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Encore, Encore…

Snapchat goes backstage at ‘Red Hot & Cole’

On April 8, the lights come up and the curtain opens on Ohio Wesleyan’s production of “Red Hot & Cole” – and you’ve got a backstage pass.

Margot Reed ’16 is taking us backstage and behind the scenes of this glittery show, produced by OWU’s Department of Theatre & Dance, in collaboration with the Department of Music.

Reed, originally from Brooklyn, New York, is the props head for the show. Every item an actor uses on stage is under her supervision and was procured or made by Reed and her crew.

Although as an actor “you want to be seen and heard” Reed says, “as a crew member if you are noticed, it means that something has gone wrong. …

“As a member of the crew, it’s your job to make sure that no one notices if the show is going anything but smoothly.”

Reed says she chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because she “could tell that the student body celebrated individuality.”

And, she adds, the theatre department offers a variety of pathways for students to explore. “You definitely don't feel like you're in a conservatory, where everyone is steered to one path.”

Reed plans to move back to New York after graduating and pursue a job in Syracuse in the theatre education field. She says the musical arts provide a “different way to express an idea – one that gives opportunities in ways that a typical straight play might not be able to.” One day she also hopes to “voice a character in a cartoon.”

For now, Reed is proud of all the work she’s put into OWU theatrical productions, all thanks to her professors. “Ed Kahn or Bonnie Milne Gardner are two powerhouses in the Theatre & Dance Department,” Reed says, “who really challenge their students to put forth their best work.”

Aside from posting from “Red Hot & Cole,” Reed also will share what it's like “to be a SLU (Small Living Unit) kid.” She is a member of The House of Peace and Justice.

“It's a great family to be a part of; they challenge me and support me at the same time.” The mission of House of Peace and Justice is to spread awareness about social injustices and other issues to both the OWU and Delaware communities.

Reed, who describes herself as “full of enthusiasm,” urges future Bishops “be open to change.”

“Red Hot & Cole” features stage direction by Elane Denny-Todd and music direction by Jason Hiester. It will be presented in five performances on the Main Stage inside Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Music and lyrics are by Cole Porter, and the book is by James Bianchi, Muriel McAuley, and Randy Strawderman. Contact the Box Office for show times and tickets.

To view Ohio Wesleyan’s Snapchat posts, you’ll need to download the free Snapchat app for your smartphone and add ohiowesleyan. For more OWU social media, check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.