Theatre MSU’s ‘Unified Theatre’ project showcases ACCESS student talent
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Theatre MSU is partnering with the university’s ACCESS Program to launch a “Unified Theatre” project celebrating student creativity in a collaborative performance of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
Unified Theatre is a nationwide program that unites students from all backgrounds and learning styles to create and perform productions together. Entirely organized, written and directed by the students themselves, Unified Theatre dissolves barriers and fosters acceptance. Since its founding, the program has engaged more than 4,000 participants and nearly 10,000 audience members in approximately 50 schools across the country. Established in 2010, MSU’s ACCESS Program is the state’s first residential, postsecondary education program for students with diverse learning needs.
The show will be presented in local schools on Nov. 12, and a free, public performance is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. in the McComas Hall Theater.
The production is directed by Jacob Uithoven, a senior in MSU’s ACCESS Program who has been actively involved with Theatre MSU since arriving on campus in 2022. A native of Belden, Uithoven has performed in several Theatre MSU productions, including last year’s “Charlotte’s Web” as the lead role. He also has gained experience behind the scenes as an intern and also as an intern with WMSV The Junction radio.
“What excites me about being a director is giving others the chance to experience what I’ve been able to experience on stage,” Uithoven said. “I enjoy both acting and directing. Being an actor lets you be part of the story, but directing gives you the opportunity to help shape the whole production.”
Uithoven’s directorial debut is backed by years of hands-on theater experience, said Tonya S. Hays, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Communication, Media and Theatre.
“Jacob is incredibly responsible and follows through with his commitments. He is self-motivated, collaborative and well-respected by his peers. These are all qualities that make a good director, and we are excited to see him lead this project,” said Hays, who is serving as a mentor to the production team.
MSU student Caroline Donnelly, a junior political science major from Somerville, Tennessee, will assist the production team through Hays’ Theatre for Young Audiences class.
Hays said she hopes both K–12 students and campus audiences see the deeper message behind the production.
“I hope they realize that theater is for everyone,” she said. “Theater can transcend and transform through the work of the ACCESS students. Of course, we also believe audiences will enjoy this interactive, fun and original performance of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’”
MSU’s ACCESS Program provides a four-year college experience that integrates academics, career development and independent living. Graduates of the program earn an MSU Certification of Completion with an area of focus.
For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Communication, Media and Theatre, visit www.cas.msstate.edu and www.comm.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.