By: Savanna Stillwagner

The University of North Florida’s Swoop Troupe and The 5 & Dime Theatre Company partnered this year for the production of Ride the Cyclone by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, a play about six teenagers given the chance to be brought back to life by a mechanical fortune teller after a deadly roller coaster accident.  

The collaboration between the two theater groups was a natural fit. Both groups had the show in their seasons, and after Swoop Troupe received funding cuts at the university, 5 & Dime was happy to provide a venue through their other partner, The Florida Ballet, and help fund the show.  

The cast and crew are made up of not only UNF students, but community theater members from throughout Jacksonville as well. The production was performed May 7 through 22, and they even had a “Pay What You Please” performance on Thursday, March 13. The play was a huge success in the Jacksonville community, being sold out numerous nights throughout their performances.  

For those looking to get involved with either UNF Swoop Troupe or The 5 & Dime Theater Co., they can visit their websites or socials.