Above: Haven Hospodar performs a song. Photo courtesy of Dan Hale.

FailSafe Theatre at SAU’s Galvin Fine Arts Center shines a spotlight on fun, creativity, and experimentation. It’s not about the flawless execution, but about having a great time while stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Dan Hale, the current SAU theatre chair and founder of FailSafe says, “It’s a variety show in every sense of the word.” 

He says FailSafe gives SAU students a safe space to showcase their talents, providing a fun and supportive environment where creativity takes center.  

The Buzz attended the most recent FailSafe performance on April 3rd. Upon entering Galvin, the smell of complimentary popcorn filled the air. The Studio Theatre was easy to locate with clearly marked signs leading to the black-box style theatre. 

Above: Empty seats in the studio theater awaiting an audience. Photo courtesy of Dan Hale.

The evening featured a diverse lineup of SAU student performances, each bringing a different energy to the stage. A playful musical duet by sophomore Zach Ulmer and senior Andy Wirth, titled The Bro Duet, drew laughter from the audience. SAU’s own improv team, “Who Said That Co.”, composed a song live using noises provided by the audience. Esther Windt, another SAU student and Quercus member, shared a moving poem that held the room in an attentive silence. Between acts, local clubs and organizations promoted upcoming events on campus. 

Drawing from his own experience as an SAU Bee, Hale says he sought to create a student-led talent show to keep the spirit of performing arts alive. “FailSafe was born out of a desire and necessity to create opportunities for students… we are still figuring out what the new normal is since the cutting of the major,” a search made necessary in the wake of the 2021 decision to cut the theatre major. However, this setback has only fueled his and the rest of SAU’s theatre program desire to keep persisting. 

Every month, FailSafe showcases a lineup of at least 10 acts, giving each performer five minutes to share their craft. Whether it’s music, dance, comedy, improv, or even short films, all creative expressions are welcome. 

Above: a FailSafe performer strums a ukulele. Photo courtesy of Dan Hale.

Among the returning performers was Haven Hospodar, an SAU student, singer, and pianist who performed an original piece. Haven expresses their love for the FailSafe community. 

“Everyone is so supportive and I’ve met amazing people like Dan (Hale) and Aaron (Hook). Performing at FailSafe also pushes me to keep writing because I try to have a new song written for every show. It’s a space that keeps me motivated and excited to create.”

When asked about the importance of theatre on campus, Hospodar replied, “It creates a space for individuals to express themselves and explore different parts of their identity. For me, the SAU Theatre Department gives me the confidence to take pride in my music, which perfectly illustrates why this department is so important.” 

Hale says he urges performers to sign up. “It’s pretty close to what I have dreamed. Every month there is an opportunity to perform. Maybe you missed auditions, maybe you didn’t get cast in the musical, but this way every month you still have an opportunity to perform. Theatre at SAU is different and it’s changed, but it’s one of those things that is pretty special and FailSafe is one of those things.” 

The next FailSafe is Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 PM. You can scan the QR code on any of the posters around campus to sign-up. You can also get more information by following their Facebook page or their Instagram @SAU_theatre.

Kassidy Sutherland is a staff writer for The Buzz.