Scene Night Precedes 6 Degrees
by Catherine Coke, director
The high school's annual Scene Night takes place January 28 and 29, just before Six Degrees of Separation opens.
The high school's annual Scene Night takes place January 28 and 29, just before Six Degrees of Separation opens.
“Six Degrees of Separation” is a fascinating theory: that across the globe, two random people could be connected to each other through at most five acquaintances. Developed by Frigyes Karinthy in 1929, the concept is the basis for much of network theory seen throughout the last century in mathematics, sociology and physics. Of course, in this day and age, it’s been integral to the development of the internet, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media platforms.
Playwright John Guare had been intrigued by the concept for a long time, and a play based on it banged around in his unconscious for decades, but never materialized. While Guare lived in New York City in the 1980s, a con man named David Hampton was able to convince several wealthy, white Upper East Siders that he was the son of Sidney Poitier, thus allowing him access to their apartments and their lives. Guare was a friend of one of the couples Hampton duped. Their experience and that idea of “six degrees” buried inside him suddenly converged, and the 1990 play emerged full-blown fairly quickly in the writing.
The show became a critical and financial success, earning Guare several awards (the NY Drama Critics Circle and Laurence Olivier for Best New Play) and nominations (a Tony, a Drama Desk, and the Pulitzer Prize). Hampton thought he was due a share of the profits and harassed Guare over this issue. Guare took him to court, where Hampton was tried and acquitted.
Performances are Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 11 at 5PM; Friday, February 12 at 7PM; and Saturday, February 13 at 2PM and 7PM. Tickets are FREE for students, faculty, staff and TAP members. Tickets are $5 for the general public.
Before Six Degrees Even Happens: The Student Theatre Guild will be presenting Scene Night in just 2 weeks. Over 75 students are working as playwrights, directors, actors and technicians to present 12 scenes, some comedic, some dramatic--all worthwhile. We'll have regulars to the stage, and newbies, like most of the seniors in the Senior Scene. It’s an exciting theatrical event!
Performances are Thursday, January 28, at 5PM; Friday, January 29, at 7PM; and Saturday, January 30, at 7PM. Tickets are $5 for everyone. Proceeds fund STG’s Spring Production. At the STG Spring Production, patrons are asked to “pay-what-you-can” -- then all proceeds are donated to a local charity, usually one associated in some way with the show.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.