MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010
Mt. SAC to Stage Student Shows Dec. 2-5
WALNUT, Calif.––– The Mt. San Antonio College Theater Program will stage an evening of eight student-written and directed plays, Surprise, Surprise, on Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 2-4, at 8 p.m., in Mt. SAC’s Studio Theater. A special Sunday matinee performance will be given on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.
The eight one-act student plays explore the unexpected consequences of actions ranging from turning on a light bulb to blowing up the sun. Theater professor Richard Strand coordinates this Mt. SAC production.Tickets are $12 for general admission, $9 for seniors, students, and children under 12.
For tickets and more information, call the Performing Art Box Office at (909) 468-4050. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.4tix.org.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010
Mt. SAC Planetarium to Reopen With Public Shows Dec. 10
WALNUT, Calif.—After a $1 million renovation effort, the Jim & Eleanor Randall Planetarium at Mt. San Antonio College will reopen to the public with its classic holiday program, Season of Light, on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18, at 7 and 8:30 p.m. The planetarium is located in Building 26C near the Temple and Bonita campus entrance.“Since the planetarium's last holiday program was presented in December 2003, it is highly appropriate to reopen the facility this season with this holiday classic, Season of Lights," said Mt. SAC Earth Sciences and Astronomy Department Chair Julie Bray-Ali.
The public reopening comes after more than $1 million in renovations to the aging facility, which included replacing the 1960s style interior, refurbishing the 35-foot dome, and replacing the antiquated projector with a $480,000 state-of-the-art Zeiss Skymaster projector and a multimedia Digistar sky projection system.
“The new projection system creates spectacular celestial presentations with three-dimensional effects that will make audiences feel like they’re traveling in space,” Bray-Ali said.
The renovation effort began in October 2003 with a fund-raising campaign that drew the support of many individual and corporate contributors, including major benefactors Jim and Eleanor Randall, as well as sci-fi author Ray Bradbury and actor George Takei of Star Trek fame. The project was also aided by Mt. SAC faculty members, who took a special interest in the prospects of a technologically sophisticated facility and the opportunity to invest in an enriching educational experience for students. Since its initial opening in 1968 as the only planetarium in the local region, more than 300,000 persons have benefited from the various classes, community shows, and school programs offered.
“The planetarium is special, because it serves everybody— not just astronomy students,” said Bray-Ali. “There are educational opportunities here for students from other disciplines like chemistry, English, and history, planetarium programs for elementary school students, and shows for the public.”
The Season of Light program explores the astronomical phenomenon of the “Christmas Star” and the beginnings of the holiday traditions, including decorating, feasting, and the exchanging of gifts. Tickets for this program will be rolled back to 2003 prices—$5 for general admission, and $3 for seniors, students, and children under 12.
For tickets, visit www.4tix.org or call the Mt. SAC Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 468-4050.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010
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Mt. SAC to Host 13th Annual Wassail Dinner and Concert
WALNUT, Calif.–––Mt. San Antonio College will hold its popular holiday Wassail Dinner and Concert on Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 2-4 at 6 p.m., in Mt. SAC’s Dance Studio and William H. Feddersen Recital Hall.The holiday spirit comes to life in a festive atmosphere of great food and fine choral music at this popular dining and concert event that sells out every year. Dinner is served in a hall that has been transformed into a winter wonderland while strolling carolers entertain. A candle-lit walkway then leads to the concert of yuletide music that features Mt. SAC’s elite vocal ensembles, including the award-winning Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and Fermata Nowhere. For many, this unique event has become a holiday tradition.
Tickets are $36 for general admission before Nov. 19. After Nov. 19, tickets are $44 for general. No tickets will be sold after Nov. 29.
For tickets and more information, call the Performing Art Box Office at (909) 468-4050. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.4tix.org.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010