'Donuts, dogs, snow' and life

Central Lakes College's Theatre for a Diverse Population will present five performances of "Donuts, Dogs and Snow" beginning Wednesday in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus.

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Performances are scheduled at 10 a.m. Wednesday and Nov. 21 and 23, at 11 a.m. Nov. 19 and at noon Nov. 20. Tickets are $5 and free to CLC students and staff. To reserve tickets, call the theatre box office at 855-8199.

The drama is made up of six short plays that deal with social issues in rural Minnesota.

Theatre for a Diverse Population is a course that brings together students with different backgrounds, learning styles and life experiences. Through the use of literature, observation, creative writing, theater games and theater skills the class creates a theater production dealing with diversity and social issues.

"Donuts, Dogs and Snow" explores the topics of bullying, sexual and verbal abuse, unemployment and the homeless, self awareness and teen suicide.

Gabriel Franz (front), Laura Desotell, Robyn Siliznoff and Andrew Kaytes recently rehearsed a scene in Central Lakes College's "Donuts, Dogs and Snow" that will be performed five times beginning Wednesday in Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls» Purchase reprints of this photo.

The cast includes 23 actors, 60 percent of whom have disabilities.

Cast members are Katelyn Amundson and Caleb Nurnberger, Motley; Sarah Bergerson, Backus; Erin Billing, St. Cloud; Emily Carter, Ashby; Laura Desotell, Clarissa; Megan Ergen, Kettle River; Gabriel Franz, Matt Borgstrom, and Emily Jensen, Brainerd; Andrew Kayfes, Deerwood; Stacie Lang, Menahga; Briana Larson, Big Falls; Rebecca Miklesh, Isle; Katie Nier, North Branch; Angela Pederson, Onamia; Zachary Schulz, Fargo, N.D.; Robyn Sillznoff, Crosby; Brent Thorsett, Princeton; Carissa Ulsch, Paynesville; Amanda Warme, Warren; Breanna Yeager, Greensbush; and Christine Zirbes, Parkers Prairie.

The 50-minute production was written by Dennis Lamberson, CLC theater instructor. He said it is based on true stories.

"This (course) is unique in its pairing of traditional college students with students from the college's Occupational Skills Program," Lamberson said. "It is the only program of its kind in the country and has been recognized as a program of excellence statewide, nationally and internationally."

Since 2002, Theatre for a Diverse Population performances have been presented across Minnesota. In 2005, it also was presented at the Region 5 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in St. Louis. In 2006, Lamberson received the International Leadership Award from The Chair Academy for the development of the program.

This year's production is designed for audiences ages 13 and older and is a way to stimulate conversation among families, students, civic organizations and church members on sensitive social issues.