Central State University theatre arts program offers slate of upcoming shows and workshops

Although Central State University’s theatre and drama program may be comprised solely of a faculty of one, adjunct professor John Fleming has plenty forthcoming events to keep Marauders and area community members excited and engaged in the realm of performance arts. 

Under Fleming’s production and guidance, Central State’s Title III Theatre Arts Program has recently announced its fall and spring (2023-24) lineup, all taking place on campus at the illustrious Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center.  

These events run from this month through late April 2024 and include such highlights as specialized training workshops in all forms of theater and onscreen work, a production of the musical extravaganza “It Ain’t Nothing But The Blues,” and an interactive multimedia one-man show with Central State’s award-winning general manager of WCSU-FM, Charles Fox. 

All events are free (with program-supporting donations gratefully accepted) and open to all Central State students and members of the public. 

It is a clarion testament to Fleming that he has been able to keep what drama programs and classes Central State offers robust, inclusive, and generative of exhibitions that have entertained and often inspired audiences from all backgrounds for the 16 years he has been at the University.  

Fleming inherited, through his predecessor Lee Hoffman, federal funding support through Title III (land-grant school specific) status for the Institution’s performance arts programming. 

“When I took over [the Title III Theatre Arts Program] 11 years ago, there was only one major activity a year, and now we’ve grown so much,” Fleming said. “It’s interesting too, because even though we have one of the smallest budgets on campus, we have the largest pool of external independent contractors needed for set builders, costume designers, [et al].” 

With what resources Fleming does have at his disposal through Title III underwriting and private donations, he is able to typically offer three large-scale events per year: a drama in the fall, a student-led fashion/dance show at whatever time of year is appropriate, and the longest-endurng show: the spring musical.  

“When we do the musical, it’s a big deal,” Fleming said. 

Last year, that musical was “The Wiz.” This year, “Ain’t Nothing But The Blues” chronicles the blues idiom, from its African provenance through its modern-day southern, Midwestern, and East Coast explosion across the United States. 

As a twist to the regular yearly programming, for this upcoming season, Fleming is replacing the fall drama with a spate of seminars for those interested in taking the stage or taking part in film/television performances both in front and behind the camera.  

“The talent is a given here; the students are really talented,” Fleming said. “But, because there isn’t a formalized theater department here, there isn’t much of an infrastructure for teaching basic skills such as visual storytelling and acting for a musical. I’m hoping workshops like these will help fill that gap.” 

To ensure these instructional programs will be of the highest caliber, Fleming is ushering in assistance from the local community including Felicia Chappelle, sister of famed Yellow Springs-based comedian Dave Chappelle, and someone with whom Fleming has worked multiple times before. 

Fleming is staunch in his passion for maintaining and hopefully expanding what teachable drama programming he can offer at Central State for the fact that, as he put it, “right now, there’s a great opportunity for Black performing artists, including writers and producers. Just look what the success of ‘Black Panther’ alone has led to in the industry.  

“That wasn’t the case up until recently, and now there’s so much opportunity for employment in the entertainment industry for Central State students so interested.” 

A dream of Fleming’s for the future is being able to gain the resources and, frankly, further major funding necessitated to put on a full-fledged performance of the live-action “Lion King” musical.  

“I really want to work to bring ‘The Lion King’ in its full spectacularity to Central State and to continue to make sure our students have opportunities like these to both participate and watch such performances for as long as possible.”