The Red River Innovation Lab for the Humanities at Texas A&M-Texarkana is a step toward bridging the gap between the old and new school approaches to scholarship applications.
“It was designed to essentially show our campus community how you can use new hardware and software tools to … creatively reimagine what their scholarship and engagement in the humanities look like,” said Dr. Drew Morton.
Morton, along with Dr. Kevin Ells, is an associate professor of mass communication at TAMUT.
Equipped with a variety of communications tools for video, photography, sound engineering and computer applications, students are able to produce video essays, podcasts, short films and word clouds, among others.
“We are in a social media era. So instead of, or in addition to, standing up in front of a class delivering a standard talk or presentation, it’s interesting to look at how somebody would use the new and all technology to make informative or persuasive … speeches in any of these apps available today,” Ells said.
Morton said the RRILH helps meet a goal of the university to increase digital citizenship and digital literacy.
“I saw the lab as being kind of a offshoot and ancillary support resource to this new initiative,” he added.
Michelle Walraven, a non-traditional student with a major in organized leadership, said the transition to a more digital presence at the university has been a hindrance for her.
“When it comes to technology, I am an idiot. I’m not a technology major but I’m having to utilize all of it just to turn in an assignment,” Walraven said.
“I actually just had to drop a whole class because I don’t have the technical capabilities at home to complete. Knowing about and utilizing the lab in the library will be helpful.”
While non-traditional students may get more of an education in the practical application of using certain technologies, Morton said the lab will have something for all students.
To achieve this, the space is also available for tutorials, workshops, film screenings and other events with a humanities focus.
The RRILH is now open and available for use in the John Moss Library (UC305).
A list of the available equipment for student rental and in-lab use is available on the university website under the Student Resources tab.
For more information on events, contact Morton at dmorton@tamut.edu.
Dr. Craig Nakashian credits an encounter with an educator while applying for doctoral programs that led him to where he is today.
Nakashian is the dean of the honors college and professor of history at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
“I like to tell this story because it’s not a story of resilience. It’s a story of stubborn petulance, and sometimes that pays off,” Nakashian said.
After graduating from his masters program in Durham University in England, Nakashian applied to several schools in hopes of entering their Ph.D. program in history. He was rejected from them all, including his top pick of the University of Rochester.
Dejected, Nakashian reached out to the university to understand why. An email back from a Dr. Tim Brown, the chair of the history department, explained that they had several good applicants and limited space, but that he was certain Nakashian would be successful wherever he was accepted.
“At this point, I figured my life’s over. What do I care? I want to be a professor, I need a Ph.D. to get to be a professor. Can’t get a Ph.D., can’t be a professor … Whatever my life’s over. So I wrote this incredibly condescendingly angry email to this random chair of a department at a top research university in America,” Nakashian said.
“I remember hitting send and thinking, ‘Well, that’s that. I wonder if they’re hiring for assistant manager at the liquor store where I am.’”
It was a follow-up reply from Brown that changed Nakashian’s life.
“The only reason I’m sitting here is because he responded,” Nakashian said.
The email chastised him for his approach but explained in depth why he was not accepted.
The following year, Nakashian reapplied and was accepted into Rochester.
It was the “grace” Brown showed Nakashian in giving him a second chance that he said he has tried to emulate in his career.
“Life sometimes gets in the way of what we want to do and we may not react to it as well … But I always try to remember that to kind of ground myself. If he hasn’t shown me that grace, I’d like to think I’d be manager of … another liquor store in Western Massachusetts. I’d be the most bitter, well-read manager you had,” Nakashian said.
As students finish off this semester, we take a look back at the many challenges the students faced due to Covid. The rest of Americans hope for a new fresh start after facing challenges as well.
A Quiet Classroom
This semester, the classrooms were not the same. They were dark, quiet, and empty. Millions of college students opted for online courses to decrease the exposure of Covid and many college campuses opted out completely for in-person classes.
Online Learning
Now millions of Americans are learning from home. At first, online learning can be stressful. The teachers here At Texas A&M University are patient, understanding, and helpful. The teachers are the team captains that keep you from being overwhelmed and stressed. They offer online private meetings to help you with all your assignments and blackboard needs. I know this because I have used this several times. It’s nice getting that one-on-one interaction just as you would in a classroom.
Hope
Now the pressure is on for America to stop the spread of the virus so students can enjoy campus life, sports, activities, studies, and the classroom environment. Those are all the things we were robbed of this year from a perpetrator named Covid-19. The fall looks promising as we all hope we can start getting back to some sense of normalcy and start filling the classroom with new and old students.
The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness. We celebrate with our family and friends, sharing love and laughs, giving thanks and gifts. If you are anything like me, the holidays are also a time of introspection. It is a time to slow down and take a good look at your life. Many of us have an overabundance of things to be thankful for, even if we don’t always feel like we do. If you have a roof over your head, shoes on your feet, and food on your plate, you are doing better than many. Perhaps those things may not seem like luxuries, but there are a multitude of people in our very own community that do not have access to the things we often take for granted. That is why the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter of Texarkana needs YOUR help.
The Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter (RSOS) has been serving the citizens of Texarkana for over twenty-three years. Randy Sams’ aim is to help those struggling with homelessness and addiction to live a meaningful, happy, and productive life by equipping them with the necessary skills and support to do so. In addition to providing food and shelter at no cost, they offer many other services. Among these services are life skills classes, financial assistance programs, job training programs, prescription assistance, transportation assistance, and case management. They have bettered countless lives in their two decades of operation, and our community is incredibly lucky to have them.
With fall upon us, and winter closing in fast, RSOS finds themselves in great need of warm clothing items and accessories. Things like coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, headwear, socks, and blankets are in short supply.
In addition to these items, the Shelter has many other needs. They are always in need of cooking/serving and cleaning supplies. Their Be The Blessing Bakery also requires baking supplies. A complete list of specific needs can be found here. If you can help fulfill any, or all, of these needs, donations can be dropped off at the Shelter at any time between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you would simply like to make a monetary donation, those are also welcome. Donors have the option to make a one time donation, or sign up to give monthly or annually. For questions or concerns about donations, please contact the number below.
In addition to physical or monetary donations, there are other ways to lend a hand. If you are interested in donating your time, RSOS’ can always use volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer, such as hosting donation drives for shelter needs, or providing evening meals at the shelter. To volunteer your time or services, you can sign up online.
When it comes to donating, whatever it may be, you might think “I can’t give enough to make a difference,” but even the smallest gift can make a huge difference. You cannot change the world overnight, but you can do your part to make it a little brighter each day. Whatever you can do, or donate, will be greatly appreciated. After all, it is the least we can do for an organization that has been loving and caring for our community for over twenty years. While you are enjoying your holiday festivities with your family and friends, take a moment to spare a thought for those who are less fortunate. Spread joy and love wherever you can. Please make this holiday season a season of giving.
For more information on the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter and its programs, please visit them online or call 903-792-7024. You can also follow them on Facebook, and Twitter.
Attention, book lovers! If you enjoy reading Stephen King, Louisa May Alcott, and T.S. Eliot then you have a treat in store just in time for the holidays. Hollywood is releasing three new movies this fall based on books by these authors.
Stephen King lovers are sure to enjoy this new released movie adapted from Doctor Sleep.
Warner Bros. is releasing the movie November 8th. A sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep takes place years later with Danny Torrance now an adult. He meets a young girl with similar powers to his. Torrance has to protect this young girl from an evil tribe who is trying to use her powers to make them stronger. This film will have the same type of atmosphere as the original movie The Shining. A thrilling dark fantasy for horror lovers of Stephen King.
T.S. Eliot fans are in for a treat as the Broadway show Cats is being released by Universal Pictures on December 20th.
The movie is an adaptation of the musical played on Broadway. Andrew Lloyd Webber first introduced fans to Cats in 1982. Webber adapted his musical based on Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a collection of poems that centers around a tribe of cats called Jellicles.
The film centers on which cat will be chosen to ascend to the “Heaviside Layer’ to begin a new life. Fans of Cats are going to enjoy this adaptation as Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and Taylor Swift star. Be sure to listen for a new song titled Beautiful Ghost written by Taylor and Webber, sung by Francesca Hayward, in her first feature-length film role.
Sony Pictures is adapting yet another version of a film based on the novel written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women.
This film will be the eighth adaptation of the novel’s two volume set written in 1868-69. The plot stays the same as it shows the lives of four sisters who find their way as they enter womanhood. The March sisters have been classic characters book lovers and movie-goers have fallen in love with.
The screenplay is written by Sarah Polley (Away From Her) and Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), who also directs. Gerwig’s adaptation will capture the poignancy and wit of the novel. The film stars Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Saoirse Ronan (Mary Queen of Scots), and Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia 1&2).
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of all things creepy, or you’re just looking to get in a spooky mood, many of us like to scare ourselves silly around Halloween. Some of us visit haunted mazes and trails, some attend or throw parties, some read ghost stories, but one of the most common (and one of my favorite) Halloween festivities is the increased consumption of horror films. Even those who might not normally like scary movies tend to indulge in the spirit of the season. Whether you prefer to be scared in person, or from the comfort of your couch, the Tiger Theatre Company is bringing the best of both worlds to Texarkana this weekend, as they open their production of Night of the Living Dead, LIVE!
A still from Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! is a theatrical stage production based on George A. Romero’s classic 1968 film.The original plot follows a group of strangers who barricade themselves in a house in hopes of surviving a zombie outbreak. This film was significant in that it began a total reinvention of the horror genre. It also served as the birth of the modern zombie film, which continues to be wildly popular today, even five decades later. It was also significant in that it was highly controversial, since it featured an African-American hero and realistic sequences of gore and violence. Going into this, it is extremely important to understand that this is not a strict, line-for-line, shot-for-shot adaptation, it is a humorous re-imagining and celebration of the original film.
On their website, Samuel French says that, “The play lovingly examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.” Although it keeps most of the basic plot elements, there are differences. According to director Melissa Newton, rather than sticking to the film’s original ending, this version has multiple endings in which each character faces different difficulties while trying to make it through the night. This allows the audience to examine these various endings from multiple viewpoints, “through the lens of the 1960s”, as Newton put it. As in the film, all of the characters seem to be at odds with one another, which begs the question: will they kill each other before the zombies get the chance? Plot differences aside, Newton assures that the spirit of the original film is still very much intact. “People keep asking me if the play is scary,” she said, “It depends – if the original film scares you, then this will be very scary.” For those who are looking for a fright, do not fret! Newton says that there are definitely moments that will make audiences jump.
When asked why she chose this production, Newton began by explaining that the first production she directed at Texas High was Dracula. The THS Theatre Department’s technical director, Trent Hanna, enjoyed that production so much that he came to Newton in the spring and asked if they could do another “scary” show, since Dracula was so much fun. “Between the two of us, we must have read [every] version of Night of the Living Dead and none of them had the right feel,” Newton continued. As she was planning a trip to London, she noticed that a new version, titled Night of the Living Dead, LIVE!, was running on the West End. “Immediately, I ordered the script and read it,” she said, “It was perfect”. They particularly liked this version because it contained deeper social commentary, and it was very humorous. Newton says that this is more than just a “horror show”, and she cannot wait to share it with everyone.
The rehearsal process for this show has been quite intense. The cast consists of 38 actors, all Texas High School students. The production also boasts an impressive crew of seventeen. Both cast and crew went through rigorous training in stage combat, and the actors portraying zombies have put countless hours into perfecting their “zombie identities”. The company began by rehearsing three to four days a week, focusing on blocking and character development. Rehearsals became more frequent (and intense) as opening night drew closer and, by October, the cast and crew had begun running scenes with the zombies and technical elements. Due to the heavy use of technical elements in the show, they have also had several all-day tech rehearsals in order to get things running smoothly.
Although they work extremely hard, the cast and crew have fun as well. THS Junior Darby Robertson (who plays the role of Judy) shared a humorous moment between she and Connor Powell, the actor playing her love interest (Tom). While rehearsing a passionate kiss between the two characters, Powell accidentally collided with Robertson, busting her lip. “It is definitely something I will never forget,” she said, adding that the incident will “haunt Connor for the rest of his time in this theatre company.”
THS Senior Alex Cope, who is the chief of the lighting crew, said that he has greatly enjoyed doing tech for this show. Cope said, “My favorite thing about the show is, of course, the lights.” He particularly loves the way the lighting design makes the play “come to life”. According to Cope, when it comes to the rehearsal process, “seeing everyone grow in their scenes and become so invested is probably one of the best things. I’m definitely going to miss this.” One of the director’s favorite moments is a scene she refers to as the “sacrifice scene”. Newton chose not to elaborate on this moment, saying that she would leave it at that, in order to avoid “giving too much away.”
Although every production of any play is special for multiple reasons, what makes this show unique is that it has a peculiar color scheme… The set, costumes, and even the actors will be in full grayscale, as is the tradition with this play. This is meant to evoke the spirit of the black-and-white 35 millimeter film on which the original movie was shot. Special rehearsals were called in order to train the actors and crew members so their makeup would be just right. It will be interesting to see how they play with this effect. When asked about other special effects used in the show, Newton refused to divulge any further secrets. “You will have to be in the audience to see it,” she said.
Performances of Night of the Living Dead, LIVE! will be:
Friday, October 25 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27 – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets will be available both online or at the door.
For questions or more information, contact Melissa Newton, or call 903-794-3891 (ext. 2408). For updates on this show and future shows, you can find the Tiger Theatre Company on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram.
Can YOU survive a night of the living dead?
The Tiger Theatre Company is making a point to stress that this production has a PG-13 rating, as it contains violence that may not be suitable for children. Parents should use caution and plan accordingly.
Although countless creepy creatures have chilled and captivated audiences over the years, it is impossible to deny the overwhelming popularity of the zombie. Since George A. Romero’s horror classic Night of The Living Dead first terrified viewers back in 1968, the world has been infected with zombie fever. I do not think it’s a stretch to say that most of us have discussed with friends, or at least daydreamed about our plans in the event of a zombie apocalypse. That is, which locations can be easily fortified, where to find rations, which weapons are the most effective, and so on.
For those of you yet to make your plans, or looking for inspiration, the Fouke High School Drama Department has the perfect production to kick-start a brainstorming session. Don Zolidis’ 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse is a hilarious and helpful field guide for navigating an Undead Armageddon. Consisting of ten short skit-like segments that demonstrate handy hints for staying alive, this silly and spooky show is sure to tickle your funny bone.
Director Josh “Coach” Jones chose this show in the spirit of the Halloween season, allowing the kids to let loose with something “quick and fun” before they start on their heavier and more intense shows. Unlike many productions in which the dialogue is set in stone and actors don’t get any say in their costumes, Jones has given his actors a higher degree of creative control. In this production, the actors were in charge of designing their own costumes, and improvisation has been encouraged (which I am told includes many references to classic zombie flicks). Although most of the actors are in high school, FHS has a tradition of casting elementary and middle school students in the spirit of inclusivity. This cast of eighteen consists of seasoned FHS Drama Department veterans, as well as fresh meat.
Performances of 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse will be:
When it comes to entertainment, many people here assume you have to travel to a big city to find quality live shows or exposure to art or culture. Texarkana may be relatively small, but it is not short on entertainment, art, or culture. We have multiple venues for live music, museums, and various incredibly talented theatre troupes. Among these troupes is Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) Curtain Call Productions. Under the direction of Deborah Sutton, the award-winning theatre department at PGHS never fails to impress. This year’s major production will be Aladdin Jr, a musical adaptation of the Academy-Award winning 1992 Disney film.
Originally adapted for the stage in 2011, Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin (book by Beguelin) the stage show does an excellent job of translating the spirit and feel of the film. It is a tale about a “street rat” named Aladdin, a poor young man who dreams of fortune and fame. After rescuing a genie from a lamp, he is given three wishes. Aladdin uses these wishes to pretend to be a prince in order to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, while facing the evil Jafar, who plots to marry her and steal the throne. It is a story about friendship, love, and the discovery that one’s wealth does not define their worth. Like any adaptation, changes have been made to the story, but Mrs. Sutton assures that, “The heart, integrity and grace of the film is definitely captured in the stage version.” New musical numbers and characters only add to the fun in this wild, larger-than-life magic carpet ride. PGHS’ production certainly sounds like it will live up to the hype.
PG students in rehearsal. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
When asked about the selection process, Mrs. Sutton explained that, “A good high school director never directs the show that he or she wants to direct— They direct the show that fits their kids!” In order to choose a show that best fits her company, she first assesses their talents and searches for a production that will best display them. “This year,” she continued, “We have the trio: Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine. All three must be strong, seasoned performers. We are blessed with a great company that can support our lead trio.” The sheer size of the company alone is impressive, with a total of three hundred cast members, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade.
With a show as big as this, preparations can be intense. The cast went through “musical boot camp”, where they were introduced to the show, as well as the design concept and the movement requirements. The cast was also given instruction on vocal work, as well as an extended workout regimen to be performed daily. In addition, the students had to prepare their background history and family tree, as they studied customs and traditions of the Arab nations. In addition to rehearsals during school hours, the company also rehearses three nights a week, where they go over scene work and choreography.
Cast members pose for a picture while rehearsing the tap number for “Friend Like Me”. (PGHS Curtain Call Productions Facebook page)
Mrs. Sutton’s favorite part of the rehearsal process, are what she calls “Light Bulb” moments, which can come after a particularly difficult scene or bit of choreography. “Any moment that ‘light bulb’ pops on and a student ‘gets it’ – That’s our favorite moment!” she explained. When asked about the cast members’ favorite number in the show, she said that they particularly enjoy “Friend Like Me”, which she describes as “Eight minutes of amazing fun”.
The best part of all? Admission is completely free! The organization prides themselves on being “Family-Friendly and Always Free”. However, with a production of this size, you must have a ticket to ensure entry. Free tickets will be available in the PGHS Main Office starting October 25th. For more information, or questions, please call 903-832-8005.
In the meantime, be sure to follow PGHS Curtain Call Productions’ on Facebook for more information and some cool content, like behind-the-scenes pictures and videos of the cast— Like this video of Aladdin Jr cast members flash-mobbing a PG Faculty meeting.You can also find them on Instagram.
In a world as negative as ours can be, it is wonderful to know that places like The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre (SCT) still exist. Located in downtown Texarkana on Broad Street, SCT is truly a staple of our community. SCT has given children a safe and positive environment in which to learn and grow, offering what they aptly call “Life training in disguise”. It is a place to be silly and creative, as well as a place to discover abilities, encourage imagination, learn life skills, make lasting
The cast meets with the directors for the first time. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)
friendships, and sharpen talents. It is also a place to find and foster a lifelong passion in an art that is often overlooked in the age of movies, video games, television, and streaming services. Do not let the words “Children’s Theatre” fool you. You would be hard-pressed to find a more talented, passionate, dedicated and professional group of people.
The final show of SCT’s 2019 season is a musical adaptation of one of the most beloved (and perhaps most quoted) holiday movies of all time, A Christmas Story: The Musical. With music and lyrics by Pasek & Paul ( Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and James and The Giant Peach) and book by Joseph Robinette (Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Anne of Green Gables), this show should be a blast. Although their version of the musical opened on Broadway in 2012, the show is still touring nationally. Just like the film, the story takes place in Indiana in the
Iconic scenes from A Christmas Story. (Credit: MGM / Warner Bros.)
1940s. It follows young Ralphie Parker, who tells everyone who will listen (generally in one breath) that he wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle “with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time” for Christmas, despite protests from every adult he encounters. The film accurately and hilariously captures the madcap whirlwind that is the holiday season, growing up in a crazy family, and how tough it is to be a kid.
The kick-line rehearsing for “A Major Award”. (Credit: SCT Facebook page)
Rehearsals for this production began shortly after the casting announcement at the end of August. The show boasts an impressive cast of thirty-five actors. The principal cast of nine and the Adult/Kid Ensembles of twenty-six range in age from 7-50 years old. When discussing the show how the stage version compares to the film, Susannah Linnett, one of SCT’s directors, explained that the story doesn’t differ much from the movie, but the scenes where Ralphie’s imagination run away with him get a big musical treatment. She also explained that you get more insight into Ralphie’s parents (Mom and the Old Man), which you don’t really get in the film. “There’s even a greater sense of closure with the musical,” she said, “[You get] A feel good moment instead of ‘He got his gun, yay!'”. Mrs. Linnett’s two favorite musical numbers from the show are “Up on Santa’s Lap”, which will feature an actual slide on stage, and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”, a tap dancing number named after the main catchphrase from the film, which is performed by Ralphie’s teacher. The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre will bring this treasured story to life in late November.
Performances of A Christmas Story: The Musical will be:
Thursday, November 21 – 7 p.m.
Friday, November 22 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 23 – 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 24 – 2 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale soon. For more information on this production, or the Silvermoon Children’s Theatre in general, you may email them or find SCT on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.
Do you ever find yourself stuck while trying to write an essay or research paper for class?
Maybe you are trying to write a poem or a story and find yourself stumped? You could be
experiencing what is known as “writer’s block”. This term is usually associated with authors of fiction or non-fiction books, but it can happen to anyone.
Whether dumbfounded at the beginning, middle, or end of your paper, writer’s block is not a fun ordeal. You experience frustration and anxiety while trying to get through your assignment. Writer’s block happens to all of us at one time or another. As a writer and student, I have experienced writer’s block many times over the years of writing my stories and academic papers, and I have some tips on how I have overcome it.
To start with, keep writing. Even if it is a bunch of nonsense words, keep writing. You
can start by writing a list of the things you already know about the topic you will be writing
about.
Continue by asking yourself the 5 Ws and How questions. Your answers do not have to
be complete sentences, just write what comes to mind while asking yourself the questions. For example, you are writing a paper about Mark Twain, ask who is Mark Twain, what did he do, when did he begin writing? Where did he work? Why do we still read his works? Continue asking yourself as many questions as needed to get the information you need for your paper.
Once you have made your list, take what you wrote and make short sentences. When you
have written everything from your list, read it out loud. Does it make sense to you in the
direction you want to go? Keep in mind that you are not looking for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, or complete sentences. You just want enough information you can apply to completed sentences and paragraphs.
When satisfied you have enough information about your topic, walk away. Yes,
walking away from your paper for thirty minutes to an hour will help your brain acquire more ideas to apply to your paper. This works for me and Owl Purdue Writing Lab suggests doing the same thing on their website.
Now that you have rested your brain, go back to your paper and reread what you wrote.
This is the time to make complete sentences and apply those sentences to paragraphs. After you have typed or written one page, stop. Reread what you have written. Add or delete any sentences that you need to that pertain to your topic.
By now you should have lots of ideas for your paper. Continue writing, rereading, and
adding sentences to your paper. Remember grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting comes last. You just want to get all your ideas on paper right now.
The last step is to put all your completed paragraphs in the correct format. Start with the
most important idea of your topic first then finish with the least important idea. Now you are ready to edit your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuations. Before you know it, your paper is complete.
