Evan Smittle of Ada was part of the talented cast and crew in the Baldwin Wallace University and Playhouse Square collaborative production of "BARS (Beatboxing, Acting, Rapping, Singing)" during the spring 2021 semester.
Smittle, a graduate of Ada High School, served as a member of the arts management producing team in the production.
The hip-hop, music theatre-based improv show combined the classic music theatre art form with contemporary skills in beatboxing and rapping. The culturally diverse and stylistically dynamic cast piloted the interactive audience experience through the world of improvisational sketch comedy while creating scenes and songs completely on the spot. Defying gender, genre and technological challenges, "BARS" brought a new level of innovation and entertainment to virtual theatre.
Baldwin Wallace music theatre alumnus Jay Ellis "JEllis" created and directed the production. He shared, "The primary source of inspiration for 'BARS' is the storytelling of hip-hop. I wanted to amalgamate the classical presentation of music theatre with the off-the-cuff nature of improv through a hip-hop-fueled production. BW gave me a place to discover who I wanted to be in this world. It was where I developed and sharpened my natural talents and skills."
"BARS" marked the fourteenth collaboration between Playhouse Square and Baldwin Wallace University's renowned music theatre and arts management and entrepreneurship programs. Through the collaboration, BW senior arts management and entrepreneurship students had the opportunity to produce the show under the guidance of Playhouse Square staff while music theatre students performed in a professional theatre.
