MONMOUTH, Ill. — A group of four students recently entered the lobby of Monmouth College’s Stockdale Center, right before lunch. They gathered with their backs to each other and circled counterclockwise, having four very loud conversations into phones. Foot traffic came to a halt, and more than a few quizzical looks were made. In just a few moments, the four students were gone, and the daily routine of congregating in the busy social area continued.

What just happened?

Simply put, a "happening."

Monmouth College theater professor Janeve West elaborated.

"Along with directing a production of ‘The Shape of Things’ (performances by MC’s Crimson Masque are Oct. 2-5 at the college’s Wells Theater), I’ve coordinated a group of eight students who are creating ‘happenings’ across campus," she said. "The purpose for these one-or two-minute happenings is to spur a discussion of art, what constitutes art and the role of the artist in today’s society," all topics which tie into the upcoming production.

Partnering with the college’s art department, the theater department’s production of "The Shape of Things" will combine live theater and film, performance art, sculpture and painting.

The group’s first happening was like one seen recently on a television ad. At precisely 11:55 a.m. on a school day, the eight members froze their position amongst the hurried rush of the changing classes.

"They became a living installation," said West, "reaching for bags, checking the cell phone or leaning against a wall. Passers-by quickly began to comment and question the moment. At 11:57 a.m., the artists broke their position and dispersed."

Other happenings have included an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party, an "air-cowbell" concert and performers rolling down the hill wrapped in curtains or blankets.

Though the structure was fairly loose, each event had to be "artistic in some manner, slightly spontaneous and unpublicized," said West. Participants included Marcus Bailey, Mark Woessner, Kristina Heinzman, Kelsey Cole, Ryan Burns, Felicia Roberts, Ashley Musser and Jim Travnik.

Officially, the term "happening" is credited to artist Allan Kaprow, who coined it in 1959 to describe "a form of art, often carefully planned but usually including some degree of spontaneity, in which an artist performs or directs an event combining elements of theater and visual arts."

"Though much more tame than the happenings of the 1960s, these students have been using much of the same techniques of those artists in the creation of performance art," said West, who cautions that "The Shape of Things" contains adult language and situations not recommended for younger viewers.