By Andreya Martinez
Do you like art? Do you like to be under the stars? Are you a student or faculty member of CI? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might just be interested in an event that is unique to CI. According to their website, Arts Under the Stars (AUTS) is an integrative-multi-media event that showcases creative, scholarly, service and community projects on the CI campus through performance and collaboration.
As a performing arts class, PA 391 students have been working to put this show together all semester. All performers you will see on the stage will be CI students—not just ones enrolled in the class, however. PA 391 is working on four performances with other classes contributing pieces as well. It is an integration of different departments on campus including physics, mathematics, Environmental Science & Resource Management, studio art, nursing and more.
AUTS is not just about the art. It is a collaboration between researchers, technicians and artists. “Art is the strongest power in our world. It expresses what cannot be said with words,” said Rachel Bialkin, a Communications major and a participant in the class. “AUTS gives our researchers a new outlet to express issues in a new, creative, peaceful and powerful way.”
Cristina Rodriguez Rivas, a senior studying Communications with an emphasis in Business, Non-Profit and Organizational Communication and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Music, serves as stage manager for the show.
“AUTS is really important to me as a student to get ready for a real career in live entertainment,” said Rivas. “It is a hands-on kind of education where not only do we get to showcase our campus culture and research but, we are also charged with the actual performance pieces.”
AUTS is not just a performance, however. “AUTS feels more like a festival every year where there’s just so much going on,” said Rivas. “We’ll have art exhibits, information booths, food trucks and a lot of fun to be had all day! Also, expect to think.”
Participants are encouraged to click on “Discover More” in their digital programs to learn more about anything that sparks their interest. Every year, the Center for Integrative Studies sets a theme for campus research. This year’s theme is “Metamorphosis” and the theme of AUTS is the same. There is a social media campaign that is launching. Use the tags #MetamorphosisMondays #ShowYourMetamorphosis and #CIAUTS2019 to show your metamorphosis and possibly be featured during the show.
The 8th annual Arts Under the Stars is free event happening Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at El Dorado Park, located next to El Dorado Hall. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, May 4
• 7:30 p.m. – Dinner and pre-show music
• 8:00 p.m. – Show starts
Saturday, May 5
• 6:45 p.m. seating open for SAGE Student Research Conference Awards
• 7:00 p.m. SAGE Student Research Conference Awards
• 7:30 p.m. Dinner and pre-show music
• 8:00 p.m. Show
Seating is first come first serve and picnic style so you will need to bring lawn chairs or blankets. It is recommended that guests dress warm. Food trucks will be available but guests can also bring their own food.
For more information, visit
www.2019.artsunderthestars.cikeys.com
