Analyzing the stage: Two UM-Dearborn students prep for Shakespeare debuts

David Bogard scribbles on stacks of notepads to ensure he plans his day accordingly.

He also guzzles down plenty of beetroot juice to help calm his nerves.

They might sound like unusual tasks, but for the University of Michigan-Dearborn senior, it’s all preparation for his first acting performance.

Bogard, along with fellow UM-Dearborn senior Tina Lynn Perkins, will take the stage in William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

And as if the UM-Dearborn connection wasn’t already strong enough, psychology professor Roger Loeb serves as the show’s co-producer and assistant director.

The Park Players, Detroit’s oldest community theater, will present the production November 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17.

“There’s singing, there’s dancing – it’s basically a romantic comedy,” Perkins said. “When you think of Shakespeare, it’s not like that at all.”

Bogard, a criminal justice major who plans to graduate next month, jumped at the opportunity to audition because he’s been curious about acting since childhood.

“Doing the play itself is rather exciting because I’ve always been interested in stuff like this and finally getting an opportunity to go out there and act out something is going to be fun,” Bogard said.

Perkins, a psychology major who plans to graduate this year, agrees, but she expects to experience a flood of emotions before opening night. Plenty of excitement mixed with plenty of nerves.

She performed in the “Hijabi Monologues” at UM-Dearborn last spring, but “Much Ado About Nothing” has proved to be a much different experience. Then again, Perkins auditioned for the performance because she knew she’d be tested.

“I think it’s good to take yourself out of your comfort zone every once in awhile and do something that really scares the heck out of you,” said Perkins, who commends her friends and family for their support. “It makes you a better person and it makes you more well rounded.”

Aside from improving their acting technique, Bogard and Perkins can bring another element to the classroom. Bogard and Perkins are enrolled in Loeb’s Psychology and Theater course (PSYC/ENGL 394), and the professor contends the acting experience has enriched both students’ class participation.

Over the years, a number of Loeb’s students have performed in his shows. Mariam Mustafa, who is enrolled in PSYC/ENGL 394, is co-chair of the props committee for “Much Ado About Nothing.” Meanwhile, UM-Dearborn senior Chelsea Karrar will play a housemaid and help with props and staging, and alumnus Dalibor Atanaskoski also will perform in this week’s production.

And as for Loeb, he has more than 30 years of acting experience under his belt, so opening night is less daunting for him these days.

To reserve tickets to one of the five performances, call 313-835-1103. Learn more about Park Players' "Much Ado About Nothing."