Today is the day; Directing II One-Acts are underway!
This semester’s Directing II class, known as Bounce Back! Productions, features four incredibly talented student directors and their actors doing amazing work that they cannot wait to share with you. Each brings a different story to life and is sure to captivate you from the comfort of your home.
Enigma, by Floyd Dell and directed by Jeremy Ashley, was described by Jeremy as “about the tearing of heart and soul within a romance. It’s name is well deserved, as by the end, you may find yourself puzzled. It’s worth a re-watch.” This is they first full show he has directed but stated that it was an amazing experience due to his two actors, Chloe Jewell and Isaac Williams. “It was a highly collaborative process, and the actors brought so much more than just acting.” Jeremy chose Enigma to direct because “It perfectly fit the criteria I was looking for: an intimate moment between two people.”
Accused of Comedy, by Carl L. Williams, was described by director Jacob Cannon as “about two comedians who are arrested in a world where comedy has been made illegal. They use the power of jokes and laughter to find joy in an otherwise bleak situation.” This is the first full-length show he’s directed, but it has been much anticipated. “I’ve been looking forward to this class for awhile. My favorite part about working on this show was realizing how talented my friends and peers are.” Jacob chose Accused of Comedy because “it didn’t take itself so seriously. Everyone is caught up in the melancholia of today’s world that sometimes we forget to laugh and smile. I aimed to fix that. We could all use a little more comedy right now.”
Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lesson, by Rich Orloff and directed by Laura Frost, was described by Laura as being about “A snarky teacher detailing all of the ways in which a play should be written.” Laura has also directed Disney’s The Aristocats Kids as part of the Springfield Little Theatre Education Series and assistant directed other shows at Springfield Little Theatre. When asked how this show’s process went for her, she stated “For me, the process has been tough at times, but very rewarding. We have put a lot of hard work into these shows, but I’m really happy with the finished product. I also feel blessed with the fact that we have been given the opportunity to do this during this uncertain time.”
13 Signs You Should Stop Being A Pirate by A. M. Dittman was described by director Hailey Panek as “about a pirate named Jaime who isn’t so sure that she wants to be a pirate anymore. She spends the play working through different parts of the pirate’s life with her fellow pirates.” Hailey has directing experience as the co-director of the show Because I Am Your Queen. She stated that her favorite of the experience has been “getting to know some new people in the department and forming new friendships with my cast and classmates.”
Throughout everything going on in these everchanging times, creatives are still putting work out there for the world to see. They are still preserving in new and unique directions. They are still finding ways to do what they love. For more information about Jeremy, Jacob, Laura, and Hailey’s hard-work and dedication please contact theatreanddance@missouristate.edu.