After months of preparation, the curtains opened for the first time on five original student written and directed productions at the Student One Acts on Dec. 3 at Moorpark College.
Students and families gathered in the Performing Arts Building for the opening night in anticipation for the five original plays, “Chugger,” “Confessions,” “Monster,” “Wolf Prinz,” and “Climax Club Battle Go!” to be performed.
“From here on out, the directors are going to develop the scripts as these performances are vital to the growth as a writer and director,” said Nick C. Pappas, Faculty Advisor and Readings Director.
Preparation began months ago for directors as they began writing the scripts and casting their productions. Under the guidance of Pappas, the students created cleverly written and directed plays. Each play offered a different element in comedy, redemption, suspense, and romance.
For instance, “Wolf Prinz” offered a striking love story between a Nazi soldier and a young French woman, torn apart by the circumstances of World War II. Getty Olm, previously seen as Seward in Moorpark’s production of “Dracula,” skillfully portrayed the characteristics of humanity and compassion, traits unexpected of a Nazi soldier. Even after the production encountered obstacles such as having to recast several of the leads just two weeks before opening night, “Wolf Prinz” proved to be a refreshing spin on a wartime love story.
“Reading up on World War II, I felt there were a lot of unspoken moments,” said student director and writer of “Wolf Prinz” Logan Chase. “We’ve seen a lot of love stories and a lot of war stories, but this seemed fresh and I credit that to the dialogue.”
After the five productions were performed, the audience was invited to a “talk back” to offer constructive criticism and give their input to the directors. Pappas explained the audience members’ feedback was helpful in the developmental process of the scripts and productions.
Along with the five One Acts running until Dec. 13, the performers have also prepared staged readings including “Demonized: A Devine Comedy” and “The Show.”
“College is a learning experience,” said Pappas. “It’s not about the finished product; it’s about the journey.”
The Student One Acts will run until Dec. 13 in the Performing Arts Center in the black box theatre. For tickets and more information visit http://sunny.moorparkcollege.edu/theatre/.
