Laura Lucas

For the last few weeks, Capers practice has been going on in Doner Auditorium. Walking in on practice was like walking into a preschool lacking supervision, filled with ADHD 4-year-olds running free and hyped up on sugar. Everyone was acting goofy, practicing some dance or chatting away about some inside joke. After a while, Danelle Wildermuth, Alpha Psi Omega president, calmed the group and ended her speech with a Capers “woo.”

“It’s the Capers cheer,” said Wildermuth.

Every year, Capers is written, directed and choreographed by members of Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre fraternity on campus. Auditions were held the week before semester break and practice started the same week as the spring semester. Everyone who auditions is involved in some part of the production. It serves as an opportunity for non-theatre majors to get on stage and is a fundraiser for Alpha Psi Omega.

“It is great to see how many different people do this and what they can do,” said Wildermuth, who has been involved in Capers since her freshman year.

“I heard about it through the theatre circuit. Since it is my major it seemed right.”

She had small roles the first year, but after being involved in a number of theatre productions, Wildermuth was accepted into Alpha Psi Omega. Last year, she was elected president of the fraternity. Her responsibilities include conducting meetings, coordinating ideas for the show, directing and having the final say on content. Despite many responsibilities, Wildermuth maintains her upbeat and humble attitude.

“It is one of those things where if she’s in a bad mood, then the cast will get into a bad mood too. It’s just easier to be in a good mood here,” said senior Rachel Foth, head choreographer of Capers.

Of course, Capers would be nothing without the students who participate. Many different people from many different majors create the cast. One person known for his enthusiasm in the cast is Gary Delaney, a junior consumer affairs major. This is his second year doing Capers.

“I am a pretty crazy guy and Capers is a good chance to let the crazy out,” said Delaney. Last year, he played Robert Goulet, a famous baritone.

“It was both scary and exciting all at once,” Delaney said.

With such a big cast and daily rehearsal, it takes a lot of determination and effort. Capers starts Wednesday, Jan. 31, and runs through Feb. 3, showing nightly at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.

#1.883817:790516010.jpg:Capers2.jn.jpg:Capers participants rehearse in preparation for six upcoming shows.: