the acting bug at 12 years old, while he was more into running the bases than memorizing lines. "I told my parents that I wanted to quit baseball and that I wanted to sing and act for the rest of my life," Brown said. He made the decision after attending vocal lessons with a friend in 2014 and acquired a mentor who ignited his passion for acting. "I took study trips to both New York and Los Angeles and signed with agents. Then I auditioned and auditioned," he explained. In 2017, he spent a year in LA auditioning for jobs. "I love acting; it is my true calling. I love portraying characters because I get to walk a mile in their shoes. And so far, I've made friends on sets and some great memories." "Camp Hideout" was filmed in Thompson's Station, Tennessee, for six weeks in the fall of 2021 and is his first full-length feature film.

FHU's newly established Legacy Jazz Ensemble traveled this spring to Austin, Texas, for a long weekend to perform, mentor and recruit at two private schools: Brentwood Christian School and San Marcos Academy.

Six Freed-Hardeman University students put their pens to paper for the annual Inktober challenge in late October. Inktober artists were Callie French, a sophomore graphic design major; Leilani Baker, a junior fine arts major; Kathryn Johannessen, a junior biology major; Madison Parker, a freshman undeclared major; Gavin Parker, a freshman undeclared major; and Nate Cass, a senior theatre design production major. "Participating artists were asked to turn in original work made with ink without a particular subject or theme. We did, however, ask that they frame their own art before turning it in," said Marla Record, technology librarian at the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center. Artists could use pens or markers, paint with watercolor ink, make stamps and use an ink pad. Ink could also be combined with another medium and could be in black-and-white or color.

Twenty-one individuals representing Freed-Hardeman University's Theatre program will travel to Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 to present "The Feed," an original show co-created by FHU Director of Theatre Cliff Thompson and Theatre Design Professor Brandyn Graves. FHU will present four performances of "The Feed" during the Fringe from Sunday, Aug. 6 - Monday, Aug. 9, 2023. In "The Feed" characters explore social media and obsession. Based on a story by Graves, "The Feed" was inspired by a series of social media posts he made during COVID-19 about a mysterious crock pot near a parking space. The posts generated attention and inspired Thompson to ask Graves to collaborate to turn the story into a play.

Tickets for the 46th annual Freed-Hardeman University Makin' Music are on sale at fhu.edu/makinmusic. The student musical extravaganza is scheduled for Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for Friday night and Saturday matinee and $25 for the Saturday night show. Five social clubs will compete for the sweepstakes trophy, as they, a talented troupe of hosts and hostesses, the Makin' Music Show Band and emcees will entertain thousands of guests. Chi Beta Chi, Omega Chi, Phi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Rho and Xi Chi Delta are the clubs in this year's show, and approximately 500 students comprise the show's cast. The theme for this year's show is "Hold On." According to Makin' Music Coordinator Peyton Cain, the theme was chosen as a tribute to the people and memories FHU alumni hold on to, as well as the Makin' Music traditions that the FHU family holds dear. In addition to the sweepstakes trophy, various category winners and the Spirit of Makin' Music Award, a new accolade has been added to this year's list. Each year, Makin' Music presents a show for area school children in selected grades. A Kids' Choice award will be presented during Saturday's matinee to the show receiving the most votes during the kids' show.

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre will offer two productions this month with "Wait Until Dark'' and "Working for Crumbs" beginning Thursday Feb. 23 and continuing through Saturday Feb. 25, 2023. General admission tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased at http://www.fhutickets.com. Performances of the student-directed "Wait Until Dark '' will take place in the Black Box Theatre, and "Working for Crumbs" will be presented in Loyd Auditorium. The shows will run simultaneously with eight total performances beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

It all started with a doodle. Freed-Hardeman University senior graphic design major Anna Marie Wyatt sketched on the sides of her notebook all of the time, but never took it seriously. She does now, though. Wyatt's doodles are displayed in her capstone project, "Finding Abstraction," which opened for a week at The Troy Plunk Art Gallery in the FHU Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center. Wyatt thanked a crowd of supporters who gathered for her opening night reception Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, and shared with them that she felt like a real artist. "Abstract art is something that I enjoy and something that doesn't create more stress for me to make," Wyatt said. Each piece in "Finding Abstraction" has a name that sounds like a tasty summer beverage but is also a reflection of her penchant for her use of bright, punchy colors. Her first sketches were drawn with colored pencil. "Raspberry Lemonade," "Strawberry Lemonade," "Lemon Lime" and "Hawaiian Punch" are roughly the size of a family-portrait and framed on the gallery's wall.

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre will present Roald Dahl's "Matilda the Musical" as its homecoming production this fall, featuring young actors from the Chester County Youth Theater. Performances will be Thursday, Nov. 10, and Friday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium, and a matinee performance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. FHU Theatre and Chester County Youth Theater invite FHU alumni, friends and the community to enjoy this family friendly show. Individuals may purchase tickets at fhutickets.com. Chester County Youth Theater Director Becky Hartle is directing "Matilda the Musical," alongside Lauren Malecha, music director, Jenna Britt, choreographer, and Brandyn Graves, set designer and FHU Theatre faculty. "I am so thankful I get to combine my worlds of FHU Theatre and Chester County Youth Theater to create this one of a kind performance of 'Matilda,'" FHU alumna, Hartle said. "It has been inspiring to see how the college students have become leaders and positive examples to our CCYT kids. I have also been so impressed with my CCYT kids, who have stayed on the same level as the college kids while learning the rigorous music and choreography elements of the show!" For eight weeks the cast has worked together to learn their lines, songs and characters. "I think it's impressive what the younger students are doing. They're very fun, and they get theatre," FHU senior Nate Cass said. Cass is portraying Rudolpho in the musical and is a theatre design major. Local homeschooler and CCYT cast member Allie Grace Kopp is portraying Amanda Thripp in the production and enjoys a scene where she is thrown by her pigtails. "I'm enjoying the challenge of the choreography in the play. I'm more of a singer than a dancer, so I practice a lot at home. This is a wonderful cast with talented people." This is the second FHU Homecoming performance for FHU sophomore Haley Hixson, who is portraying Matilda. She portrayed Frances in last year's "Burnt Part Boys." "I've been working on making my voice little and changing my physicality," said Hixson, a double major in theatre and education. "Matilda is such a long storyteller and speaks in a British accent, so that's been a fun challenge." FHU senior Shayli Studer portrays Matilda's favorite teacher, Ms. Honey, in the production. Studer has a passion for theatre and storytelling and has seen the play twice in Nashville. "It's a sweet role to play," Studer said. "She has a hard battle to stand up for herself." For many in the cast, coming together to make the show a success is a rewarding, collaborative effort. "My favorite part of this process would be the E&E groups. This stands for encourage and engage, which helps form bonds between the FHU college students and the Chester County Youth Theater students," Hartle said. "They spend five minutes each rehearsal getting to know each other better. They also eat together during meals and encourage each other on and off stage. They even trick or treated together in Halloween costumes, as CCYT parents passed out candy in Loyd Auditorium before rehearsal! This experience is about more than just the production. It's about the bonding of two different age groups and the memories that will last a lifetime. It will be a special experience to witness Chester County students perform together with FHU students on stage! We hope the community will enjoy this family friendly show of Matilda!"

Ten Freed-Hardeman University students and recent graduates were selected for highly competitive resume-building internships during the summer that helped them gain experience and insight about their future career options. FHU students Nate Cass, Jack Joiner and Landon Rydl were among the group selected for paid internships in Virginia, Texas and Michigan. They spent the majority of their summer sharpening skills they are currently using as they work on FHU's fall productions.

"Holmes And Watson," is a theatrical mystery filled with so many red herrings, twists and turns that the play's director FHU senior Courtney Willcut is extremely careful about spoiling any plot points when she talks about the production. "This play is entertaining and engaging for any audience member, regardless if you know anything about Sherlock Holmes," said Willcut, a theatre performance major. "This is a very unique, original mystery that will keep audiences guessing until the very end." "Holmes And Watson" will open Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Additional performances will take place Friday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals may purchase tickets online at fhutickets.universitytickets.com.

"Holmes And Watson," is a theatrical mystery filled with so many red herrings, twists and turns that the play's director FHU senior Courtney Willcut is extremely careful about spoiling any plot points when she talks about the production. "This play is entertaining and engaging for any audience member, regardless if you know anything about Sherlock Holmes," said Willcut, a theatre performance major. "This is a very unique, original mystery that will keep audiences guessing until the very end." "Holmes And Watson" will open Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Additional performances will take place Friday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals may purchase tickets online at fhutickets.universitytickets.com. The production is the first of FHU theatre's fall season and Willcut's senior capstone project as she prepares to graduate in December."I've been very excited to direct," Willcut said. She has directed two short plays prior to her senior year - "10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse" and "World Without Memory."

Xi Chi Delta's "The Spirit of the Samurai" took home the sweepstakes trophy Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Freed-Hardeman's annual Makin' Music production. Sigma Rho's "Rumble at the Raceway" claimed the runner-up spot, while FHU Variants finished third with "The Sound of Sirens." FHU Variants, comprised of students not affiliated with a particular social club, also won the Spirit of Makin' Music Award presented Friday evening. This year marked the 45th anniversary of Makin' Music. However, the previous two years were presented online because of COVID-19. The 2022 presentation was a return to normalcy and a packed house.

FHU senior theatre major Jessica Hixson will make history as the first student in more than two decades to direct this year's Homecoming Musical, "The Burnt Part Boys," which opens Nov. 4, 2021, at 7 p.m. in Loyd Auditorium. "The Burnt Part Boys" is set in a 1960s West Virginia mining town and brings together the fathers who died in a mining accident a decade earlier and their children who never knew them. "The story centers a lot on family," Hixson explained. "There are some light-hearted parts, but there are parts that are really moving and emotional as well. We want the story to be moving for the audience."

Freed-Hardeman's social clubs celebrated the 45th annual Makin' Music production, "No Turning Back," Saturday, April 9, 2022. It was the first show performed for a live audience in two years after Covid-19. Xi Chi Delta's "The Spirit of the Samurai" took home the sweepstakes trophy while Sigma Rho's "Rumble at the Raceway" named runner-up and FHU Variants finished third with "The Sound of Sirens." FHU Variants, comprised of students not affiliated with a particular social club, also won the Spirit of Makin' Music Award presented Friday evening. "Makin' Music has been a student-run show from the beginning," Makin' Music Producer Tony Allen said. "We have student staff and student directors; students are what make Makin' Music happen." Five students directed Xi Chi's show: Peyton Cain, Katy, Texas; Hailey Harrington, Ashland City, Tennessee; Elijah Hester, Florence, Alabama; Ella Rhodes, New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Mac Shelton, Henderson, Tennessee; and Laura Beth Welch, Henderson, Tennessee. Winners in the six judged categories were: Choreography and Blocking-Xi Chi Delta, Phi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Rho; Lyrics-FHU Variants, Chi Beta Chi, Xi Chi Delta; Vocals-Chi Beta Chi, Xi Chi Delta, Sigma Rho; Costumes-Xi Chi Delta, FHU Variants, Sigma Rho; Props and Set Design-Sigma Rho, Xi Chi Delta, Phi Kappa Alpha; Entertainment Value-Xi Chi Delta, Sigma Rho, FHU Variants. Suzanna Grady, Makin' Music student coordinator, announced that the show was being dedicated to Roy Sharp, retired administrator and faculty member. Sharp thanked students for the honor via live stream. FHU President David R. Shannon offered a prayer for Sharp, who is currently facing health difficulties. "Moments like Makin' Music remind us just how wonderful the relationships built at Freed-Hardeman are," Shannon said. "We're grateful for the talent of our students and lifetime memories that are made because of Makin' Music."

Freed-Hardeman University Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors beginning Nov 5. "We're producing theatre safely and we can't wait for everyone to see to it," Dr. R. Cliff Thompson said, director of theatre. "The cast is terrific and has the best attitude, even with the restrictions of Covid. We can't wait for you to come and see this fun show November 5-7."

For the first time in Makin' Music history, the annual musical extravaganza did not take the stage this year due to the extended spring break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, a livestream show premiered for one night only and generated the largest audience in the show's history.

Seven Freed-Hardeman University students were selected for the Young Adult Honors Performance Series in August 2019 at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. This year's participating students were Jacob Dowdy, Holden Mobley, Abigail Moore, Jacob Moseley, Parker Pearce, Hannah Weakland, and Alec Wimmer. An eighth student, Summer England, was named a finalist as well but was unable to travel. The FHU students were seven of 70 finalists selected from more than 14,000 auditions submitted from around the world. FHU students spent six days in Sydney working with renowned conductors and musicians to prepare for their group performance. While in Sydney, performers took a day trip to the Blue Mountains and a Finalist Celebration Cruise on Sydney Harbour. Singers worked with Dr. Jeffrey Redding, director of choral activities at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. As a conductor and clinician, Redding has led choirs in performances at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors' Association (ACDA). For the Young Adult Honors Performance Series, Redding selected several songs including "Ave Maria" and "Hallelujah" from the Mount of Olives and "Berusa Er" (Drink Abundantly).