After almost a year of story gathering, script writing, and hard work by an artistic team that includes student directors, designers, musicians and actors, IRIS 2016 promises to be a theatre production that welcomes, entertains and supports incoming students as they make the transition into first year University.

Produced by the Student Success Centre in partnership with the School of the Arts, IRIS, an acronym for “Inspiration, Reflection, Integrity, Success”, is an upper-year theatre production that comes together to dramatize the realities of McMaster students’ lives. Every year since its 2004 debut, the IRIS community has united to create a one-of-its-kind Welcome Week production.

“The IRIS community opens up conversation around the Welcome Week strategic themes and other topics, such as academics and campus support. It’s a strong example of academics, student affairs, and our students working together,” shares Michele Corbeil, Producer of IRIS 2016 and founder of the program.

“The spirit of collaboration is what really sets IRIS apart from many other theatrical productions,” says Dr. Catherine Graham, IRIS 2016’s Dramaturg and associate Professor of McMaster University’s Theatre and Film program. “The IRIS community pulls little pieces, viewpoints, opinions and concerns from the McMaster community to create a compelling story for first-year students.”

To create the IRIS 2016 production, upper-year students from the 2015 Theatre & Film 3PC3 class led workshops across campus, gathering stories and experiences from other students. From here, Director and third-time IRIS collaborator, Daniel McGuire, worked with an artistic team to capture these stories and concerns in the script.

In addition to putting together another successful production, IRIS is also pleased to welcome its first live music ensemble. Along with other IRIS collaborators, Daniel McGuire credits the musicians for their role in helping with the script, characters, and story: “Musicians were very much part of the process; they were collaborators.”As Welcome Week approaches, Michele Corbeil and Dr. Graham encourage incoming and upper-year students from diverse faculties to join to the IRIS community: “We welcome students who are passionate about helping others to not only see the show, but also contribute. You don’t need to have professional experience to get involved in our work – learning is part of the experience.”

IRIS will be holding a community show for members of the McMaster community on Wednesday, August 31, from 12-2 p.m. in MDCL 1305. For more information about production dates or how to get involved, visit the Student Success Centre website.