As the springtime has arrived, so has the beginning of some new projects. As of Theatrexpress’s annual tradition, students are grabbing the reigns of a few Tennessee William plays. While there is plenty to learn from consuming media, there is also much more to learn about what goes on behind the scenes! 

The week of shows begin the weekend of April 19^th to the 30th^st , meaning the dram community is hard at work to get lines memorized, lights configured, and a set prepared. In hopes of spreading some light on those who aren’t on stage, I asked some of my peers directing a one-act Tennessee Williams play how their ambitious processes have been going. 

What are some themes of your play you think are important to hear?

Ethan Soltero, Director of : This Property is Condemned

“The power of communication. There is distance seen between the main characters, but as the story progresses they find comfort in each other’s company. 

Are there any special components in your play you’re excited for the audience to see?

Hallie Strange, Director of Portrait of Madonna:

“The compassion. The respect of other people even through their differences.”

Despite the struggle of time and low-budgets, these student directors are leading their casts’ and crew with passion and ambition, it’s a beautiful process to watch unfold. Despite the concern of who will see and appreciate the copious amounts of work being put in to these projects, this company keeps their heads’ held high and prioritize telling a story with genuine characters and unquestionable love for the message they hope to spread through these performances.

While the process of putting on a show is a tedious and maddening one, our students are well-versed in maintaining their creative energy both on stage, and on camera. As a matter of fact, one of our beloved seniors, Caitlyn Nordeen, has been working hard on a film project she’s directing for her senior capstone. With her writing process taking its start back in December, her filming process has taken its flight as well this past March with some collaboration from The Texas Theatre. With hopes to wrap up filming this April, this senior has proven her drive and creativity can make what could’ve been a tedious project into a collaborative and inspirational process for all those involved. Thank you Caty for being a helping hand and source of inspiration for students all around dramatic media, including myself.

Whether you are someone who enjoys being directly involved in productions, being an audience member, or being forced to be an audience member by your artsy friend: there is always a community here to welcome you in. If you’re interested in watching any of the student plays, they will be showing on the weekends of April 19th-21st and April 27-30th. As for miss Caty Nordeen’s film, “Beautiful Little Fool”, keep an eye out on the dramatic media page for updates on the premiere date!