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ISSUE 3
VOLUME 73
February 20, 2026
Steel Magnolias debuts at Wallace Theatre BY YEDID FUENTES A&E EDITOR
Stepping into the Wallace Theatre during tech week, audiences likely saw actors blocking, the technical team testing audio and the props team presetting the stage as they prepared for opening night of California Baptist University’s production of “Steel Magnolias” on Feb. 20. The space reflected organized chaos, where the lighthearted gossip of a 1980s Louisiana hair salon met the high-pressure demands of a live theatrical run. Audiences experienced a story of humor and Southern charm from opening night through Feb. 21, 27, 28 and March 1. Behind the scenes, student actors worked through the grit of the production. From drilling lines to perfecting periodaccurate hairstyles, students mastered the emotional endurance required for one of theater’s most beloved plays. For a show that centered on the chemistry of six women, the process extended beyond hitting marks. Zachary Bortot, theatre arts division director, watched the cast move from “performing alongside one another” to truly listening and responding as an ensemble. “’Steel Magnolias’ lives or dies on trust,” Bortot said. “It’s not just about delivering lines well, it’s about being fully present with one another in every moment.” While the show appeared simple, that simplicity required precision. Because the script is conversational, the team approached the dialogue with
the same care often reserved for Shakespeare. “We have to ‘lift’ or ‘activate’ the words in a way that is active,” Bortot said. “Every character exchange, transition and prop placement has to be fine-tuned to support the emotional rhythm of the play. At the same time, the actors are managing costume changes, vocal pacing, physical endurance and emotional intensity.” The energy shifted during tech week as actors moved from the rehearsal room to the actual set. Bortot described the transition as a shift from “exploration” to “integration.” “Once we have a set, props, costumes, wigs, makeup— the story starts to crystallize and become more ‘lived in’ for the actors,” Bortot said. This transition often felt like two steps forward and one step back as the cast adjusted. “But if you trust the process, it can be followed by a beautiful moment where everything clicks,” Bortot said. “When that happens, you can feel the show take its first real breath.” Students on stage balanced professional focus with academic life. Ava Hill, sophomore theatre major who played Shelby, noted that working with physical props marked a major shift. “Props and quick changes are definitely the hardest things to get used to,” Hill said. “I love getting to see the costumes because it just makes the characters come to life, but we have quite a few quick changes. Props are always a new element when
you’ve just been miming it.” Breanna Masters, junior theatre major who played Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn, echoed the intensity of those transitions. “The biggest challenge for me has been my quick costume change between scenes one and two,” Masters said. “I have less than a minute to get rollers out of my natural hair, add a wig, as well as a full costume change. Navigating that is almost like choreography.” The actresses used different techniques to bridge the gap between student and performer. Hill relied on mood boards while Masters focused on physical transformation. “After warmups with the cast as a group, I like to take some time to get into M’Lynn’s physicality,” Masters said. “I’ll walk around in the heels and costume as if I’m walking out of myself and fully into her.” Chloe Critser, freshman intercultural studies and broadcast digital media production double major who played Clairee, used a more internal approach. “I jump around to get my energy up and take a minute to close my eyes and visualize my moment before the scene,” Critser said. “I also say a little prayer.” Despite their different methods, the cast united through pre-show traditions. “We have lots of pre-show traditions and warm up games, but my favorite is a game called ‘whoosh’ where we stand in a circle and whoosh the energy around,” Masters said. “This gets us excited and really ready
Photo Courtesy of Nathan Byrne
CBU students put on a wonderful performance highlighting the joys, heartbreak and true emotions felt in a supportive friendship that never lets you down. to put on the show.” Beyond technical work, the production aimed to resonate with the CBU experience. Bortot hoped students would see that strength is not always loud and presence is powerful. “Our students are navigating academic pressure, personal growth, faith formation and questions about their future,” Bortot said. “This play reminds them that they don’t have to do that alone. Resilience in this story isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about being honest, leaning on others and finding hope even in grief.” Students are encouraged experience the story firsthand, particularly to appreciate the detailed set and emotional conclusion. “I’m so excited for the audience to see how detailed everything is with the ways we actually do hair in the show,” Masters said. “I’m also super excited for the audience to see the very last scene of the whole
Sumaya Khoury | Banner
A simple yet welcoming banner inviting you to the performance. show. No spoilers though!” As the cast entered the final stretch before opening night, excitement filled the theater. For Critser, the goal was for
audiences to witness the family built within CBU theatre arts. “I hope they connect to the characters and get to laugh and cry with us,” Critser said.
John Freese’s legacy endures at CBU BY ALANNA RIVERA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
After four years of keeping California Baptist University safe as director of safety services, John Freese, turns the page. His next chapter includes stepping into a new role, leaving behind a department he built and entrusting it to a longtime colleague, Christian Dinco. When Freese arrived on campus in 2022, he brought 27 years of law enforcement experience, including previous work with the University of California, Riverside Police Department. His background in higher education prepared him to take on the role of director of safety services. “I was able to quickly make connections and then begin to build my staff, and now, more than half of the people who work for my department are
people that I’ve hired in the last four years,” Freese said. Freese carefully recruited staff who reflected his philosophy on campus safety, and his dedication showed in the way he served the community. During his tenure, he modernized the university’s parking registration system, replacing physical stickers with a digital system. “So I brought a digital parking management system here, which was not just for parking management, but it’s a safety tool in that it communicates with the license plate recognition cameras we have at each entrance,” Freese said. In addition to implementing safety practices, Freese fostered a sense of community on campus and built relationships that extended beyond his job title. “We’ve been able to
Keegan Hartley | Banner
As we say goodbye to John Freese, we offer abundant gratitude to him and his mark that he is leaving on the community.
improve the level of service that we provide the community and my officers enjoy seeing the opportunity to engage with students,” Freese said. “We have thousands of students that live on campus. This is their home and my officers interact with them and they feel like they’re part of the community, and I think that’s been a huge success that I’m really proud of.” A familiar presence across campus, Freese consistently worked to bridge the gap between Safety Services and the CBU community. His communication kept faculty and students informed and contributed to campus safety, reflecting his faith-led philosophy. “The connections I’ve made with students, with staff members; I never thought in four years time that I would make such close connections
and really, I think that’s because we have a shared faith in Jesus and that’s been the most amazing part of my work here.” While his time at CBU ended, Freese begins a new chapter as chief operating officer for Optimus Investigations, a private investigative company. The opportunity also allowed him to work alongside a longtime friend. “It’s special to me because [Optimus Investigations] was started by my best friend that I’ve known for many years. He started this company. He saw a great need for organizations like universities and school districts--private companies-that need to investigate personnel matters.” As Freese transitioned into
SEE JOHN FREESE | PAGE 3
Truly Adams, local racer
Inside the box
A local 15-year-old is already a world champion racer, traveling to France to compete for Formula 4 Finals.
An inside look at what CBU’s Safety Services team does to keep our community safe.
Mundanity, CBU student-led band shows humanity through ordinary moments of life.
News, pg 2
Faith & Lifestyle, pg 6
Arts & Entertainment, pg 13
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Mundanity, band spotlight