MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance is scaring the community with its 2011-12 season opener, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” with shows set Oct. 29 and 31 in the newly renovated Tucker Theatre.

The haunting tale of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, based on Washington Irving’s short story, is directed by MTSU theatre and education professor Dr. Jette Halladay. It’s designed for a younger audience and also will be touring local schools in addition to its 7:30 p.m. performances on campus. (The show opened Oct. 5-8.)

Although pitched as a children’s show, organizers say “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will be fun for adults as well during this Halloween season.

“It really is a wonderful tale and told interactively through the actors onstage,” said Morgan Lamberth, a junior theatre major who’s appearing as Katrina Van Tassel in the production. “Almost everyone has at least heard of the ‘Sleepy Hollow’ story, so regardless of age, I believe that anyone can come enjoy our production.

“Working on a children’s show lends to a different type of creativity versus working on a large musical,” Lamberth continued. “We really don’t need a big set for this production, and we’ve been able to use our imaginations and make it work with a few props and our bodies.”

General-admission tickets for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” are $10 for adults and $5 for children and may be purchased online at www.mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre via the “Purchase Tickets” button on the left toolbar. MTSU students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets also will be available at the door before each performance.

For more information, call 615-494-8810.