Fail-Safe (n):
a design feature causing a piece of machinery or other mechanism to revert to a safe condition…
Fail-Safe Theatre (n, see also artistic experience, excitement, not-to-be-missed)
The mission of Fail-Safe Theatre is to provide a fail-safe mechanism for the performing arts at St. Ambrose: a fun, safe, and creative outlet for students of any discipline to express themselves on stage. Through regularly scheduled performance and design opportunities, Fail-Safe Theatre provides an energetic late-night cabaret environment for the poets, musicians, actors, filmmakers, singers, and performing artists of all kinds in the campus community.
The St. Ambrose University’s Theatre department is bringing a new opportunity to people on campus, a monthly variety show for people to get creative and perform called Fail-Safe Theatre. This late-night variety show will give artists on campus a five-minute spot to do performances like, act out a scene, perform their favorite song cover, recite a poem, or share a lyrical dance in front of an audience of supporters.
Theatre Department Head, Daniel Rairdin-Hale, came up with the idea while reminiscing on his days as a student here.
“When I was a student here (20+ years ago) there was a similar variety show in place that provided an outlet for theatre students, music students, creative writing students, and anyone and everyone that had a desire to perform,”Rairdin-Hale said “We’d see monologues from theatre majors and recital pieces from music students, but also students from across majors and disciplines would come play the guitar or show off a special skill. I’m excited to rekindle that kind of electric interdisciplinary cross-pollination of creative energies. Athletes, artists, biology majors, accounting. Students, faculty, staff – Come play!” Rairdin-Hale said.
Although our Theatre Department has always encouraged students to be a part of their team, Fail-Safe theatre is made to be accessible to anyone. No auditions or rehearsals, it is an opportunity for all students to come as they are and do their thing.
Rairdin-Hale encourages students, staff, and faculty to come join him and other creatives in this experience.
“Fail-Safe Theatre is intended to serve as a low-stakes venue where you can take some risks and have some fun, but if you’re still hesitant, there will be more than one show – you can come watch the show in September and be part of the show in October!”Rairdin-Hale said.
Fail-Safe will be performed on the last Thursday of each month and opens in a couple of weeks on Thursday September 29th at 9:00 pm. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to sing to perform. For those not interested in performing, Fail-Safe is a great opportunity to support the artists on campus.
To sign up or for more information scan the QR code on the posters around campus, go to the link below or email Daniel Rairdin-Hale at rairdinhaledanielk@sau.edu
