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One-Act Festival Showcases Student Talent
Students in Theatre 412 try their hand at directing a one-act play
University News | December 21, 2023
The One-Act Festival, hosted annually by VWU's Theatre Department showcases the talent and creativity of students enrolled in Theater 412, "Directing." Taught by Professor of Theatre Dr. Travis Malone, six aspiring directors immersed themselves in the study of the art of auditions, the intricacies of rehearsals, and the nuanced skills required for effective directing.
“The students did an amazing job creating an audition and rehearsal space that allowed students, many of whom had not performed on stage before, the freedom to bring their characters and stories to life,” said Dr. Malone.
As part of their coursework, Quinton Coleman, Daniela Angeles Galvan, Rob Lindsay, John Post, Dominique Tatum, and Kaela Townes delved into research on various playwrights and directing techniques. Their exploration focused on identifying a one-act play that resonated with their unique visions and skill sets. The culmination of their efforts was presented on stage during the One-Act Festival.
The festival serves as a platform for student directors to demonstrate their newfound knowledge and abilities in the realm of theater. By selecting and bringing to life a one-act play of their choice, each student showcased their understanding of the director's role and their ability to shape a theatrical experience.
The intimate setting of the Hofheimer Blackbox Theater, located in Susan T. Beverly Hall, provided an immersive experience for both the directors and the audience, allowing for a more direct and personal connection with the performances.
Through the One-Act Festival, students were encouraged to embrace their creativity, hone their directing skills, and develop their own unique styles. The event marked the culmination of their academic exploration in directing.
Three of the student directors shared more about their experiences during the fall semester:
Kaela Townes Chose “Poof “by Lynn Nottage
In the comedy, Poof, a housewife, Loureen, has come to the end of her rope with her abusive husband and finds herself confronted with the aftermath when he spontaneously combusts. With the help of her best friend Florence, she tries to reclaim her life. However, she must first deal with the mysterious pile of ashes left behind.
Kaela, who has chosen theatre as her minor, first discovered her love of theatre when she took a course taught by Professor of Theatre Dr. Sally Shedd. She notes that her favorite thing about directing this play was her cast, who “always had something to laugh about, played hard, and worked even harder.”
John Post Selected “Lockdown” by Douglas Craven
“Lockdown” follows eight students and a teacher through an ambiguous lockdown scenario in a high school. One student runs from the classroom and the teacher follows; leaving the remaining students to decide whether to run or stay. Neither the audience nor the characters are given answers as to what is really happening outside the classroom.
John, a theatre major who has been engaged in productions since he was young, shared that the most rewarding moments in the directing process came from empowering the play’s actors to make smart and creative choices.
Daniela Angeles Galvan Directed “Short-Term Affairs” by Donna Spector
Tired of hearing words like love and commitment, Mark goes to the Bureau of Short-Term Affairs looking for a meaningless relationship. There he meets Denise, a captivating and interesting woman who happens to be so wrong for him that he can’t help but feel tempted, because, in the end, opposites attract, right?
Theatre major Daniela noted that the most challenging thing about directing was experimenting with movement and emotions, but with the help of her cast and stage manager, that decision-making became the most rewarding thing about the directing process. She will be directing a full length play for her senior thesis next semester.
Learn more about the Arts at VWU.
Adapted from a story written by Brooke Underwood ’24.