KNOXVILLE — In “The Wizard of Oz: Gags, Shtick, Rhythms and Routines,” Calvin MacLean, professor and head of theatre at the University of Tennessee, discusses the art of physical comedy during the UT Pre-Game Faculty Showcase.

Students, faculty, staff and all football fans are invited to watch MacLean’s hilarious two-person production of “The Wizard of Oz” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 in the University Center Ballroom.

The UT Pre-Game Faculty Showcase, now entering its 18th year, is held two hours before every home football game. The College of Arts and Sciences selects a top faculty member for each presentation.

The programs are free and open to the public. Each program is 45 minutes and includes a question-and-answer session. Light refreshments are served, and door prizes including footballs and basketballs signed by UT coaches are awarded.

MacLean wrote the two-actor version of “The Wizard of Oz.” One student will play Dorothy while the second will play “everybody else.” During the program, he will direct it and then use it to explain how theatre works.

MacLean joined the UT faculty in 2006. Prior to that, he was professor of theatre and head of directing at Illinois State University. While there, he was director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, which built and opened a $2- million outdoor theatre.

MacLean won several awards for his productions at the festival, and the Chicago Tribune named him one of the 10 most promising theatre artists for 2002. MacLean also was an ensemble member of the Famous Door Theatre Company in Illinois and won awards for production and direction.

MacLean earned his master’s degree in performance/acting at the University of Michigan and his master’s of fine arts degree in directing at the University of Massachusetts.

The Pre-Game Faculty Showcase is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences with the support of the UT National Alumni Association and UT Athletics.

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Contact:

Elizabeth Davis, UT media relations, (865) 974-5179, elizabeth.davis@tennessee.edu

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