Behind the scenes takes center stage in this look at the work needed to make theatrical magic for the audience. Lawrence students and faculty spend hours tackling set building, prop creation, costume design, and rehearsal to create a theater production.
This collection of photos is a look at the making of Molière Inspired, a Winter Term production from Lawrence University’s Department of Theatre Arts in celebration of the French playwright’s 400th birthday. It includes three one-acts: one by Molière and two inspired by Molière.
The production also is a celebration of collaborations across academic departments, as well as collaborations between faculty and students.
Funded by a summer research grant, Lawrence junior Claire Chamberlin translated short plays under the supervision of Eilene Hoft-March, the Milwaukee-Downer College and College Endowment Association Professor of Liberal Studies and professor of French. They were then handed off to Kathy Privatt, the James G. and Ethel M. Barber Professor of Theatre and Drama and associate professor of theatre arts, who is directing the evening of Molière Inspired.
Molière Inspired will be performed by Lawrence theatre students in Cloak Theatre on Feb. 18 (8 p.m.) and Feb. 19 (3 and 8 p.m.). It’s open to all Lawrence students, faculty, and staff.

Fadila Louleid, a sophomore, helps paint the set for Molière Inspired in the Cloak Theater. Guest artist Roy Hoglund designed the set and worked with students on painting techniques.

The painter’s elevation for Molière Inspired set lays backstage.

Liam Edwards, a first-year, begins work on a prop for Molière Inspired in the Music-Drama Center. Edwards was creating a newspaper that would be used during the production.

Alex Pollock, a senior and lighting designer, adjusts the lighting during rehearsal.

Jon Winkler, a sophomore, reacts during rehearsal for Molière Inspired in the Cloak Theater.

Kathy Privatt, the James G. and Ethel M. Barber Professor of Theatre and Drama and associate professor of theatre arts, gives students direction during a rehearsal in the Cloak Theater.

Zhanna Weil, sophomore, works in the costume shop in preparation for Molière Inspired.

Notes for a costume that will be used for Molière Inspired are written on a label and attached to the costumes.

Claire Chamberlin, a junior, sits for a portrait in the Cloak Theater surrounded by the completed set for Molière Inspired. Funded by a Summer Research Grant, Chamberlin translated these as part of the “10 sur 10” project, created by Drameducation, a French-speaking theatre center in Poland. The project commissions playwrights across the globe to write new works inspired by Molière.

Frankie Sobel and Alec Welhouse, both juniors, rehearse.

Maeve Shaffer, a junior, and Maeve Shampine, a sophomore, work on costumes for Molière Inspired.

Nihan Baysal and Jana Casey, both sophomores, go over notes during a rehearsal for Molière Inspired in the Cloak Theater.

Sophia Driessen, a senior, works on a corset in the costume shop for Molière Inspired.


Jon Winkler, a sophomore, is fitted with a hair net as part of hair and makeup before rehearsal.

Nihan Baysal, a sophomore, watches rehearsal from the control booth.

Lexi Praxl, a senior, sits in the costume shop as a wig is adjusted before rehearsal. Performing in Molière Inspired is Praxl’s Senior Experience.

A cast member in costume is silhouetted against the stage while watching rehearsal.

Lulu Wang, a junior, gets the stage ready for a scene change during rehearsal in the Cloak Theater.

Frankie Sobel, a junior, puts on makeup before rehearsal.

Nina Broberg, a sophomore, checks props before rehearsal backstage in the Cloak Theater.

Karin Simonson Kopischke, Instructor of Theatre Arts and Costume Shop Supervisor, talks with Anna Dlugi, a first-year, in preparation for hair and makeup before rehearsal.

Students Maeve Shaffer, Frankie Sobel, Lexi Praxl, Alec Welhouse, Maddie Guest, Ella Rose Schaefer, and Nina Broberg rehearse a table read scene for Molière Inspired in the Cloak Theater.

Alec Welhouse, a junior, and Jon Winkler, a sophomore, rehearse in full costume.