The Lost Flamingo Theater Company, Ohio University’s original student-run theater company, was founded in 2002 when students Hugh McMullen, Jes Daniels, Rachael Perry and Liz Brown saw a need for a performing outlet for non-theater majors, people who had done theater in high school or recreationally. According to the company’s website, the name was coined after one of the founders described the company’s members as feeling like “lost flamingos” in other majors but really coming alive when performing.
Today, the company lives on to perform four shows a semester as an entirely student-run theater organization. It welcomes anyone interested in multiple different aspects of theater. This includes directing, stage managing, producing, set and costume building, lighting, sound management, props management, stagehands, stage makeup artistry and acting.
Grace Boerger, a first-year graduate student studying school counseling, has been a member of LFC for four years and said the organization welcomes anyone who wants to participate and auditions are relaxed.
“It surprises a lot of people, but (auditions are) very informal,” Boeger said. “If you're auditioning for the musical, it's a 30-second song and then a one-minute monologue if you’re auditioning for a play. You only have to sing if you're auditioning for the musical. It's really chill.”
Boerger also said auditioners can read any script they want and do not have to be memorized, allowing people to get creative with their monologues. The main thing directors look for when choosing actors is their personality and character, according to Boerger. LFC directors want to allow those auditioning to have the freedom to pick a monologue that will best show off their personality.
Each semester, directors hold auditions for all four of the company’s shows at the same time. The directors watch every audition and create a callback list of who they think best fits each show.
After the role is accepted, rehearsals begin and productions are typically performed in Arts West, located 132 W. State St. Arts West is a community-focused facility promoting activities preserving the beauty, heritage and culture of Athens. LFC has previously sold out multiple shows in the building.
Sarah Cooper, a senior studying business analytics, is on the company’s executive board serving as social and alumni chair. Cooper loves being on the executive board because she gets to be very involved and becomes familiar with every company member.
“You kind of learn to know everybody,” Cooper said. “I feel (one of the) challenges that our company faces is because there are four shows each semester, sometimes you get narrowed in on your cast show when we’re a whole company. So it’s fun as an exec member (because I) get to know everybody.”
Cooper’s job on the board is to plan social events for the company. She also runs the alumni Facebook page and LinkedIn group to keep alumni updated and promote them to return and see shows. Cooper plans other social events for LFC members to hang out and get to know others in the company. She hosts social events like the upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner, “Murder at the Midnight Hour,” beach days at Strouds Run State Park or just social events. She loves seeing her ideas brought to life and everyone having fun.
“LFC is where I met all of my closest friends,” Cooper said. “It's such an incredible place. I know a lot of people who have stopped in for a semester and then never done it again, but they still have really enjoyed that semester. I suggest that everyone, auditions (because they) are low pressure. Come try out, come hang out.”
Lucas Burcham, a sophomore studying psychology, sociology and criminology, also said the company is very tight-knit and being involved in a production is fun.
“I will say it's not necessarily very lax, but it's more like we all know we're doing,” Burcham said. “We're all friendly and it's very much like we have to get our work done, but at the same time, we're allowed to goof around and have fun.”
Burcham has only been involved in one production but said his experience in the company has been high scale and he will continue to be involved. He said it is a lot of fun to be back in the theater after his participation in high school and is enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the company.
“LFC is just my favorite group I've ever been a part of,” Boerger said. “Everyone is always just so welcoming. It's a space where everyone can truly be themselves and it's a safe space to be in.”
