As an SDSU tradition for over 70 years, Capers is back.
With skits featuring Dora going to The Nine and people sexting over email, Capers has been described as exciting, epic and hilarious.
The production has performances tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 1 at the Oscar Larson Theater. Tickets for SDSU students are $10, and tickets for the general public are $15.
The 1990s and 2000s have inspired the theme for this year’s production with the title Y2Kapers! It follows the story of a family preparing for Y2K and how they handle their emotions with the world supposedly coming to an end with skits and dances.
Breana Nupen, the publicity head of Alpha Psi Omega, came up with the concept of Y2Kapers. Saying her dad helped inspire the idea and Alpha Psi Omega member, El Stucker, came up with the name. Nupen pitched it to the rest of the organization and it won the majority vote.
When asked what her favorite skit in the show is, Nupen said it is “The Office Preps for Y2Kapers.”
“When we selected Y2Kapers, I knew at that moment I’d be writing The Office into our show, and I’m not only lucky enough to be able to act in the skit, but act along with my sister,” Nupen said.
She enjoys watching the progression from the first week of rehearsals to seeing the final product in performance.
“We plan for so long that when all of the songs, dances and little pieces come together it just feels all worth it in the end.”
Carl Steinlicht, Capers’s artistic director, says the writing process is “chaotic” and the biggest hurdle is coming up with good ideas.
“It’s a lot of throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what can become something and what we think doesn’t have legs,” said Steinlicht.
As the artistic director, Steinlicht gets to be hands-on with aspects of Capers. He helps write and direct skits. Steinlicht says his favorite part of Capers is the first week of rehearsal.
“This is when the cast members all see their scripts for the first time. It’s just a moment of discovery that always makes me smile,” he said.
Grant Taylor, the stage manager, facilitates communication for the cast and crew to ensure the process runs smoothly. He says his favorite part of Capers is meeting new people across campus and providing a fun performance opportunity to anyone who is interested.
Taylor also writes skits.
“My favorite skit is ‘SpongeBob Fever Dream.’ I wrote it to be how I imagine the creative process behind that show to be,” he said.
This is Rylin Yerdon’s first time participating in Capers, and she said her only regret was not being involved in Capers in her early college years.
“My favorite part about Capers is that I get to have fun with people I otherwise wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t joined,” she said. “It’s a safe environment to be who you really are and everyone around you is accepting of that. I was nervous when I joined that nobody would know me or talk to me, but that couldn’t be more untrue.”
Yerdon’s favorite dance in the show is “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls because it allows her to truly let loose and have a good time.
Israel Caldron said he decided to audition for Capers this year because he had so much fun in it last year. He thinks SDSU students should come see Capers because there’s something for everyone in the show.
“Y’know Shakespeare or musicals might not be someone’s cup of tea show-wise, but Capers brings a little bit of everything to the table,” he said.
Caldron is thankful for the friends he has made because of Capers.
“My favorite part of Capers is that for three weeks I get to come and perform and hang out with the family and friends I’ve made because of State University Theatre and Dance, and I met a lot of new friends too because of just Capers,” said Caldron.
Capers contains explicit language and themes.
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Capers! An Alpha Psi Omega tradition
Peyten Wiese, Reporter
January 28, 2025
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Mike W • Jan 31, 2025 at 9:50 pm
Nice article P!