The Performing Arts Center welcomes this semester’s rendition of the Student One Acts beginning on Nov. 30, consisting of 11 separate one act plays split into two shows.

Since the first week of September, Theatre Arts students have been preparing what is set to be the only completely student-run theatrical performance at Moorpark College this semester.

John Loprieno, who is advising the 11 productions, has the Student One Acts fall entirely in the hands of enthusiastic students, eager to put their talent on display. From casting actors, directing the plays, creating the props and costumes and acting in the shows themselves, its the students who are in the driver’s seat.

Nichole Baffone, a 20-year-old Technical Theatre Arts major, is assistant-directing amidst her fourth venture with Moorpark’s Student One Acts. Baffone’s One Act, titled “Rhiannon”, written by student Vanessa Lara, tells the tale of a young girl finally sticking up to an indecisive lover, with the help of Led Zeppelin music and song lyrics.

“[The Student One Acts] really give students the chance to run a show on a small scale and see all of the issues that can arise and how to problem-solve,” said Baffone. “Not many young students can say they directed or wrote a show and actually saw the finished project.”

This semester’s show has been quite different for Baffone than in past years, stepping away from the technical side of production to taking on the role of actress for the first time in addition to assistant director.

“This is the first time I have been involved in the process since the beginning,” said Baffone. “I’m very excited to be on stage for the first time.”

Student One Acts are fairly popular within colleges and even high schools. However, Professor Suzanne Fagan, advisor for the Student One Acts in the 2016 Spring Semester, was proud with one unique difference with how Moorpark College does things.

“Many colleges have One Acts, but they do not allow those One Acts to be written by students; they only accept published ones,” said Fagan. “We allow our students the chance to have their work produced.”

Through failure or success, the Student One Acts are ultimately a great way for Theatre Arts majors and students enrolled in Theatre Production M10 or M11 to build on their craft and gain crucial first-hand experience of the true rigor that comes with putting on a show from start to finish.

“Bill A” for the Student One-Acts will be taking place on Dec. 1, 3, 7, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m., and will feature the following five plays:

“Aphrodite’s Solicitation” by R. Christopher

“Grunch” by Nicole St. Pierre

“I am Human” by Ariel Ostrowieck

“Ever After” by Mikki Benjamin

“Speak” by Byariana Bubreii

In addition, “Bill B” is scheduled for Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 8, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee presentation on Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m., and will be showcasing the following:

“Pear Blossom Garden” by Ira Kromberg

“Aftermath” by Zerina Ramirez

“Until We Meet Again” by Betty-Jean Hanna

“DILY” by Catherine Miller Barker

“Rhiannon” by Vanessa Lara

“Black Friday” by Sean Burch

The Student One Acts can be seen in the Performing Arts Center with the purchase of a $10 ticket from the box office or the school’s website. For a 20 percent discount off tickets and for further information on the Student One Acts, visit this link.