Students in the theater department are taking a new twist on the traditional senior project by breaking free from the educational realm and entering the world of professional theater as they enter the 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

William Shakespeare will take center stage at Dailey Theatre tonight as the theater department presents “The Merchant of Venice.”

Dailey Theater was filled with intrigue and laughs as the Theater Arts 315 class performed its original production of “The Virtuous Sinners” on Feb. 8, 9 and 10.