Prairie Rep visits Rotary

BROOKINGS —The Brookings Rotary Club welcomed representatives from Prairie Repertory Theater at a recent meeting. Guest speakers Hannah Rose Wilkerson and Joshua Barclay, cast members for PRT’s upcoming 55th season, shared highlights of this summer’s productions and offered Rotary members an inside look at life behind the stage.

Wilkerson and Barclay discussed balancing demanding rehearsal schedules, auditioning among more than 600 applicants, and preparing for three major summer shows.

Prairie Repertory Theater’s upcoming season will feature three dynamic productions. The summer begins with Fiddler on the Roof, opening June 10, with a Pay What You Will preview dress rehearsal on June 9. This beloved classic will feature professional guest artists in the roles of Tevye and Golde.

The season continues with Plaza Suite, opening June 24, a Neil Simon comedy set in New York’s Plaza Hotel that follows three different couples navigating life’s twists and turns in a fast-paced, sitcom-style production.

The season will conclude with Disney’s Frozen, opening July 8, a family-friendly finale where Wilkerson will portray Anna and Barclay will appear as Kristoff. Both Fiddler on the Roof and Frozen will run for two weekends each, while Plaza Suite will be staged for one, providing audiences with ample opportunity to enjoy each performance while enhancing the overall production quality.

The pair described a rigorous daily routine of six days of ten hours of work each week, balancing rehearsals with duties in technical areas, from lighting and sound to set construction. They praised the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center at South Dakota State University as a state-of-the-art facility offering students and professionals alike a true professional environment.

During a lively Q&A, topics included plans for a sensory-friendly performance of Frozen, with the date to be announced; the show-selection process and dream projects such as Dear Evan Hansen and Shrek the Musical.

Wilkerson and Barclay applauded community support and invited Rotarians and residents to attend performances or visit the PRT booth during the upcoming Brookings Art Festival in July.

Founded 55 years ago in partnership with South Dakota State University, Prairie Repertory Theater offers professional-level musical and dramatic performances each summer. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.prairierep.org or follow PRT on Facebook and Instagram.

The Brookings Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of volunteers dedicated to service above self. The club meets weekly, supporting community projects that advance education, environmental beautification, and humanitarian aid locally and abroad.