The second production of East Central University theatre brings unique experiences for the students participating.
Instead of the usual process of professor-driven auditions and productions, students under the supervision of Richard Groetzinger, director of theatre, will direct a selection a selection of one-act plays.
The one-act plays will take place in the Chalmers Herman Theatre located in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center on Nov. 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are free for ECU students, faculty and staff and $10 for the general public.
“This experience has really opened my eyes,” Barbara Tiry, Skiatook junior and one of the directing students, said. “This shows us from a teaching position what it will be like for some of us in the job market.”
The student directors began the semester by choosing their respective plays. Each was then responsible for holding auditions for the various roles in each play, as well as holding his or her own rehearsals with minimal help from their professors.
They also had to design and choose the pieces making up each set.
“At first I thought this would be an easy process,” Tiry said. “It has proved harder because you have to be the authority in the room, as well as make all the final decisions.”
The directing class is producing seven one-acts including three comedies and four dramas ranging in length from 10 to 30 minutes.
“I am busy with many different student organizations,” Ibrahim Nour, Chad sophomore and actor, said. “The student director is very understanding and is working with me on the rehearsal schedule.”
All involved said they want the shows to be a success. The actors work with the directors buy not simply acting but also being the backstage crew for the shows they are not performing in.
“I am willing to help out anyway I can,” Emily Taylor, Ada freshman and actor, said. “It is a new experience on how to get it done. We all want to work together to make these shows a success.”
Since there are seven individual plays, they cannot all be performed each night. Thursday and Saturday will feature the same shows, as will Friday and Sunday.
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