Wright Hall, home of the Department of Theatre and Dance, is haunted by talented writers, actors and technicians who have put together a first-time production called The Haunt at Wright Hall. It's scary, to be sure, but all in good, Halloween fun — which explains the dance party at the end!

Following the theme of “A Twisted Fairy Tale: The Handless Maiden," the show features seven performances on separate stages: “The Bargain Without Knowing,” “The Dismemberment,” “The Wandering,” “Finding Love in the Underworld,” “The Harrowing of the Soul,” “The Realm of the Wild Men” and “The Wild Bride and Bridegroom.”

Your guided tour through the haunted house culminates in the handless maiden’s wedding celebration (and dance party) in the Arena Theatre.

Costumes are optional, but, if you need something fun to wear, check out the costume shop, which turns into The Enchanted Cellar for Halloween.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: The Haunt at Wright Hall, a performance-based haunted house and dance party

WHEN: Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 25-28, and Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 30-31

• Haunted house, 7:30-10:30 p.m. starting every 30 minutes
• Dance party, 7:30-midnight

WHERE: Wright Hall

ADVISORY: PG-13 (a Motion Picture Association of American rating that states: “Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13").

TICKETS: $15 ($10 for dance only), sold only at the Main Theatre box office before the show.

Read the complete news release.

Macbeth: The Radio Play

The Davis Shakespeare Ensemble opens its third season tonight (Oct. 24) in the arboretum, presenting the haunting tragedy Macbeth as "an engrossing sonic experience," inspired by the format of 1930s radio plays. The DSE production features unique live sound effects and an original score by Richard Chowenhill.

Tonight's show and all subsequent performances through Nov. 3 will go on, rain or shine, the ensemble announced.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Macbeth: The Radio Play

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 24-27 and Oct. 31-Nov. 3

WHERE: Gazebo

TICKETS: Online, or inquire by telephone, (530) 802-0998, or email, boxoffice@shakespearedavis.com.

Auditions for winter quarter productions

The Department of Theatre and Dance announced auditions for two winter quarter productions, each of which will come out of regular courses.

• The Dogs of War — Directed by Josy Miller, a doctoral candidate in performance studies. Shakespeare Ensemble Workshop (DRA 298) in affiliation with the department's Institute for the Exploration of Theatre, Dance and Performance. 3-6 p.m. Friday (Oct. 26), Wyatt Pavilion Theatre. Prepare a one- to two-minute Shakespeare monologue of your choice, and provide a resume and headshot. Performance dates: Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19.

• Richard III — Directed by Professor Bella Merlin. Shakespeare on a Shoestring (DRA 121C and 198, open only to dramatic arts majors and minors). 7:15-10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Wyatt Pavilion Theatre. Prepare your interpretation of Richard's speech (provided).

Sign-ups for both are being taken in 101 Art Building. The department advises: Auditions are open only to UC Davis students, faculty and staff, unless members of the public are specifically invited.

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