Eleven ways to get your cultural fix at the U this fall

With the days growing shorter and weather turning cooler, fall is the perfect time of year to indulge in the smorgasbord of cultural offerings on the University of Utah’s campus. The state’s flagship school has a lot more to offer in October and November than football and tailgate parties. Whether it’s performing or visual arts you’re hankering for, the U has you covered.

Many of the university’s musical, dramatic and fine arts offerings are performed or created by students, as well as seasoned professionals. Performances and entrance fees are generally priced inexpensively, especially for students, according to Marina Gomberg, communications director for the U’s College of Fine Arts.

“Arts are about far more than just entertainment. They’re very often entertaining, but they challenge us and expand our understanding of the world around us,” Gomberg said. “They help reflect parts of our community that I don’t think are seen all the time in mainstream media.”

Whether you’re looking to challenge your worldview or simply have fun, here are eleven selected cultural offerings in the coming weeks and months. Enjoy!

1. “Town Hall”: A play/conversation/story about life and living in an ever-changing world: a place we thought we knew, once upon a time. Written by OBIE-award winner Caridad Svich and directed by Latoya Cameron, “Town Hall” is strange, yet poetic; funny, yet moving; and most of all, quietly revolutionary. Free admission for all Utah middle/high school students and educators. (Not recommended for children under 12.) Oct. 27–Nov. 5, varying times, Studio 115 in the Performing Arts Building

2. “Circa: Humans 2.0″: A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, performed by the Australia-based Circa. This next chapter of the circus-inspired dance troupe’s internationally acclaimed “Humans” is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, “Humans 2.0″ is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human. Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall

3. “Era”: School of Dance students perform historic repertory alongside contemporary new works. This concert features “Suite” from José Limón’s “Choreographic Offering” (1964), staged by faculty member Natalie Desch; Arthur Saint-Leon’s “La Vivandiere” (1848), set by faculty member Christopher Alloways-Ramsey; and new works created by guest artist Helanius Wilkins and faculty artist Melissa Bobick. Oct. 19–21, varying times, Marriott Center for Dance

4. Utah Philharmonia Haunted Orchestra Concert: A night of spooky classics will get you in the mood for Halloween. Oct. 26 and 27, 7:30 p.m., Libby Gardner Hall

5. “Wild World”: A traveling exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Utah, “Wild World: Stories of Conservation & Hope” shares conservation successes from around the world. Full of life, this immersive showcase presents stories of wild animals and conservationists to show us why there is hope on the horizon. On display through Nov. 5, Natural History Museum of Utah

6. BOOtanical: The annual fall festival holds separate kid-friendly events on days and evenings, where visitors can learn about Utah plants through storytelling and crafts. Oct. 18–30, Red Butte Garden

7. “Jason & Kimi Play Debussy”: Nova Chamber Music Series features the husband-and-wife piano duo Jason Harding and Kimi Kawashima performing Claude Debussy’s “Petite Suite.” Oct. 22, 3 p.m., Libby Gardner Hall

8. Mindfulness at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Yoga instructor Charlotte Bell will lead participants through the practice of viewing artwork slowly and mindfully and will also provide traditional guided meditation. This practice is perfect for beginners. Thurs. afternoons at 1 p.m. through Dec. 7, Utah Museum of Fine Arts

9. “The Rocky Horror Show”: The cult classic rock ‘n’ roll musical returns to the Pioneer Theatre Company stage for its 50th year. Oct. 21–31, varying times, Pioneer Theatre

10. “The Tempest”: One of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays, a tale of spells and shipwrecks on a strange island, comes to the U. Free admission for all Utah middle/high school students and educators. (Not recommended for children under 8.) Nov. 10–19, varying times, Babcock Theatre

11. “Tatau: Marks of Polynesia”: This exhibit at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts features 150 photographs and narratives revealing the work of Samoan tattoo masters (tufuga tā tatau). On display through Dec. 30, Utah Museum of Fine Arts