University Theatre presents ‘Seminar,’ a comedic exploration of the writers’ world

Fresno State’s University Theatre will present the Fresno premiere of “Seminar” by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Brad Myers. 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2 and 5-9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at the John W. Wright Theatre on campus. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military and $10 for all students. Children under 12 are not permitted.

In “Seminar,” a provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive, and others flounder. Alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy.

“Theresa Rebeck’s hilarious and provocative play has fascinated me ever since I first read it,” says Myers. “As an artist, student and teacher, I identify with all of the characters. I remember times in grad school when I thought a teacher’s brutal honesty was abusive, only to realize years later that the painful truth pushed me forward as an actor and director. And now that I’m a professor, I often consider how honest I should be in critiquing a student‘s work. ‘Seminar’s’ conflicted characters yearning to find a path forward amidst ambition, sexual politics and self-sacrifice put Seminar at the top of my ‘must-direct’ list.”

This production is double-cast. Lindsay Anton, Jimmy Haynie, Quincy Maxwell, and Paris Richards perform on Dec. 1, 3, 6, and 8. Grant Hill, Marikah Christine Leal, Paulina Marin-Contreras  Carlos Sanchez, perform Dec. 2, 5, 7, and 9. Terry Lewis will perform on December 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Chase Stubblefield will perform on Dec. 5.

Theresa Rebeck’s “Seminar” is a brilliant examination of the creative process and the complex interplay of art and ego. The characters are richly developed, and their interactions are both humorous and thought-provoking. Audiences can expect to be taken on an entertaining and introspective journey through the world of writing and the often tumultuous relationships that it fosters.

Fresno State no longer requires masks to be worn indoors, but based on updated guidance from public health experts, the University highly recommends that all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear a surgical grade or KN95 mask indoors. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Latecomers will not be permitted, and there are no refunds or exchanges. The box office is open from noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance, and it accepts cash, check, or credit card payments.

Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and can be purchased at dispensers in parking lots on campus.

For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.