During finals week this year, the student-directed one acts will once again be performed in the Studio Theatre.
For an idea of the performances up ahead and the directors and experiences behind them, here's a short interview with each student director about their show:
Rebecca Moews - The Great Pandemonium by Pat Cook
Synopsis: "Jarred Nusthorp is a high school director who is fighting everyone and everything to put on a production of Richard III. During the technical rehearsal, just about everything goes wrong: his actors don't show up, his technician can't figure out the cues, his props master keeps quitting and the principal keeps suggesting they switch and put on the musical Grease. They struggle to get past the first few minutes of the show. Jarred must find a way to get his cast and crew's focus, or they might not have a show by opening night!"
Why did you pick this show?
"I looked at this play because I really wanted to do a comedy. I choose this play because I enjoy the number of theatrical references as well as how relatable it is for the number of difficulties faced when putting on a show. It made sense to do a play that explores the struggles of bringing people together to create the vision you want for my first time directing a full show."
How has the process been so far?
"So far, the process has been going fairly well. Each rehearsal brings us closer to a finished product that we can all be proud of. From what I can see, everyone, including myself, is having a super fun time working on it."
Why should people see your show?
"People should come and see this show because it's a good laugh, especially this time of year when people are getting a little tense and stressed about making everything perfect. They might find some relief in this quirky humor."
Ellie Larson - The Green Hill by David Ives
Synopsis: "Very simply put, it is about a man who sets out on a mission to find happiness."
Why did you pick this show?
"I chose this one act because I think, even though it's slightly abstract, it's a story we can all relate to."
How has the process been so far?
"The rehearsal process has been so enjoyable. It's really rewarding to see all the things you plan in your head come to life, and my actors are doing a FANTASTIC job."
Why should people come see your show?
"People should come see this show because it is not only heartwarming, but it will also raise questions relevant to the audience and give them something to think about."
Luke Peterson - Ludlow Fair by Lanford Wilson
Synopsis: "This heartwarming play is about two roommates living in a New York City apartment. Throughout the course of the evening, they have discussions about love, loneliness and how to find fulfillment with themselves and their relationships."
Why did you pick this show?
"I chose this one act because I love Lanford Wilson as a playwright. His plays are known for being so personal, and there is always something for the audience to connect with in each of his stories. Ludlow Fair is no exception."
How has the process been so far?
"Rehearsals have been going great! It's a busy time of year given all the crazy events, such as Honk Jr. and the Musical Theatre Cabaret. Still, I love collaborating with my actors, and it is going to be a great show!"
Why should people see your show?
"Everyone should come see our directing class one acts because we have all worked so hard and to have a large, engaging audience on show nights would mean the world to us!"
Halie Osborn - Death of a Gerbil by Dewan and Clair Demmer
Synopsis: "In this particular story, we follow Darren Gerbil, a man who has recently found out he is, in fact, dead. However freshly dead he may be, his files have somehow been lost in the 'infallible' system. While his paperwork is being found, he gets sent back to earth as a ghost and must learn how to cope with his new life."
Why did you pick this show?
"I chose this show because I really wanted a show that was similar to No Exit, and a comedy is always a nice way to get your mind off of the stresses of life."
How has the process been so far?
"The process has been a solid mix between wonderful and stressful. It's so fun to take a show and mold it into a story that everyone can immerse themselves in, but it's also consumed a lot of my time and brain power. It's absolutely worth it."
Why should people see your show?
"People should come and watch the one acts because it's not only supporting the Theatre Department, but it's also a fresh look at a new group of student directors who are debuting their first St. Ambrose mini-shows."
Kendall McKasson - Power Lunch by Alan Ball
Synopsis: "Power Lunch is about a man and a woman who meet in a restaurant coincidentally. They begin a conversation that turns into an all-out battle that attacks stereotypes that each gender feels forced to live up to in society. With spontaneous sambas, signings of contracts and momentary romantic connections, we wonder if the two will be able to work out their differences and see things from each other's perspective."
Why did you pick this show?
"Selecting a good one act is such a challenging thing. You first have to find a play that is quality literature, and then you have to choose something that has a strong theme. I chose my one act because it was a fun and absurd take on the gender stereotypes that plague our society. It is a battle-of-the-sexes play that takes no prisoners, and it calls out anyone and everyone - not just one gender."
How has the process been so far?
"I have definitely faced challenges that I didn't originally anticipate when it came to casting and different blocking aspects, but it has been such a rewarding experience. I truly want to do this for the rest of my life."
Why should people see it?
"Between my show and the other shows that are being presented in the class, there will be two fun nights of theatre. Our class has worked so hard and put in so many combined hours to assure that our shows will be the best they can possibly be for the public."
Anthony Duckett - What a Performance! by Trevor Suthers
Synopsis: "This is a comedic exploration of actors and the state of theatre told by four actors who are currently in a show they hate. Along the way, they get distracted from this lofty topic by skipped lines, nudes and a missing razor, which one actor will stop at nothing to find."
Why did you pick this show?
"One of my favorite things about the show is the way it switches from serious conversations to jokes so quickly, sometimes overlapping even. It's a lot of fun for actors and audience members. On top of that, from a directorial standpoint, I liked the set design I had in my head as I read this show and also how the actors' lines are very evenly split. Each actor gets almost equal focus."
How has the process been so far?
"Every show has its problems, but things have been going really well so far. The show is malleable from a directing standpoint, so it's been really easy to adjust things that needed fixing. Plus, I couldn't ask for a better cast."
Why should people see it?
"Whether you're an actor, a theatre lover or none of the above, this show has something for you. It's a fun time with a lot of good laughs!"
So, there you have it! That was each one-act director, their views on their show and the process behind it. Hopefully, this insight will encourage you all to come see the one act performances at 7 p.m. December 9 and 11 in the Studio Theatre.
Admission is free, and the house opens at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Come early to ensure that you get a seat in our intimate, 50-seat theatre.
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