Directing a play requires a delicate balance between guiding an actor toward your vision and allowing them to develop their own characters. That’s how student directors at Allen Community College describe the challenges they’ve faced as they stepped out of the roles of actors and into director’s chairs.
Four ACC sophomores will direct four one-act plays over three nights at 7:30 p.m. March 1-3 at the Allen College Theatre.
“It’s been challenging for me to know when to step in and when to reel back and let (the actors) do their own thing,” student director Judd Wiltse, of Iola, said.
Director Chloe Bedell, of Yates Center, said she’s faced the same challenges. “That’s going to be the biggest thing for me to learn from this. You can’t play every character. I have to let them make it amazing in their own way.”
Kate Terhune, of Iola, has some experience directing musicals for Iola High School and community theater. She described the “physicality” of the performance as her biggest challenge. “It’s a process of trial and error, seeing what will work and seeing it from all angles of the audience.”
Terhune also relied on advice from her mother, who has directing experience: “Every movement should look like a picture.”
The four one-act plays are:
“Love and Light” – Directed by Chloe Bedell
In “Love and Light,” a widow seeks a psychic to help her speak to her dead husband, in hopes of learning where to find a hidden stash of money.
“They kind of argue through the psychic and it’s cute,” Bedell said. “I wanted a piece I connected to emotionally, but also something where I could imagine our actors in the roles. I didn’t want to force people into roles they weren’t comfortable with.”
When asked why people might want to see her play, Bedell said, “Who wouldn’t want to come see my actors? They’re phenomenal!”
“Pancakes” – Directed by Judd Wiltse
Wiltse was careful not to give too much information about his play for fear of revealing spoilers. The plot can be summarized as two very different roommates who have a dispute over pancakes.
Wiltse performed an excerpt from “Pancakes” at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, a national contest. He was even more impressed when he had a chance to read the full one-act.
“Duo” – Directed by Ian Malcolm
Fans of classic superhero movies from the 1970s and ’80s will enjoy the story of Rockman and Gravel Girl, who have been captured by a demon and need to talk through a few issues.
“It’s very nostalgic for those who’ve grown up in the golden age of superheroes,” actor Austin Wickwire, who plays Rockman, said. “It’s also thought provoking for those who grew up after that.”
Actor Padyne Durand, who plays Gravel Girl, said the play is quite humorous “and we probably have the best costumes.”
Wiltse also is featured in a brief role.
“Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen” – Directed by Kate Terhune
The one-acts take a dramatic, classical turn with this Tennessee Williams short.
“It’s got everything you could want in a classic drama,” Terhune said. “I feel like it’s a different take on theater than what you normally see in a small town.”
Relatable characters and an implied subplot drew Terhune to the play. Terhune said one of the challenges in directing the play is to find ways to connect the audience to the subtleties of the piece.
THE DIRECTORS said they hope people will attend the performances and support the ACC theater group.
“Every actor and every student wants nothing more than for people to support and encourage their work,” Wiltse said. “It’s what drives them and causes them to want to wake up in the morning and go to school. It’s what inspires them.”
General admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students. Allen students are free with ID. Tickets are available at the Iola Pharmacy one week prior to opening.
PHOTO: Allen Community College one-act play directors include, front row, from left, Chloe Bedell, Kate Terhune and Judd Wiltse. Some of the actors include, back row, Paige Durand, Brogan Falls, Austin Wickwire and Padyne Durand. Not pictured is director Ian Malcolm. The performances will be 7:30 p.m. March 1-3 at the Allen College Theatre. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS
