The Department of Theatre and Dance this month is presenting two productions with student actors and some students on production crews: William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, directed by master of fine arts candidate Randy Symank; and Bathsheba Doran's Nest, directed by Granada Artist-in-Residence Irina Brown.

Measure for Measure -- "Shakespeare's play mirrors contemporary America," Symank said. "The character Angelo is a supposedly ethical political leader who engages a woman in improper sexual relations -- a classic case of moral hypocrisy and authority abuse."

Highlighting the relevance and timeliness of the story, the director and designers have set the play in contemporary Vienna. The production team also has infused the show with bold movement and saucy singing.

The creative team includes a number of MFA candidates: lighting designer Zac Cahoon, costume designer Wenting Gao, choreographer Hope Mirlis, and actors Rebecca David as Mariana, Jesse Merz as Angelo and Tim Orr as the Duke.

Preview 8 p.m. May 15, with subsequent performances at 8 p.m. May 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24; 2 p.m. May 18; and 1 p.m. May 23; Main Theatre.

More information: Click here.

Nest -- Based on the true story of Susanna Cox, a 24-year-old indentured servant hanged in 1809 in rural Pennsylvania for the death of her newborn son. The Department of Theatre and Dance describes the play as "a searing exploration of the roots of American dreams and violence." Recommended for mature audiences only.

Preview 8 p.m. May 22, with subsequent perfromances at 8 p.m. May 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, and 2 p.m. June 1, Wyatt Pavilion Theatre.

More information: Click here.

TICKETS

Tickets for both theater productions are available through the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.