Rollins Offers Free Family-friendly Theatre Performances

The program features a double bill of short plays: Cinderella… If the Shoe Fits, a 1980s New York City library-set musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, and Everyone Gets Eaten by Sharks, a tongue-in-cheek cautionary comedy. Accompanied by crafts and family amenities, the short shows each run 30 to 40 minutes with a break in between.

The initiative serves a dual purpose by providing free local arts programming while offering Rollins students practical experience in youth theater. Chelsea Hilend, associate director of theater, operations, and communications, highlighted the mutual benefit, stating, “We are really proud to offer this to the community.”

The production carries personal significance for Sally K. Albrecht, a 1976 Rollins graduate and current trustee who composed Cinderella… If the Shoe Fits. Serving as music director, Albrecht plays piano and guides the student cast in the Sally K. Albrecht Studio Theatre, a venue named in her honor in 2023. “It’s kind of a full-circle moment for me,” Albrecht said. “How can I top it?” Speaking on the college’s commitment, she added, “It’s a liberal arts college, and we need to put our money where our mouths are.”

Student directors Brilee Gold and Sam Newkirk helm the productions as part of their academic development. Gold, directing Cinderella, noted the collaborative growth involved, calling it “a learning process for all of us.” Newkirk, directing Sharks, noted the broad appeal of youth theater, describing it as “a story for the whole family — wordplay for the adults and sharks for the kids.”

The college plans to alternate these free short play weekends with family-friendly musicals in its Annie Russell Theatre season every other year, with the next iteration planned for 2028. Public performances run Oct. 2–4 at the Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre, featuring an opening-night faculty discussion on the impact of the arts on young audiences.

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