What if learning about Greek mythology meant embarking on an epic journey, exploring the community and earning discounted tickets to a live musical? Southern Utah University’s Theatre Education capstone class is making that adventure possible through the Killer Quest, an educational challenge designed to connect Iron County students with SUU Theatre’s upcoming production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
The Killer Quest invites students to complete a series of educational activities inspired by the world of Percy Jackson. Through a digital passport, participants can explore Greek mythology, engage in creative learning experiences, discover local destinations, and learn what goes into bringing a theatrical production to life. Students can also visit the Killer Quest website to find behind-the-scenes information, including rehearsal photos and details about the show’s costumes and scenery.
With the help of their parents or guardians, students can sign up for the Killer Quest at lightningquest.org. Those who complete the required challenges can earn a 50% discount on up to eight tickets to the musical. All Killer Quest participants, regardless of whether they complete the challenges, are also eligible for a 15% family discount.
For the Theatre Education students behind the project, the goal is to make learning an engaging, hands-on experience that extends beyond the classroom.
“The Killer Quest is a way to learn about Greek mythology in an arts-integrated way,” said Brooke Wilson, a member of the Theatre Education capstone class. “This will get students to take their own journey in educational programming.”
The activities encourage students to connect mythology with their own experiences while exploring the performing arts. By completing challenges outside a traditional school setting, participants can apply what they learn and see how those lessons connect to a live theatrical experience.
“The amazing thing about The Killer Quest is that it’s allowing students to put effort and time into learning activities outside of a school environment that they then can see the real-world effects of!” said Beth Smith, another member of the capstone class. “The opportunity to have their accomplishments lead to real, tangible rewards like the discount and the chance to see a show that talks about the activities they just worked through is such an invaluable positive experience for these students!”
The quest also introduces participants to the creative work behind a theatrical production. In addition to exploring Greek mythology, students can learn about the rehearsal process and the artistic decisions involved in developing the show’s costumes, scenery, and other production elements.
“The Killer Quest challenge allows community members, especially children, to connect with SUU’s theatrical production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical in a multilayered learning and entertainment experience,” said Professor Wendy Sanders, the faculty member leading the Theatre Education capstone class. “From visiting local spots to writing your own Greek myth or playing a game or two, the challenges encourage learning about Greek mythology. If the requisite challenges are met, 50% off discounted tickets can be attained. We hope to see you in the audience.”
The quest complements a musical that brings Greek mythology to life through a contemporary coming-of-age adventure. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’s book is by Joe Tracz with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki.
The musical offers an entertaining way to experience a story that connects ancient mythology with modern life through an original rock score and a fast-paced adventure filled with mythological creatures, friendship, and self-discovery.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will play Nov. 6, 7, 9 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances Nov. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. in SUU’s Randall L. Jones Theatre. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for SUU alumni, and $8 for non-SUU students. Families participating in the Killer Quest can receive a 15% ticket discount, and students who complete the required challenges can earn a 50% discount on up to eight tickets. Tickets are available at bard.org/tdaa.
Iron County families are invited to begin their adventure by signing up at lightningquest.org, where students can discover the challenges, track their progress, and explore the world of the production before taking their seats in the theatre.
To learn more about SUU’s Theatre Education program, please visit www.suu.edu/pva/tdaa.
About SUU’s College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs, including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year, which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.
