Sept. 16, 1997 University Theatre Contact Karen Scheeland (541) 346-4190 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 EUGENE--The free "University Theatre Showcase" Friday, Sept. 26, features the talents of student performers and offers a preview of the 1997-98 University Theatre Season, The special performance, part of the University of Oregon's Welcome Week orientation activities, begins at 8 p.m. in Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 1190 Old Campus Lane on the UO campus. Free parking is available nearby in the lot at East 11th Avenue and Kincaid Street. "The showcase features useful information about the upcoming Robinson Theatre season and the Arena Theatre's Second Season as well entertaining performances," says Karen Scheeland, University Theatre's development director. In addition to ticket, T-shirt and poster giveaways, the fast-paced performance will feature UO students reprising their roles in selected scenes from recent University Theatre productions. Included will be last season's "Ever the Dragon," which is currently on tour to nine Oregon communities and will be revived Oct. 2-4 in the Robinson Theatre. "University Theatre Showcase" also will include scenes from this summer's Mad Duck Repertory Theatre production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, and "Baby with the Bathwater" by Christopher Durang. In addition, students will perform various scenes and monologues from the UO theater department's acting classes. For more information, call University Theatre's development office, (541) 346-4190. A taped message about current University Theatre productions and activities also is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287. -30- #P-2030/A&E