One-Acts is unlike any other theater production Staples puts on throughout the year. Instead of big casts, complex sets and a stage crew, One-Acts does it all itself. Led by students in the Theatre 3: Directing class, this production gives space for students to thrive. It is an opportunity for students to take on the responsibilities and vision of a director of their own play by casting actors, and coming up with their own storyline. Even though it is not led by the theater teacher David Roth, he is still there in support of the students.
“We learn all about telling stories visually on stage and the students learn many skills and tools that they then put into full practice with their one-act plays,” Roth said. “I do not watch their individual rehearsals but we do discuss the process during directing class. We also do a lot of the preparation work that a director does for a play during the class.”
This preparation gives the students their own freedom, while keeping it professional. This year there were 17 10-minute plays featured in the production.
“My favorite part about One-Acts was being able to see everyone take on these unique roles and nail them so well,” Kevin O’Brien ’29 said. “There were some people who I had never seen act serious or act funny or even act at all, and it blew me away how talented everyone was.”
One-Acts allows people who aren’t fully involved in the regular twice-a-year Staples Players productions to gain theater experience. The shows are shorter, and held in the black box, giving it a more casual vibe.
“Getting to make new friends with new people [In One-Acts] and experience a more individualized form of directing is a great experience for freshmen like me who are also trying to get used to the commitment of players,” Alex Weiner ’29 said.
This experience further allows freshmen to be integrated into the theater community more gradually. For the students, the process of One-Acts helps provide fun learning experiences and push more underclassmen into taking on some spotlight roles.
“It is always very exciting to finally see the finished products that the directors have achieved […]” Roth said. “I also love the fact that I get to see actors, particularly freshmen and sophomores in roles that I have not seen before. They are always wonderful surprises.”
The performances were presented on 24, 25, and 26 of April. Roth also highlighted that this year’s One-Acts was a huge success, and he hopes for more people to get involved next year.
“Auditions for the One-Act plays are open to anyone in the school,” Roth said, “so if you or someone you know has been thinking about getting involved this is a great way to dip your foot in the water.”
