It is not surprising that theater majors have roles in theatrical performances on campus, but students from different majors, some who have never acted, do not always have that same opportunity. The One-Act Play Festival, will give that opportunity to theater majors and other majors alike.
The One-Act Play Festival has teamed up with the Play Directing class and 10 of the class’ students direct one play each.
“Their responsibility is to choose the play, cast it, rehearse it with the actors and perform it for the public,” said Daniel Inouye, assistant professor of theater arts and producer of the festival.
The class opened the audition process about a month ago. Later, they met together, cast the plays and are now rehearsing.
“They are in the middle of the rehearsal process now,” Inouye said. “Because this is the students’ first time directing One-Act Plays, some of the biggest challenges are trying to figure out how to work with the individual actors, making sure that they can achieve their vision for the show and design work that has to be shown on the stage.”
this year will be senior mass communications major Adam Wheat’s third year to be involved with One-Act Plays.
“Rehearsals are fun but intense because while we get to act and cut up with each other, we also have to contribute to a quality work that reflects both our own and our director’s talents,” Wheat said. “Also, we all have varying degrees of stage experience, different personalities and tons of other commitments, so it’s both fun and challenging to work together to put on a smashing show.”
There will be 10 individual acts during One-Act Plays, and about 30 to 40 students will be involved in the whole process.
according to Inouye, challenges are bound to push the students to work even harder.
“There’s always a problem but that’s part of the process that the students have to work through as they learn to become good directors,” Inouye said.
the performances will be held in Verser Theater on Thursday, Dec. 10, and Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Each night, students will perform five One-Act Plays. Audiences can look
forward to two free admission evenings of comedy, love, relationships and satire.
“The goal for the One-Act Play Festival is to give the students an opportunity to produce plays, put them on, direct them, work with other students and provide the campus and the community with entertaining productions to see,” Inouye said.
Students do not have to have any experience in acting to put on a performance for the One-Act Play Festival.
“I love the One-Act Plays,” Wheat said. “It’s all about leading, self-motivation and pride in a collaborative effort. I highly recommend that anyone who would consider getting up and singing karaoke, audition for One-Act Plays next year. You don’t have to pretend to be the greatest actor in America; just take a chance. You will enjoy an entertaining and changing experience.
