GCSU Department of Theatre & Dance takes the stage at USG Foundation Gala

Four Georgia College & State University students performed at the University System of Georgia Foundation's Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala on Aug. 22 at the Georgia Aquarium, marking the first time GCSU theatre and dance students have been invited to the event. 

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to share the work of our department's outstanding students and faculty at such an important event for the USG,” said Department Chair Anthony Pearson. 

Wesley Baumann, Jayla Beasley, Nicholas Cain and Gabriel Purdum represented GCSU before a ballroom packed with guests beside the aquarium's beluga whale tank. The group was selected after USG officials reached out to the Department of Theatre & Dance last spring about performing at the gala, which raised $2.4 million for scholarships this year. 

Baumann, Beasley and Cain performed "Lost" from "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical," reprising roles from GCSU's spring production. Purdum sang the National Anthem. 

"I personally was in disbelief when I was told by Amy Pinney, our director," Cain said. "It was such an honor to represent GCSU doing this performance, and it was such an incredible experience." 

A longtime admirer of the aquarium, Cain said performing there was especially meaningful. 

"I like to believe the whales enjoyed it too," he added. 

Baumann, a second-year theater major from Norcross, said reprising his role as Percy Jackson carried special weight. "It was so special getting to perform as Percy again," Baumann said. "I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity and am so glad I got to share the stage with Nick (Grover) and Jayla (Annabeth) again." 

The students spent the summer rehearsing independently before regrouping in August to adapt their staging for the aquarium venue, according to Associate Professor Amy Pinney, who directed the group. 

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Holley Roberts praised the performance, saying: "When our students take the stage, they demonstrate the confidence, passion and artistic excellence that define the Georgia College experience. We were honored to see them represent our university at this year's USG Foundation Board of Regents' Scholarship and Awards Gala!" 

Costume Supervisor Cathleen O'Neal, who advised the students, said their professionalism stood out.

"Their excitement to represent not only our department but our institution was felt throughout the day," she said, adding that the showcase brings statewide recognition to the department's talent."