One Act Plays from Well-Known Playwrights Coming to Utah State University
An Evening of One Acts, plays produced, directed and performed by theater students in the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, will be showcased in the Chase Fine Art Center’s Black Box Theatre on USU’s campus at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23-28.
A one-act play is comparable to a short film, where the entire story is presented within a reduced time frame. The one-act format is intended to provide an opportunity for several upcoming actors and directors to present their work to the public in a single night.
“One-act plays require an intense concentration from the actors to present the piece in the time allowed,” said Adrianne Moore, USU Theatre Arts Department associate professor. “For the advanced directing students, the one-act plays provide the opportunity to hone their directing skills and present a short work for public viewing.”
Six USU theater students are trying their hand at directing, including Mackenzi Van Engelenhoven, a senior majoring in history with a minor in theater, who directs The Actor’s Nightmare by Christopher Durang.
“At first it was difficult because I was very self-conscious about the fact that my actors were my peers,” said Van Engelenhoven. “However, I quickly realized they all trusted me and were committed to my vision for the show, which made it easier for me to have confidence in myself.”
Another student director, John Terry, is directing Naomi by Christopher Durang. Terry is a junior majoring in performance with an emphasis in acting.
“There are times when it’s hard to distinguish the difference between being just friends with the actors and being their director,” said Terry. “However, I love directing, working and collaborating to make an actual show happen and to produce a work of art.”
Two groups of plays will be showcased during the week. Group A will include Life Under Water by Richard Greenberg, Naomi in the Living Room by Christopher Durang and Noon by Terrence McNally, all presented Jan. 23, 25 and 27. Group B will include Chinamen by Michael Frayn, Something Unspoken by Tennessee Williams and The Actor’s Nightmare by Christopher Durang on Jan. 24, 26 and 28.
Group A plays are rated mature [M] for use of profanity and sexual references. Group B plays are rated “E” for everyone.
Tickets are $5 for general admission and free for USU students with ID. For more information and tickets, visit the CCA Box Office located in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-9022 or go find the Box Office link on the college website.
Related links:
Caine College of the Arts Box Office
Writer: Kara Rindlisbacher, 435-797-9203, kara.rindlisbacher@gmail.com
Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu
Students at Utah State University direct and act in a series of one-act plays Jan. 23-28 at the Black Box Theatre in the Chase Fine Arts Center.
Student actors performing in "Noon" include (left) Victoria Benson as Allegrea, Thomas Jennings as Cecil and Joanna Johnson as Baryl. (Photo courtesy USU Theatre Arts Department)
USU students Jackson Simmons (as Stephen) and Alexandria Saxton (as Jo) from the one-act play "Chinamen." (Photo courtesy USU Theatre Arts Department)
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