Theater: The theatre department has pieced together several truly amazing shows this semester, not only main stage performances, but also student-run and studio productions. We seem to have developed a trend of adding a new flavor to classical performances, such as the “The Misanthrope,” or introducing new pieces all together, e.g. “Elephant’s Graveyard.” We have a successful department with a lot of talented faculty and students willing to expand their repertoire, and thus have produced a number of fascinating shows.

Towerlight Prediction: The spring semester will bring “Kaspar,” a full-length drama hailing from Europe. A poetic piece, and perhaps the most unusual work that will be produced during the academic year, will draw the hardcore Towson theater fans, as well as the literary crowd who will enjoy the musicality of the prose. What’s worrisome is the possibility of every spring show being outshined by “Rent,” which of course will happen anyway – being the first musical Towson has attempted for several years. And in regards to “Rent,” it’s difficult to say what direction it will take. Our theatre department undeniably has the chops to perform it, but naturally with such a piece, we’ll compare it to the original Broadway and the film version. It will be difficult to create a show balanced between adding a spicy new twist and causing the audience to go, “Well, this isn’t what happened in the movie.”

Upcoming art exhibits: Over the past semester, the Center for the Arts has showcased four exhibitions in hopes of expanding and exposing the different forms that art takes. In September Interconnected: New Works by Yuriko Yamaguchi, the Japanese American artist explored how her art intertwined with themes of how nature and technologies should coexist. In November through the beginning of December, the CFA featured the Annual Student Juried Exhibition, in which students could feature works representing various tracks art students can major or minor in. During the same time, three graduate students’ work was showcased. In December, the 39th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale featured ceramic students and faculty artwork at holiday prices.

Towerlight Prediction: With a background of featuring students’ artwork, themes of interconnectedness and artwork of all kinds, we can only expect more from exhibits in the upcoming year. Learning what other majors or minors students are available to explore in the art department could not only make fascinating exhibits, but expose the world of art to those unfamiliar with what one could do with metal, wood and other everyday objects. Showing artwork that isn’t your typical paintings and drawings could greatly increase interest not just in the artists, but the classes as well. Metal-working and jewelry? Printmaking? Maybe once the exhibits showcase some hidden talents on campus, the art department will get more support

Tigerfest: There’s a new twist on Tigerfest 2011.  The music festival will be held on Friday, May 6, at 3 p.m. with the hope that it won’t interfere with drinking, er, classes. And because Burdick Field will be the home of some serious campus construction, the event’s signature rock artist will be performing at Johnny Unitas Stadium. The Campus Activities Board hoped to have a list of potential artists by the end of the semester, but only an initial cost and interest survey has been released.

Towerlight prediction: Last year’s concert featuring N*E*R*D only drew a crowd of 5,000, and with a brand new venue, CAB won’t want anything but a blowout. Hip-hop artists haven’t sold out shows, so a rock artist with a hit from this year that received decent radio time might appeal more to students. But without manpower from the office of student activities (both David Satterlee and Bridget Chase left their positions this semester), Tigerfest might look more like a home game at Johnny U: plenty of tailgating and plenty of empty seats.

Music: 2010 has marked a rather unexciting year in musical history. Possibly the only well-circulated pop albums were Ke$ha’s two CDs, “Animal” and “Cannibal,” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” with a slight peppering of smoother R&B songs from individuals like Jason Derülo and Taio Cruz – both CDs completely ignored – and a few well-made albums like Eminem’s “Recovery” and Sara Barellies “Kaleidoscope Heart.” And of course, Taylor Swift dropped another set of sweet country songs.  Several bands made interesting comebacks: Hellogoodbye, for one, despite their entire-line up being changed around. There were also a few that just sort of were beating a dead horse with a bat, the dead horse being their careers. Those include Ludacris and Black Eyed Peas, and oh god, Christina Aguilera. Well, perhaps 2011 will look a little brighter.

Towerlight Prediction: An Avril Lavigne album? Never mind. Well, we have Cake’s “Showroom of Compassion” to look forward to, as well as Britney Spears’ new album. Say what you will, but she’s still one of the highest-grossing artists of all time. Other band to release new albums (nightmares) include new Coldplay, Panic at The Disco and Bowling for Soup. We do, however, get to enjoy new Blink-182 and Muse. Obviously, it’s impossible to tell the quality of these CDs. But we sure can enjoy the build up to their release dates.