By Angelina Perez, Web Editor

Every spring semester, Manhattan College’s Players oversee multiple short productions that vary from comedic to musical entertainment. This year’s One Acts Directors were able to shine a spotlight on where inspiration struck for the pieces they chose.   

Luis Chavez, a senior sound studies major with both a minor in music and theater, explains the benefits One Acts carries for students in ways beyond performance.   

“One Acts is an opportunity for students to showcase their directing skills without the pressure of a high-stakes production on a main stage,” Chavez said. “It allows flexibility for creativity while also allowing players the opportunity to earn director’s credit which allows them to qualify for directing bigger shows if that is something they would want to do in the future.” 

By embracing his passions beyond just being on stage, sophomore Billy Walker, a communication major with a concentration in media production and a minor in theater, can take on multiple roles and gain experience in the different areas of players. 

“I am usually in the ensemble of our student-led cabarets that take place in the fall. But, for this semester I’ve been more on the production end.” Walker explained. “For “Almost Maine” I did sound, and for our upcoming Spring musical, “Nine to Five”, I’m taking care of its marketing while also directing a One Act. I’m actually kind of really enjoying being on different sides and not just on stage.”

Walker can bring aspects of entertainment by performing in the cabaret to his play, “Pain Scale”. 

“‘Pain Scale’ is a short comedic play taken from ‘The Three Stooges’ that involves much physical acting,” Walker tells. “It has helped me learn how to block fights and make sure both my actors are safe, which is not something I would have the opportunity to learn if I was not directing.” 

While Walker’s action comedy is one to look forward to, Olivia Bailey, a freshman sound studies and communication major, decided to take the comedic approach but with a sit-down play that can resonate with young adults all around campus.   

“‘The Audience’ is a 10 to 15-minute play of this group of people who go to see a Broadway show,” Bailey explains, “It consists of three couples and one eavesdropping woman named Helen. While they get settled into their seats, the men say, ” Oh, I don’t want to be at the show sucks. And the women are bonding over that. And then they all explore each other’s worlds in the minutes before the show starts and a couple of minutes during it.”

By reflecting on her high school theater days, Bailey made a connection between her past and presented to decide on her play.  

“My play is by a man named Bruce Kanem, and in high school, I was very fortunate to have a director who was very passionate about what he did, and we focused on a few pieces of his. When deciding what play I wanted to direct, I thought back to things I had done in high school and was like, ‘Oh my God, I know where to find my One Act.’” 

Chavez had a similar revelation by going beyond his teenage years to his ethnic roots.   

“I started singing for the first time in my junior year of high school and got into musical theater my senior year. When I entered that world, one of the biggest things I clicked with was Lin Manuel Miranda’s work, I think it’s because I went to a predominantly white school, and being Latino, I used to find solace when I would find entertainment that reflected people that looked like me. Being aware of his work coming to college, I found out that someone had done ‘21 Jump Street’ a few years before me and I was like, damn, I really wanted to act in it. Years later, I can direct it and hopefully bring that joy to someone else.”

These players can find multiple benefits of involvement beyond stage presence, with education being one of them. 

“I would say as a freshman it’s definitely a lot to get used to,” Bailey explains. “For someone who struggles with organization, players have kind of forced me into becoming that person and also bringing it into my school life as well. Which is just one of the things players have taught me in terms of life skills.” 

This year’s directors strained the importance of students trying out for future productions, regardless of the fear they might fear. There is always talent to be discovered in the black box. 

“Participating in theater can be a lot of work and that kind of environment can be scary for someone who wants to get involved, but we here help each other out,” Chavez reassures. “When I struggle and fall I know that there are people here that are willing to be like, hey, I’m here with you. It shows that a lot of people are there. It’s like a little community. It’s like a family.”

This year’s One Acts will occur on April first and second in the Black Box Theater. Follow the mc players on Instagram @playersmc for more information on upcoming events and productions, such as their Spring Musical, 9 to 5.