Entertainment from the screens to the stages

Lights, camera, and…action! Students of Hope College had the pleasure of witnessing several shows this weekend as the Student Activities Committee (SAC) presented Twisters, a new blockbuster hit, and the Knickerbocker Theatre presented Bridgman Packer Dance as a part of Hope’s Great Performance Series. 

Seeing green and yellow in the sky may signal a twister is coming, but hearing students’ cheering and laughing signifies a SAC event! On the evening of Friday, Sep. 27, SAC presented Twisters – a blockbuster movie directed by Lee Isaac Chung and featuring actors: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos. Students grabbed free candy and popcorn and became immersed in the thrill of tornado hunting alongside the actors on screen. When asked how they chose this movie to present, Co-Director of Events Addeline Corlett (’26) said, “We asked ourselves ‘what are current films that people really like?’ We tried to find something current and a big favorite of viewers. Everyone has been saying this one is so good.” Quite a few of the SAC members said they hadn’t seen the movie and were very excited to see it! In preparation for the event, SAC members were found making a candy salad – based off of the Tik Tok trend. You can find this video on their Instagram or TikTok (@hopecollegesac).

Once blankets covered the grounds of the Frost Amphitheatre and students finished taking pictures of the sunset, the movie began. Sounds of gasping and clapping during certain scenes (notably, many involving Glen Powell) were heard all throughout Frost Auditorium. One student told The Anchor, “This was my second time seeing it; it was almost better than the theater because the vibe was more fun and relaxed. Being able to laugh and clap made the movie more fun.” 

If you’re still looking for a club to join, consider SAC! They are always looking for more members to gain a wider student perspective on what would be a fun and current event. When asked about her favorite part of SAC, Corlett said, “Being able to be involved in the campus and planning events that are actually fun and enjoyable for students.” Another SAC member said, “My favorite part of SAC is helping plan events and seeing them all the way through by being a part of working them. I also love working with other SAC members and the community. I’m really looking forward to paint and sip and trivia night which are happening soon” (Sydney LaMotte ’26). If you have any questions or are interested in joining SAC, just email sac@hope.edu for more information!

In addition to the Twisters event, Hope students were invited to a performance titled “Ghost Factory” by Bridgman Packer Dance for free as part of the Great Performance Series. Held on Sep. 27 and 28, this performance demonstrated a combination of technology and live contemporary dance as Myrna Packer and Art Bridgman (the sole dancers) took charge of the stage. “Ghost Factory” was inspired by the residents of a deserted factory town. Johnson City, in upstate New York, housed tens of thousands of Eastern European immigrants who worked for the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company in the early twentieth century. When it closed down, it left many people displaced. Bridgman and Packer took inspiration from thirty different interviews – even putting the recorded interviews over their music for certain pieces. They contorted their bodies and moved seamlessly as partners to show the hardship of the time, but also the beauty. They used previously recorded videos of themselves to weave in and out of live dancing and the recordings – sometimes happening simultaneously. Many Hope students and faculty were fascinated by the dance and the classic music. With Packer’s crimson dress contrasting the gray-scale costumes previously seen and the piano music contrasting the sounds of hammering and interviews, the piece created a hopeful and inspiring within its audiences.

Dance majors and minors also had the chance to take a masterclass focused on partnerwork this past week with Bridgman and Packer. The teachers turned to the students after the performance to answer questions and hear their thoughts. Many of the students had questions about the productions, leading to Packer’s explanation of the process that went into the creation of this performance. She used the phrase, “always integrating” to explain the immersive process. The interviews, composition of the music, choreography and visiting of Johnson City all happened at the same time. Students sang their praises throwing around the words, “eclectic,” “unique,” “baffling” and “amazing.” Make sure to check out the rest of the Great Performance Series in the Knickerbocker. Hope students can get in for free if they reserve a ticket! 

(Featured image photo credit: Ava Seuffert)