Erin Blasinski
Editor-in-Chief
Seven plays and three student films will be presented to the Milligan community
during the One Act plays and Film Festival on April 26, 27, 28 and 29.
The One Act play festival has been a tradition since 1987 when Richard Major,
chair, area of performing, visual and communicative arts professor of theatre
decided to "energize student involvement in theater." The first festival was
held outside in the courtyard of Hart Hall.
"The idea was to get close to a ready audience who would be dining in the
cafeteria," said Major. "The strategy worked as the plays attracted several
hundred students each night."
Victoria Bailey, Eric Blackburn,Amber Carderelli, Natasha Hill, Josiah Potter,
Martha Rose and Crystal VanMeter are the seven students in Major's directing
class this semester who are each taking on the task of directing a play. In
addition to Major's directing class students, 40 Milligan students will be
involved as actors and each director also has a stage manager.
"It was my intention (when I began the festival) to ignite a spark of enthusiasm
among students," Major said, "to give them an opportunity to experience first
hand the craft of directing a project from beginning to end."
Junior Crystal VanMeter is directing a version of Romeo and Juliet. Having
always been the one to perform for the audience, VanMeter said the transition to
being a director has been interesting.
"I'm definitely used to being on the other side of the actor/directing thing,"
VanMeter said. "I feel like this will stretch my communication skills as well as
improve my understanding of theater."
Each of Major's directing students must choose a play, conduct auditions, cast
for his or her play, rehearse and prepare for the production of the festival.
Major said that he wants his students to have practical experience because
directing is "such a personal odyssey."
"It is…all about organization and planning, interpersonal communication and
building a bond with a group of people to achieve something that is greater than
any one person could possible achieve on (his or her) own," Major said.
This year's One Act plays will be held in SUB 7 April 26, 27 and 28 at 6 p.m.
"One of the greatest by-products of the festival has been our inclusion of short
films," Major said.
Three student-directed and produced films will be shown as part of the festival
on Thursday April 29 and 7 p.m. in Wilson Auditorium. Seniors Eric Blackburn,
Philip Brock and Eric Starr will each have a film in the festival.
Blackburn's film, entitled Checkers, is both written and produced by Blackburn.
"The basic plot line has to do with two young boys who are grounded and are
involved with a physically abusive parent," said Blackburn. "The themes
contemplate suicide and child abuse... and it's got a few surprises at the end."
Blackburn said that he is excited to see his film and his play in the festival
this year.
Starr wrote the story and screenplay for his film, tentatively titled Dilemma.
"The film has been a stressful and trying experience at times," said Starr. "It
has also been rewarding and extremely enlightening as to the process of making a
film. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with friends that I have
made over the past few years."