VERMILLION, S.D. – South Dakota women's soccer had the unique opportunity to help students from the USD Theatre prepare for their upcoming production titled The Wolves, written by Sarah DeLappe.
 
The week before the fall semester began in Vermillion, the soccer program and the theatre department collaborated on a "soccer camp" for the actors of the production. The goal of the camp was to help the actors learn more about the sport and begin to develop some skills that would be beneficial for their roles in the production.
 
"When Chaya reached out about a possible collaboration between USD Theatre and the soccer team, we jumped at the chance," Associate head coach Maggie Sherman said. "Finding an opportunity to work with another group on campus is always a highlight for our athletes. Our team really enjoyed working with and teaching the cast about soccer and how they can use those skills to enhance their performance."
 
The Wolves follows a team of nine teenage soccer players who learn that the world is much bigger than their love for soccer. The players converse in their pre-game warmups each Saturday that often lead to larger questions of life and identity.
 
The women's soccer program had an audience for their practices as the cast watched practice from the stands of the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. After practice ended the cast would get their turn on the pitch, warming up, learning, and practicing drills with players from the team. The final day of camp included players and cast members partaking in an integrated scrimmage.
 
"This collaboration has been a rich opportunity for students to teach and learn from each other, to work across campus and disciplines, develop appreciation and respect for each other's areas of focus, and to realize how much athletics and the arts have in common," said Chaya Gordon-Brand, professor of Theatre and stage director for The Wolves.
 
Throughout rehearsals this fall, the cast has attended several of USD's home matches to support their fellow students and collaborators. The women's soccer team will be attending the September 29^th show.
 
"They have attended home game to support us, and now we are so excited to support them in attending their show during opening weekend!" Sherman added.
 
The Wolves will have six shows over two weekends. It will be performed on Knutson Stage in the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 3-6. The Wolves is rated "R" for graphic language and mature themes.