Showcases in early May arranged by Ball State's Department of Theatre and Dance will give two dozen new graduates a chance to perform for producers, agents and casting directors in the theater, film and television industries.

Theaters have been rented in each of the show business capitals so students can present monologues, songs or scenes in an effort to land jobs in their fields.

"Many major theater programs do this," said Don LaCasse, chair of Ball State's theater department. "It's a great way to help students make connections in the industry to get work. It's also a way for us to make contacts with our alumni."

Nearly a dozen students will head to New York for two showcase performances on May 6, and 14 other students will go to Los Angeles for two showcase performances on May 8.

Participating theater majors have been raising funds for the trips through bake sales, rummage sales, a penny competition and benefit performances.

Proceeds have come from Ball State's television comedy "Faulkner King," shows by the Reflex improvisational comedy troupe and a cabaret performance by alumna Margaret Reeder.

Theater faculty members Rodger Smith, Mandy Fox, Bill Jenkins and Raphael Crystal have coordinated and prepared the students for the showcases.

(Note to Editors: For more information on this story, contact Don LaCasse at (765) 285-8740 or dlacasse@bsu.edu.)