Published: July 01, 2008 07:01 pm         

SHIP SET TO TRANSFORM A&M-C 'TREASURE ISLAND' STAGE

COMMERCE — Michael Knight likes to think big and the set he has designed for "Treasure Island" at Texas A&M University-Commerce is definitely just that.

"I like to think big and pazazzy - that's the kind of set I like doing," says Knight, assistant professor of theatre design in the Department of Mass Media, Communications, and Theatre.

For the 18th century adventure based on the Robinson Lewis Stevenson seafaring classic, the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center will be transformed into a big ship.

Four students have been busy this month building the set. Serving as the carpenters are Chad and Brandon Pope and Chris Wyatt, who have been assisted by Rachel Fields and Gerald Taylor, hair and makeup designers for the production.

Lighting is a major aspect of the show and will make the action on stage more dramatic, Knight said. New set media and computerized equipment will add to the versatility of the lighting at the University Playhouse.

Joining the theatre department in 2006, Knight does his stage design work on computer.

A 1998 alumnus of the theatre program, Knight earned a master of fine arts degree in theatre design from the University of Mississippi in 2002. He worked in professional theatre in Amarillo and Dickson, Tenn., near Nashville before returning to A&M-Commerce

Knight and his wife, Jennifer, live in Commerce and are introducing their three children to theatre at an early age. Five-year-old Emma, three-year-old Graham, and two-year-old Abi sometimes come to the Performing Arts Center with their father and walk on the big Main Stage and spend time in the costume shop.

Emma, in her playtime, likes to pretend she is a director, Knight said.

Directing the acting is alumnus Cleo House Jr., professor of theatre at Penn State Berks.

The show will open at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, on the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center. Other performances will be a special "early bird" Independence Day show at 6 p.m. July 4; 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 6.



The second week of the run will be at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 10-12; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13.



Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $5 for students. For reservations, call the Playhouse Box Office at (903) 886-5900.