ALMA — The Alma College music, and theatre and dance departments are set to kick off the 2022-23 academic year with a full slate of performances at the Oscar E. Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts, beginning with the Percussion Ensemble and Pipe Band Homecoming Kick-off Concert at 8 p.m. on Sept. 23.
The 2022-23 academic year marks the 30th season of Alma College’s iconic performance facility, the Remick Heritage Center. A $6.8-million construction project at the time it opened in 1993, the Heritage Center is well known for its 500-seat Presbyterian Hall, 200-seat Charles J. Strosacker Theatre, and separate Dance Studio for teaching and small performances. It is named after Oscar E. Remick, Alma College’s 10th president.
Dance performances are highlighted by the Fall Dance Concert, which is set to take place at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11-12 and 2:30 p.m., Nov. 13. The concert will include dances by the Kiltie Dance Company, visiting faculty member Kayt MacMaster, and Winston Dynamite Brown, an artist-in-residence based in New York City. A member of the Camille A. Brown and Dancers company, Brown has taught at schools and institutions domestically and internationally, and produced his own works as well.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Winston Dynamite Brown, who will be showcasing a new, original dance on our campus and work with our students in a small classroom setting,” said Ben Munisteri, associate professor and director of dance. “What sets Winston apart is that he offers our students a glimpse into what life is like in the world’s largest market for professional dancers. I think it will be very informative for our students, including many who wish to pursue careers in the field.”
Highlights from theatre’s offerings for the year include “The Imaginary Invalid,” “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Leaving Iowa,” a comedic play written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton that serves as an ode to the family road trip. “Leaving” will be directed by John Lepard, an actor and director who helped found the Williamston Theatre in Williamston, Mich.
“It’s a pleasure to hand the reins to another director, because it allows me to see how students work with someone who isn’t me, and allows students the opportunity to see what life will be like for them after they leave college,” said Scott Mackenzie, professor and director of theatre. “I couldn’t leave them in better hands than those of John Lepard, who created the role of Don in the original production of ‘Leaving Iowa.’ I think it’s going to be a great show for the cast and audience alike.”
The Kiltie Marching Band is going to celebrate its centennial anniversary with performances at 8 p.m., Nov. 19 and 3 p.m., Nov. 20. Founded in the fall of 1922 by students, the Kiltie Band has evolved from its original pep band status to a contemporary marching ensemble. Plans are in the works to bring back KMB alumni for the event.
“For me, this is about celebrating the first 100 years, but it’s also a launch point for the next 100 years,” said Dave Zerbe, the Paul Cameron Russell Professor of Music and KMB director. “I hope to see so many of our alumni come back to campus for this event.”
Alma College students will hear from disability culture activist, wheelchair dancer and community performance artist Petra Kuppers, who will deliver a keynote address at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Dunning Memorial Chapel. Kuppers will also lead a workshop for the dance department, speak with First-Year Seminar students and lead Friday Forum during her time at Alma.
Kuppers, a professor in the University of Michigan’s English and women’s and gender studies departments, uses ecosomatics, performance, and speculative writing to engage audiences toward more socially just and enjoyable futures.
A schedule for Alma College’s slate of events follows below. Ticket prices for most performances are $15 for adults, $7 for seniors (62+) and free for Alma College staff, students and children ages 1-18. Tickets can be purchased in advance at alma.universitytickets.com. Most performances take place at Presbyterian Hall, in the Remick Heritage Center, unless otherwise indicated.
Percussion Ensemble and Pipe Band Homecoming Kick-off Concert
8 p.m., Sept. 23
Homecoming Concert
6 p.m., Sept. 24
Free, no ticket required
Choir Concert
7:30 p.m., Oct. 21
Free, no ticket required
Alma Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert
7:30 p.m., Oct. 22
Free, no ticket required
Alma College Jazz Ensemble
7:30 p.m., Oct. 28
“The Imaginary Invalid”
7:30 p.m., Oct. 27-29
2:30 p.m., Oct. 30
Remick Heritage Center, Strosacker Theatre
Fall Dance Concert
7:30 p.m., Nov. 11-12
2:30 p.m., Nov. 13
Kiltie Marching Band 100th Anniversary Season Indoor Show
8 p.m., Nov. 19
3 p.m., Nov. 20
Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert
8 p.m., Nov. 22
Alma College Theatre — One-Act Play Festival 2022
7:30 p.m., Dec. 2
2:30 p.m., Dec. 3
7:30 p.m., Dec. 4
Remick Heritage Center, Strosacker Theatre
Festival of Carols
7 p.m., Dec. 3
2 p.m., Dec. 4
Student Choreography Concert
7:30 p.m., Feb. 3
2:30 p.m., Feb. 4
7:30 p.m., Feb. 4
2:30 p.m., Feb. 5
Remick Heritage Center, Dance Studio
Free; ticket required, limited seating available
“A Streetcar Named Desire”
7:30 p.m., Feb. 16-18
2:30 p.m., Feb. 19
Remick Heritage Center, Strosacker Theatre
Alma Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert
3 p.m., Feb. 19
Free, no ticket required
Alma Chorale Concert
7:30 p.m., Feb. 21
Free, no ticket required
Alma Choir Concert
7:30 p.m., Feb. 23
Free, no ticket required
Spring Dance Concert
7:30 p.m., March 10-11
2:30 p.m., March 12
Alma College High School Jazz Festival
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 24
Free, no ticket required
Alma College Highland Arts
8 p.m., March 25
Alma College Jazz Ensemble
7:30 p.m., March 28
“Leaving Iowa”
7:30 p.m., March 30-31
2:30 p.m., April 1
7:30 p.m., April 2
Remick Heritage Center, Strosacker Theatre
Masterworks Concert
7 p.m., April 1
2 p.m., April 2
Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert
8 p.m., April 6
Acapella Concert
7:30 p.m., April 11
Free, no ticket required
Alma College Band 100th Anniversary Season Spring Concert
3 p.m., April 15