Idlewild Theatre Ensemble

Founded in 2007, Idlewild Theatre Ensemble is an all fem-aligning, collaborative, non-hierarchical theatre ensemble at Vassar College. In the Fall, Idlewild holds auditions for temporary members to join the permanent ensemble in creating a devised piece. In the Spring, after holding auditions for its permanent members, Idlewild produces a scripted play by a female playwright.

## VSA Mission Statement

Idlewild Theatre Ensemble is a collaborative, non-hierarchical, all fem-aligning group of theater-makers (actors, directors, designers). Founded in 2007, the ensemble aims to present the Vassar campus with works by and about experiences relating to womanhood. In the fall, the ensemble produces a small theatrical event which is often open to all students by audition. During the spring semester Idlewild produces one full-length play. When not rehearsing for a play we meet at least once a week, and during rehearsal periods we meet four to six times a week. Auditions for the ensemble are held at the beginning of the spring term.

## Origin of the Name

Idlewild's name originates from *Anne of Green Gables*. Idlewild is what Anne calls the circle of white birch trees where she and Diana keep their playhouse. "We call it Idlewild. Isn't that a poetical name?"

## Past Productions

**2018-2019**

* *The Trash Play* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ December 7-8, 2018
	+ The Mug
	+ with interactive trash installation in library Collab space Nov 7-19, 2018

**2017-2018**

* *Maiden Voyage* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ December 1-2, 2017
	+ Kenyon Club Room
	+ with some original music!

* *The Wolves* by Sarah Delappe (Spring)
	+ April 26-28
	+ The Mug

**2016-2017**

* *The Fall of Boy* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ November 18-19, 2016
	+ The Shiva

* *The Secretaries* by The Five Lesbian Brothers (Spring)
	+ April 20-22, 2017
	+ Woods behind the Archery Field/"The Field Behind Kenyon"

**2015-2016**

* *Passing Notes* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ October 30-31, 2015
	+ Lathrop Basement

* *Fefu and Her Friends* by Maria Irene Fornes (Spring)
	+ May 14-16, 2016
	+ Main Parlors (Jade, Faculty, Rose) and the "Alcove"

**2014-2015**

* *Heliacal Rising* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ The Mug

* *The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls* by Meg Miroshnik (Spring)
	+ The Shiva

**2013-2014**

* *The Archives* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ Kenyon Club Room

* *Church* by Young Jean Lee (Spring)
	+ The Shiva

**2012-2013**

* *Made in Waiting* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ Kenyon (Club Room, Staircases, Classrooms, and Squash Courts)

* *The Dastardly Ficus* by Emily Schwartz (Spring)
	+ The Shiva

**2011-2012**

* *Strangerdom* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ Kenyon Club Room

* *The Secretaries* by The Five Lesbian Brothers (Spring)

**2010-2011**

* *No Photography, Please* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)
	+ The College Center Staircase

* *Late: A Cowboy Song* by Sarah Ruhl (Spring)

**2009-2010**

* *Craves Like Woah* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)

* *Fucking A* by Suzan Lori-Parks (Spring)
	+ The Shiva

**2008-2009**

* *...that's what she said* - devised by the ensemble (Fall)

* *EPIC FAIL* - devised by the ensemble (Spring)

**2007-2008**

* *Your Mom is a Social Construct -* devised by the ensemble (Fall)

* *Tea* by Velina Hasu Houston (Spring)

## References

1. ↑ https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rgs/anne-XIII.html