That’s right, folks; you’re seeing it here first!
LIVE from the Department of Theatre and Dance, we have the student-work cross-over of the year! Laboratory Theatre Company (LTC) and United Coalition of Young Artists (UCYA) have teamed up to provide you a weekend of incredible, student-led performances. Read all about them below to see what the buzz is about!
Let’s kick it off with the opening performance, Mostly Chaste! Written by BA/BS Theatre student Abigail Jensen, this original play is “about the experiences of four girls within a catholic high school. The play itself follows them through their Junior Retreat that’s supposed to ‘bring them closer to God.'” Director by Allie Miller, a BS Theatre Education student, added that, “As the story unfolds, we see the girls begin to tackle aspects of their religious trauma including, but not limited to, homophobia, slut shaming, sexism, and aspects of love/lovelessness within the church. It’s a beautiful story filled with comedic aspects to keep the show light, but the underlying message is impossible to ignore. These girls fight, struggle, and come to terms with their issues, but at the end of the day, it’s each other and themselves they learn to love.”
This show is also Allie’s directing debut here at Missouri State. They shared that, “This is my first full-length production I’ve directed myself. I have experience in the past with student directing minor aspects of a musical, but this has been completely different. Directing Mostly Chaste has been an eye-opening experience and one that I won’t forget anytime soon. It’s all thanks to a wonderful cast and crew who continue to go above and beyond my expectations.” When asked why audiences should come see the show, she said “because it’s truthful and authentic. Many people within the church can relate to these experiences. Not to mention, these girls are written in a way that makes them seem real. This show covers issues that are almost never discussed within the theatrical world. Even if audience members are unable to relate to these themes, it’s still an incredible production that many have poured their hearts and souls into.”
Next, we have The Girl She Was, written and directed by BFA Acting student Amy Mayer. The Girl She Was “follows a young girl, Alice, after an attempt on her life. Alice is portrayed by two different actors, and the past and present are interwoven together to create new meaning. The story focuses on the struggles of adolescence and how mental illness and suicide can effect the life of a young person.” Amy shared that this is also her first time writing and directing a play. “It has been a huge learning experience and couldn’t have been done without the amazing cast and crew. Without my team, I don’t know how I could have done it. It has been thrilling to see something I had only imagined translate onto the stage. The first time I heard the lines read it was a pretty emotional moment for me.”
When asked why audiences should come see the show, she said, “Audiences should come see The Girl She Was because I believe it has something new to say about youth and mental health, and although it is a drama, there is comedy, life and joy weaving through the center of the story. Not to mention, 50% of proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide prevention.”
What an exciting weekend for sure- Catholicism, adolescence, turbulence, identity, and more!
Both shows will take place at the Credo Dance Academy, 931 S. Kickapoo Ave., this upcoming weekend. Mostly Chaste performs Friday the 22nd at 7:30pm and Saturday the 23rd at 2:30pm; The Girl She Was performs Saturday the 23rd at 7:00pm and Sunday the 24th at 12:30pm. Reservations are required for both, so be sure to check out LTC’s Facebook Page and UCYA’s Instagram Page to claim your seat! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event you won’t want to miss.