Ticket Info General admission tickets for "Dinosaurus" are now on sale in the KU box offices: Murphy Hall, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and SUA, 864-3477. Tickets are $6 for the public, $3 for all students, and $5 for senior citizens. Tickets may be ordered online at the University Theatre Web site:www.kutheatre.com. Both VISA and MasterCard are accepted for phone and online orders. Related Links KU theatre designers win awards at regional festival Subscribe now to receive KU News by email

Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

KU Theatre for Young People to stage 'Dinosaurus'

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas Theatre for Young People will stage "Dinosaurus" by Edward Mast and Lenore Bensinger Feb. 5 to 10 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre. Performances are at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for Lawrence and Douglas County first, second and third graders. A public performance is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.

The production is another step in the University Theatre's ongoing work with virtual reality technology. Director Patrick Carriere, Bemidji, Minn., graduate student, and scenographer Mark Reaney, professor of theatre and film, are teaming up to stage this drama of conflict between nature and technology, and the prehistoric past and contemporary present. Also on the production team are Paul Meier, professor of theatre and film, voice coach, and Marianne Kubik, assistant professor of theatre and film, movement coach.

"Dinosaurus" is the story of an encounter between two oil company surveyors and a community of dinosaurs living in an underground cave. One of the scientists is excited about the discovery, thinking she will become rich and famous. Her colleague is, at first, frightened by the dinosaurs, but eventually sees that the creatures have feelings and must be protected. In the end, he must decide whether to take advantage of the discovery or give up possible fame to protect the dinosaurs.

Carriere said "Dinosaurus" is a good show for younger children because it "encourages respect in their relationships with each other and the other inhabitants of our environment."

"Dinosaurus" was originally written as a shadow puppet play, with the actors working behind a screen. The KU production will employ computerized animation of the dinosaurs projected onto a large screen behind live actors. Backstage crew members will manipulate joysticks on computers to control the movements of the dinosaurs while, at the same time, a dinosaur chorus of live actors will provide the voices of each dinosaur while dramatizing their interactions on three-dimensional scenery in front of the screen.

"While these theatrical conventions may appear to double the dinosaur characters, putting people in front of the screen foregrounds the differences between virtual reality and live reality," Carriere said. "The screen only shows images and sounds we can't understand until the chorus-actors communicate on a human level. The exciting thing is how we can humanize virtual reality when live actors communicate on stage."

Throughout the rehearsal process, Carriere has worked hard with his actors to push the physical action of the dinosaurs. The chorus of dinosaurs is always on stage and there is a sense of community on the part of these creatures, he said. "The live actors have to be a mirror image of what the virtual dinosaurs are doing."

Members of the cast for the production include (listed by name, class, parents' names, home address, and role):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Brad Danler, senior, 0-311 Regency Place, Bunk.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Dave Martin, junior, son of Bob and Kaye Martin, 4908 W. 114th, Dinosaur.

From Overland Park
Michelle Nikoomanesh, freshman, daughter of Kamyar and Barbara Nikoomanesh, 17855 Bluejacket, Dinosaur. Laurel Woodhouse, freshman, daughter of William and Christine Woodhouse, 11827 Rosehill, Dinosaur.

From Stilwell
Becky Lake, junior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lake, 16205 Riggs Road, Dinosaur.

RILEY COUNTY
From Manhattan
Theresa Buchheister, freshman, daughter of James and Carol Buchheister, 1215 Houston, Peek.