As Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi theater students prepared to present a feminist reimagining of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," they reflected on what drew them to the school's theater program and the opportunities it has given them.
The play will be held at the campus' Wilson Theatre for six days straight, starting Sept. 29.
Tickets can be purchased at tamucc.edu/samc/theatre/on-stage.
The play, "Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really," tells the story of "Dracula" but has some gender-swapped characters and pushes the female roles into being more empowered.
Sean Murray, a sophomore who portrays the titular role, said while Dracula is still the villain, the play also touches on how the men in the show are also monsters.
"Audience members will
see this and see some struggles that might hit close to home, I think," Murray said before a dress rehearsal.
Sophomore Mackenzie Joshua said the play makes references to misogyny and the patriarchy that many women will be familiar with.
"George Seward tells my character that not all men are monsters and I respond with, 'Yes, but it's hard to tell which ones will consume you,'" said Joshua, who portrays Mina Parker. "It's not all men, but women do have to consistently and constantly be aware of their surrounding and how men are treating you."
Murray and Joshua are majoring in theater at the university. They are both from Central Texas — Murray hails from Salado and Joshua from Austin — and said the theater program drew them to A&M-Corpus Christi.
'Home away from home'
Murray said he opted for theater arts as a sophomore in high school. He said he never thought he'd enjoy theater but fell in love with it right away.
The summer before his junior year, Murray attended the university's Camp on the Coast, a two-week summer program for high school students seeking an intensive and creative theater experience.
During his first visit the summer before he was a junior, he said he was enamored by the university and the theater program.
"It felt like a home away from home," Murray said. "I was able to learn about things during those camps I wasn't learning in high school."
Natalie Festari, a senior and stage manager for the play, said she found out about the university at the annual Texas Thespian Festival. She approached a booth and learned from a professor about the program and found out it had her dream degree plan — the ability to earn her theatrical degree and teaching certificate at the same time.
That same degree plan was also the reason Joshua said she decided to commit to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The university allows students to receive one of four degrees: acting/directing, design/tech, acting/directing with a teacher certification and design/tech with a teacher certification.
Murray and Joshua are going for the third option while Festari will graduate with the fourth degree plan in spring 2027.
Small program, big opportunities
All three said what they love about the theater program is how "close knit" it is.
Because the program is small, it offers more opportunities and allows the students to grow close to one another, said Festari, who is from Houston.
"I've met some of my best friends in this program," Festari said. "It makes it feel like a safer space for me and it's comforting."
Murray said the program provides many opportunities to students beyond acting.
"We get to work in the costume department, run lights, run sound, create sets, stage manage and everything else," Murray said. "You get to be in everything and you're always doing something. It's a great way to connect with others and grow."
The professors are an additional bonus, said Joshua, naming Meredith Melville, who is directing the show, in particular.
"When I'm struggling with understanding my character, she's someone I can go and have a conversation with," Joshua said. "If students are looking for a place that is welcoming, this is the place. I would not trade it for any other school."
'What theater is all about'
Melville has been with the university for nine years. She is the associate professor of theater and theater coordinator.
"Students get to learn a lot from our professors and fellow students," Melville said of the university's theater program. Prospective students "see how dedicated we all are, and I think that's what drives them to want to look at TAMU-CC for theater. We have a new space opening soon and they know they will be getting cutting-edge technology soon. We're hoping that continues to draw theater people to us."
Murray, Joshua and Festari said they want to become teachers to help young ones hone their craft.
Festari said she plans on returning to Houston to teach children in her hometown. Joshua said she's not sure where she will teach but is confident she will have a job by the time she graduates, as the university's theater program has a 100% job placement rate.
Murray said a fire was lit inside him when he took theater arts in high school, and he wants to ignite that for future students when he becomes a teacher.
"I want to give them an opportunity to do something they never thought they would have, while also providing a safe environment to have fun with others and learn more about themselves," Murray said. "That's what theater is all about — humanity and learning about yourself so you can better portray others. ... This program is an opportunity to find yourself and be a better you."
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: 'Dracula' play coming to A&M-Corpus Christi; meet students behind it
