The spotlight is shining a little brighter on two faculty members at The University of Texas Permian Basin this summer.
Eric Baker and Nichole Rougeau-Vanderford are helping bring The Sound of Music to life with Basin Theatre Works, sharing their talents beyond the classroom while enriching the Permian Basin arts community.
Baker takes center stage as Captain Von Trapp, while Nichole Rougeau-Vanderford serves as the production's costume designer, creating period costumes that transport audiences to 1930s Austria.
"I am most excited about sharing this production with our community," Baker said. "The venue, Stonegate Odessa, is quite lovely, and the outdoor presentation creates a unique experience that we do not often get in West Texas."
As Captain von Trapp, Baker portrays a widowed naval officer raising seven children as he navigates family life, political unrest, and the arrival of a governess who challenges his structured way of life.
Behind the scenes, Rougeau-Vanderford's costume designs help establish the time and place of the beloved musical.
"They are beautifully done," Baker said. "She has also developed some clever solutions for the quick costume changes throughout the show."
For Baker, performing isn't just about entertaining audiences. It's also an opportunity to model lifelong learning and artistic growth for his students.
"I hope it shows them that they can make great music and bring beauty to their community throughout their entire lives," Baker said.
He also hopes students see that even experienced performers continue to grow.
"We are constantly honing our craft, developing our skills, and stretching our limits," Baker said.
By stepping onto the stage, Baker and Rougeau-Vanderford are demonstrating that learning, creativity, and community engagement extend well beyond the walls of the classroom.
The stage is set for one final weekend of The Sound of Music. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on July 30, 31, and August 1.
