Drop of a Hat Players is a musical theatre performance troupe that prepares an original show based off individual members’ solo choices, group numbers, duets and trios. They prepare songs based around a theme and perform them at various locations throughout the Ashland community, such as churches, seniors’ homes, and luncheons. At the end of the year, they prepare a free showcase of all the pieces they have been working on throughout the year.

This year’s showcase is based around the 2018-2019 theme “Miscast”.

AnnMarie Hill, sophomore integrated language arts education major, has been in Drop of A Hat for two years.

“I joined DOAH in order to perform and sing at various different events, showcase my talent and improve my singing even if I wasn’t cast in a show, and spend time with my theatre friends,” Hill said.

Drop of a Hat was founded in the early 1990s as an outreach program for the AU Theatre Department, as well as to provide a type of performance training for those who wish to grow as musical theatre artists.

“The group really challenged themselves this year,” Sean Parker, director of the traveling musical revue troupe, said. “The entire company has had a blast putting together numbers from musicals in which they could never play on a professional stage.”

“We will all be singing pieces that were originally sung by characters we could never play due to being a different race, gender, age, etc,” Hill said.

For instance, girls are playing “The Boys” in Spring Awakening.

Some other well-known shows that Drop of a Hat will be performing songs from The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Mean Girls and Fiddler on the Roof.

“I am most excited to perform my solo ‘Epic III’ from Hadestown because it is from one of my favorite musicals, as well as being very touching and emotional,” Hill said.

The entire company has had a blast putting together numbers, Parker said. The selection process was very difficult, but the Ashland community has been very receptive with the Miscast concept.

“The group has had a very busy schedule with our theatre season, classes, other organizations, life, etc. However, they love performing,” Parker said. “They are relentless at finding rehearsal time. They find any available time they can to prepare and rehearse. They know what they’re doing. They are an ensemble that learns and work together. I admire their work ethic and their mutual respect for one another. I feel they are very special.”

Miscast starts at 2:00 P.M. this Saturday, April 27 in the CFA Studio Theatre.