The Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience (MMTE) will present the fun-filled musical “Welcome to Bedside Manor” June 25-26 at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Set in the wackiest hospital imaginable, “Welcome to Bedside Manor” will leave audiences humming a tune and rolling over with infectious laughter during performances set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day in Woods Theatre in the Theatre and Dance Building at Southern Miss.
MMTE day camp participants will play the hysterical staff and patients of Bedside Manor in this full theatrical production complete with music, costumes and sets. The production is suitable for all ages.
“Audiences will have a great time watching ‘Welcome to Bedside Manor.’ It’s very funny, silly and surprising-perfect for a summer show,” said Robin Carr, co-producer of MMTE and associate professor of voice and acting at Southern Miss.
Emily Brown, an alumnus of the Department of Theatre and Dance, directs the production and Dr. Heidi Lucas, undergraduate coordinator for the School of Music, serves as musical director. Brown received her master’s of fine arts in performance from The University of Southern Mississippi. Lucas received her doctorate from the University of Georgia.
“All of our staff is highly talented and trained. They know how to easily work with children and have fun putting on a production of high quality,” Carr said.
MMTE is a collaboration between the Department of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music at Southern Miss that aims to bring the musical theater experience to young children. Dr. Jennifer Shank, associate chair for the School of Music, co-produces MMTE each summer along with Carr.
Carr holds a Lessac Voice and Movement Certificate, one of 32 in the world, and Shakespeare Acting Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Shank holds a music education doctorate and has served as a board member for the Mississippi Arts for Alliance Education.
Now in its sixth season, MMTE has become a staple in the theater community for kids ages 8-14. Campers learn singing, dancing and acting skills culminating in a full theatrical musical production.
“Welcome to Bedside Manor” will be held in the Woods Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance Building on the Hattiesburg campus of Southern Miss. Tickets for each show is $5 at the door. For more information, contact Robin Carr at 601.266.6442 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Liana Barron of Hattiesburg (right), who plays Dr. Jekyll in “Welcome to Bedside Manor,” gets advice from Nurse DeFarge, played by Savannah Steadman of Hattiesburg. The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Theatre and Dance and School of Music present the sixth season of the Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience June 14-26.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.