Inspiring Production “Silent Sky” Shines Light on Cross-Curricular Connections

This spring, the Minnesota West college community will gather under the stars—both literally and figuratively—for a campus-wide event that blends the arts and academics in a dynamic collaboration. Theatre Director Eric Parrish will present Silent Sky, a thought-provoking play that illuminates the life and work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, one of the pioneering women who helped us understand the vastness of the universe.

This performance, scheduled for March 27–29, marks the 50th production in Parrish’s career and offers the college a unique opportunity to celebrate discovery and creativity through an integrated experience.

Written by Lauren Gunderson, Silent Sky tells the story of Leavitt and the women “computers” of Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. At a time when women were not even allowed to touch a telescope, Leavitt’s careful work measuring the brightness of stars led to a discovery that changed astronomy forever.

“Silent Sky takes place during a time of tremendous scientific discovery,” Parrish shared. “The play reaches beyond the scientific realm to tell the story of determination, bringing a deeply human lens to the pursuit of knowledge.”

Over the past year, Parrish has collaborated with Minnesota West faculty to creatively connect Silent Sky with classroom learning. The result is a cross-disciplinary initiative that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and History in engaging ways.

“STEAM education is one of the best investments we can make in our future. By uniting these areas, we empower students to see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers—building resilient communities prepared for a sustainable tomorrow,” Parrish said.

One of the most dynamic collaborations is with Astronomy Instructor Paul Seifert, who already includes a session on Henrietta Leavitt in his astronomy curriculum. Together, Parrish and Seifert are working to bring Silent Sky to life both on stage and in the classroom.

In Spring 2026, Dr. Anita Gaul will also weave U.S. History themes into the Theatre Department’s production of Silent Sky, underscoring her dedication to interdisciplinary learning.

Through this partnership, students will be able to experience Leavitt’s discoveries both scientifically and artistically—seeing how her data-driven work connects with the play’s emotional and historical storytelling. After a few of the evening performances, Seifert plans to open the campus observatory, giving audience members a chance to look at the night sky and the very stars Leavitt helped us understand.

Currently, 10–12 faculty members from across disciplines are planning to participate in similar ways.

“My goal with this cross-curricular project is to highlight how interconnected our disciplines truly are,” Parrish said. “A Liberal Arts education is about integrating life skills and critical thinking, which is more vital now than at any point in recent history.” 

Auditions for the production will be held in December. The show features a cast of four women and one man, with 8–10 additional opportunities for students to work behind the scenes on lights, sound, set design, and stage management.

Beyond the performances, the celebration will feature a special reception honoring Parrish’s 50th production and welcoming former theatre students back to campus. Highlights include a Sunday matinee talk-back with the cast, director, and faculty collaborators; a post-show observatory open house where audiences can explore the night sky; and student and faculty exhibits showcasing projects inspired by Henrietta Leavitt’s groundbreaking discoveries across multiple disciplines.

“I was looking for a meaningful way to mark the 50th production I have directed in my career,” Parrish reflected. “Understanding theatre as a learning tool for society is central to my philosophy as an artist. This project is really about extending the learning we do at Minnesota West into the broader community, where we can learn from one another.” 

Theatre students devote months of preparation, creativity, and collaboration all leading up to one special weekend of performances—rehearsing late, building sets, designing costumes, and bringing their shared vision to the stage. It’s an incredible commitment that deserves celebration. Their work represents the best of what our students can achieve together and the courage to step into the spotlight.