With its new season of shows for the 2009-2010 school year, The University Theatre at Saint Louis University will offer all students, faculty and staff a chance to explore and experience the University’s dramatic talents.

Barker feels that the program’s strong suit is its commitment to diverse programming.

“We try to offer a variety of dramatic genres and styles,” Barker said.

Though Barker says that the process of putting on performances for the program does not vary too much year by year, he is quick to add that each season offers its own unique opportunities and challenges.

“We approach each season individually. There are certain things that are always taken into consideration . What is the time? What kind of performance have we not put on in a while?” Barker said. “We have to look at our talent pool and see what the needs of the particular group of people would be.”

At times, the decisions are also influenced by outside sources. The first play of the 2009-2010 season, “The Bald Soprano,” was suggested by a French teacher from a St. Louis high school on behalf of a number of other French teachers.

Since high school French teachers from various areas of St. Louis recommended this play, Barker expects an expanded audience from the surrounding high schools.

Other shows coming this season include the play “MACHINAL,” and two musicals: Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” and the Irish musical “Dancing at Lughnasa.”

“‘Anything Goes’ is a name that is fairly recognizable and musicals tend to do pretty well in St. Louis, especially name musicals,” Barker said. “It would be unwise to do a season with shows no one has heard of.”

Ron Gibbs, the managing director of Stages St. Louis, will be the guest director for “Anything Goes.” This will be Gibbs’ first time guest directing at SLU.

“[Stages St. Louis] is one of the premier theater companies in the Midwest, some would say the nation. I am very excited to have someone of his expertise and caliber,” Barker said.

In these tough economic times, Barker admits it is necessary for the department to adapt to accommodate a budget.

“Like everybody on campus and the world, [our] budgets [is] tight. As we select the season, we pick shows with scenic design and costuming in mind,” he said.

A kick-off ice cream social will take place on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 12:30-in front of Xavier Hall. An informational meeting will be held immediately after. Auditions for “The Bald Soprano” will be held that Sunday evening at 6, and also on Monday, Aug. 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Barker wants to make it clear that the auditions are not exclusive.

“Too often, we encounter people who think auditions are only available to theatre majors,” Barker said.

Any student, staff, or faculty member is welcome to audition. Freshmen are encouraged to audition on Monday night, but can also audition on Sunday.

Anyone interested can sign up for a time slot in Xavier Hall outside room 109.

To learn more about this and past seasons of the program, including a list of past productions, visit www.slu.edu/theatre.