The lights dim to a single spotlight on the stage, the music cues and a single individual begins speaking to the audience. The performance has begun.
This year there are two major changes that the Paul W. Ogle Cultural & Community Center has for the upcoming performance year.
“This year there are two season series,” Ken Atkins, Marketing Director of The Ogle Center, said. “The National Nights Series and the Ogle Center Presents Series.”

Change 1: Theatre department is part of the children’s series
Atkins said that this year is the first year the theatre department has been featured as part of the Children’s Series.
“This year we are doing the show “Once Upon a Mattress” during the children series,” Jim Hesselman, associate professor of theatre, said. “It’s good for students to get the experience and preparation with different audiences.”
The Children’s Series are performances that the Ogle Center holds for young children. Atkins said that these performances are held in the Ogle Center early in the day at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“It’s a fun show for everybody and it’s fun to be in,” Hesselman said. “People underestimate its entertainment value.”
Hesselman said that the cast is going to have elaborate costumes and sets that fit the time period. He said that the cast and volunteers create their costumes and stage from scratch.
“Lee Meriweather is coming back as the queen in the fall.” Hesselman said. “Meriweather did a one-woman show at IUS a few years ago.”
Hesselman said that he met Meriweather while he was on the 25th anniversary Broadway tour of Nunsense. She is known for being Catwoman and former Miss America, he said.
“Auditions are open for everyone on campus and people from the community,” Hesselman said. “They will be held the 27 and 28 of August from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the auditorium.”
Hesselman said they also look for people to do stage lighting and tech work for the presentations and students do not have to have experience to help.

Change 2: Construction on structures
Over the summer there has been construction in The Ogle Center, Atkins said.
“The ticket office is being renovated,” Atkins said. “It is going to be much more visually appealing and provide a better service.”
Atkins said there is also a new Ticket Office manager that was scheduled to start Aug. 13.
“We also have construction of a new amphitheater,” Atkins said. “Events include a summer pops concert by the music department.”
He said these events will be held on Fridays in June. The concerts will be held during the evening and will be held outdoors. The amphitheater is scheduled to be completed by October and will be named Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County Amphitheater.
Atkins said that The Ogle Center is always looking for volunteers for their shows.
“We like to have 10 or more ushers for shows,” Atkins said. “Students who usher are able to see the shows for free.”
He said students who are interested should stop by the Ticket Office or go online to www.ius.edu/oglecenter/ and fill out their availability.

Ticket Office Hours are Tuesday-Friday
10 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for students and $28 for adults

Subscriptions are available to receive discounts on tickets.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 1

Phone number: 812-941-2526

Check out our Events Calendar on our website
ius.edu/oglecenter