Student playwrights will showcase work
By: Maggie Carlson
Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
Rehearsals will begin soon for Webster's seventh annual "Surfacing," a theatrical festival sponsored by the Literary Club, which features five plays written, directed and acted by students. Actors auditioned Feb. 24 for the 14 characters.
The festival is an opportunity for students to enter an original play and see it produced. From the submissions, five plays are chosen by an impartial student reading committee.
This year, 15 plays were submitted by 13 students and the final five were selected in January.
The five plays are:
* "Bernard Sleeps through the Ages" by Steve Clemmons
* "My Perfect Feet" by Andy Hobin.
* "Paying Your Dues" by Ben Zweig
* "Snarls McGee" by Molly McNew
* "Solid Foundation" by Jason M. Weathers
Students Phillip Allen, a second-year theater major, and Laurie Melnik, an English major, are producing the festival.
Allen said preparation has been positive because the playwrights have been actively involved.
"I'm excited because all of the playwrights have been very active in the show, and they each want to make sure that it is their work and that it is a collaborative effort," Allen said.
Allen said it is a unique experience working with the playwrights, rather than just a director.
"It's interesting because the playwrights can modify the plays however they want so that the characters relate more to the actors," Allen said. "The plays in 'Surfacing' are always changing and getting stronger. "
Chairwoman of the English department Meg Sempreora agrees.
"It's a great opportunity because the playwrights actually get to work with the directors and the actors," she said. "It's a learning experience for everyone. It's also great for the audience because it is edgy, new theater."
McNew, a creative writing major and the sole female playwright, enjoyed having actors audition for her play.
"It's so interesting to see different acting styles and interpretations of my play," McNew said.
Weathers said this will be the first time one of his plays has been produced.
"It will be very interesting to see it all done," he said. "I'm looking forward to the future and the rehearsals."
Some students, like sophomore film production major James Hansen, had some acting experience. "With the conservatory there is not much opportunity for other students to act," Hansen said. "I acted in high school, so I thought this would be fun."
Other students, like English creative writing major Sarah Wilson, tried acting for the first time.
"Last year, I regretted not auditioning and this is my last chance because I'm a senior," Wilson said. "I've never acted before and I'd be mad at myself if I didn't try it."
"Surfacing" takes place April 22 through 24 in the Studio Theater in the Loretto Hilton Center. Admission is free.
The festival is an opportunity for students to enter an original play and see it produced. From the submissions, five plays are chosen by an impartial student reading committee.
This year, 15 plays were submitted by 13 students and the final five were selected in January.
The five plays are:
* "Bernard Sleeps through the Ages" by Steve Clemmons
* "My Perfect Feet" by Andy Hobin.
* "Paying Your Dues" by Ben Zweig
* "Snarls McGee" by Molly McNew
* "Solid Foundation" by Jason M. Weathers
Students Phillip Allen, a second-year theater major, and Laurie Melnik, an English major, are producing the festival.
Allen said preparation has been positive because the playwrights have been actively involved.
"I'm excited because all of the playwrights have been very active in the show, and they each want to make sure that it is their work and that it is a collaborative effort," Allen said.
Allen said it is a unique experience working with the playwrights, rather than just a director.
"It's interesting because the playwrights can modify the plays however they want so that the characters relate more to the actors," Allen said. "The plays in 'Surfacing' are always changing and getting stronger. "
Chairwoman of the English department Meg Sempreora agrees.
"It's a great opportunity because the playwrights actually get to work with the directors and the actors," she said. "It's a learning experience for everyone. It's also great for the audience because it is edgy, new theater."
McNew, a creative writing major and the sole female playwright, enjoyed having actors audition for her play.
"It's so interesting to see different acting styles and interpretations of my play," McNew said.
Weathers said this will be the first time one of his plays has been produced.
"It will be very interesting to see it all done," he said. "I'm looking forward to the future and the rehearsals."
Some students, like sophomore film production major James Hansen, had some acting experience. "With the conservatory there is not much opportunity for other students to act," Hansen said. "I acted in high school, so I thought this would be fun."
Other students, like English creative writing major Sarah Wilson, tried acting for the first time.
"Last year, I regretted not auditioning and this is my last chance because I'm a senior," Wilson said. "I've never acted before and I'd be mad at myself if I didn't try it."
"Surfacing" takes place April 22 through 24 in the Studio Theater in the Loretto Hilton Center. Admission is free.
