After coming off the recent successes of The Addams Family musical, and the dark-western comedy Dead Man Shoes, Theatre Siena is once again geared up for another helping of delightful theatre, where everyone should be able to get their fill just in time for Thanksgiving. On November 17th through 19th, Theatre Siena will present the student directed-one acts. The One-Acts are an ensemble of shows (a total of eight) that are put on over the course of the three day period.
The students in Mark DiPietro’s directing class select, cast, and rehearse the show, on their own, where each night offers a variety of different genres from comedy to drama. Best of all, it is free and open to the public. The pool of directors consist of Hadley Williams, Brittany Essen, JJ Hoss, Autumn Bough, Jordan-Hayes Devloo, Nate Adams, Becca Nowak and Victoria Long. To which Mark DiPietro couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and limitless effort. “”I love one-act time” DiPietro said of the process “It offers a great mix of many styles of theatre, from thought provoking to entertainingly rewarding.”
For most, this is the first time directing a show of any caliber, and for others it’s a second go-around. And for one, Hadley Williams, she is directing an original one-act written by SHU student Al Deavers, called A Tale of Two Stars. “It’s been an amazing experience working on an original piece” Williams said of her process, which she believes is great because “you’re free to interpretation without the influence of past productions.” Williams is a junior theatre major this year with her acting resume expanding numerous roles, she says her actors have discussed many elements of the show and the novelty which comes with directing an original piece “The actors and I have really delved deep into that aspect.”
Depending on which night you choose to come, you can either be laughing hysterically or moved by a heartfelt message. One show is specifically geared towards a family audience and is recommended for all ages. That show is Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells which you can see Saturday November 19th at 8pm. “The Junie B Jones collection was one I grew up reading in elementary school” Nowak said of her love for adult for children theatre “The books are filled with so many valuable lessons that always stuck with me during my young years.” Nowak who is a senior-musical theatre major is very satisfied with where her production has ended up “Every single one of my actors has created a backstory that gives their character depth, and I couldn’t be more prouder.”
The shows only go up for one performance, with each play running from 25-45 minutes. Some are longer than others, but each offer a fun experience. Curtain times are 8.p.m each evening in Francour theater at Siena Heights University, and again is free. Some of the shows will contain strong language and mature themes, of which will be addressed in the programs each night.
The schedule of shows, with the genre and director are listed below.
Thursday November 17th at 8.p.m
A Tale Of Two Stars (Drama) Directed by Hadley Williams
Dolores (Drama) Directed by Brittany Essen
Meet The Roommates (Comedy) Directed By J.J Hoss
Friday November 18th at 8.p.m
Kingdom of Earth (Drama) Directed by Autumn Bough
The Parade (Drama) Directed by Jordan-Hayes Devloo
Hidden In This Picture (Comedy) Directed by Nate Adams
Saturday November 19th at 8.p.m
Junie B Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells (Family/Comedy) Directed by Becca Nowak
The Sequel (Drama/Comedy) Directed by Victoria Long
