OSU Department of Theatre to perform comedy play ‘Airness’ Sept. 22-24

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University’s Department of Theatre will present its first show of the season Sept. 22-24.

“Airness” by Chelsea Marcantel — a comedy about competition, completion and finding the “airness” inside yourself — has been in production among OSU faculty and students since the spring. The play focuses on the character Nina, who is entering her first air guitar competition.

“For anyone who has ever given themselves whiplash while rocking out to incredible music, or needed to bang imaginary drums as the chorus comes roaring in on an epic power ballad, or accidentally injured a friend or fellow concert goer because you just couldn’t control your arms — ‘Airness’ is for you,” said Matthew Smith, OSU visiting assistant professor of performance and director of “Airness.” 

In the play, Nina befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion. She soon discovers that there’s more to the art form than playing pretend; “Airness” reminds viewers that everything people need to rock is already inside them. 

“‘Airness’ is a theatrical production that brings to life the world of competitive air guitar in all its glitz, glam and glory,” Smith said. “With the help from the most accomplished air guitar champion in Texas, Thrillie Nelson, the incredibly talented actors of Oklahoma State University will transport you to a world of epic songs, epic air guitar and epic feelings.”

Thrillie Nelson, aka Taylor Fullbright, is a professional air guitarist who worked with the OSU cast on everything air guitar. He is a seven-time National Air Guitar Finalist and competed in the World Air Guitar Championship in Oulu, Finland, in 2019.  

The theatre department also brought in costume designer Alyssa Couturier and lighting designer Kathleen Holmes to help with the show. Couturier earned her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, interned at Ralph Laruen and went on to get an MFA from the University of Florida. Holmes, who is a freelance scenic and lighting designer with a passion for costumes, received her MFA in design from the University of Arkansas. 

“Airness” will be performed in the Vivia Locke Theatre in the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts on OSU’s Stillwater campus. Showtimes are Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.  

Reserve seats online, by calling the OSU Theatre Box Office at 405-744-6094 or by emailing drama@okstate.edu. Ticket prices are $10 for students, $12 for seniors and $15 for general admission.