The Department of Theatre will be performing the annual “The Eye of the Artist: a Festival of One-Acts” April 14-16 and April 21-23. There are nine junior theatre majors directing the shows and 20 students in the cast.
According to junior Duncan Michael, a student director, these shows have been in the works since last spring. The nine juniors — Emily Ann Braziel, Victoria Hargrove, Janet Jones, Patrick Jones, Courtney Meason, Duncan Michael, Hannah Reimert, Katie Satterfield, and Penny Turpin — submitted material and helped to come up with a common theme.
“(The event is) split into two different nights, but with the same overarching theme of ‘What is art and why is it important,” Michael said.
According to Michael, night one is entitled “The Eye of the Artist: Breath of Inspiration” and is focused on art as a release and a God-given talent. The second night, “The Eye of the Artist: What’s the point?,” deals with the truth that is found in art.
Because of the large number of juniors, this year’s one-acts are unique. The show offers a few true one-act plays accompanied by musical numbers, poetry and scripture readings. The performance is structured more like a variety show, according to sophomore Grant Malone, who is performing in several pieces.
Due to the nature of the show, casting was different as well. Instead of casting for any given one act, the student directors have selected an ensemble cast of 20 students—10 men and 10 women—from which they can choose, according to Michael.
“It’s cool that they cast an ensemble instead of casting specific shows because all of us are in more than one piece,” sophomore performer Anna Pitman said. “I applaud them for trying something new with the creative process.”
With each performer in many pieces of the show, the cast has to be flexible, according to Pitman.
“I’m really happy with what I’ve been cast in because I feel like I have a really good chance to show some variety,” Malone said.
Since they are the ones being graded, the nine junior directors make the majority of the decisions pertaining to the show, according to Britt Lynn, associate professor of theatre and faculty producer of the show.
“We are in charge of choosing material, pre-production, scene breakdowns, casting, directing, lighting, costumes and rehearsals.” Michael said.
Directing the one-acts is a great experience for the students to view the production process from a new perspective, according to Lynn.
“They learn communication skills, teamwork and cooperation,” Lynn said. “I love the fact that these skills will serve them well beyond their work in theatre.”
“The Eye of the Artist” will be performed in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center on April 14-16 and April 21-23. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for each show or free with a CAB pass.
One-Acts festival to open next weekend
