Walking into the Lecture Hall, an eager student sees the stage lit up with a solitary chair resting in the middle of the stage. His name is called, and as he nervously climbs up the wooden steps, he goes over his audition piece one last time before he begins to recite it to the audience, filled with directors and actors alike.
On Thursday, October 1, the Jesuit Stage & Film program held auditions for the annual Senior Directed One Acts. Many students from several different high schools around the Dallas area auditioned, filling about 80 spots in 11 short plays. The One Acts are a chance for tenured seniors in the Stage & Film program to try their luck at directing a short, often farcical 15 minute show, while also giving new actors a chance to experiment with acting for the first time. Ralph Anguiano ’16, one of these rookie actors, said, nonchalantly, “I haven’t ever acted before, I have no idea what I’m doing or how I’m supposed to feel,” accurately portraying how many new actors feel when they first start theater. The One Acts are always a great place to start for any unsure actors who are looking for a way to put their toe in the water before making a huge commitment. Sean Rilley ’16 is also very fond of the One Acts, stating, “I’ve always enjoyed doing theater, but as an athlete I can’t do big shows. One Acts are the perfect way for me to get involved with theater, even with my busy schedule.” Many tenured actors also participate in these fun shows as a way to bond with old friends and to make new ones in the process! All in all, the Senior Directed One Acts are a great experience for anyone who participates to make new friends and to enjoy a fun “theater experience” without a major commitment to a hectic rehearsal schedule.
By the middle of October, the senior directors are compiling their calendars and handing out scripts for their first rehearsals for the One Acts, which will debut early next year. Joseph Duebner ’16, one of the senior directors, gave his opinion on the One Acts, noting the unique process and experience, saying, “The one acts are a unique experience because it gives a chance for actors to direct their peers and get a glimpse into how directing works. It’s interesting to see how different people work together and its immensely gratifying to see the completion of a show from choosing actors to the final performance. I get really excited about them because the variety and hilarity they pick into such a small amount of time is like very little I’ve seen before.”
The One Acts are just one outlet Jesuit provides to allow students to express themselves and try new things. Whether it’s sports, debate, theater, math club, or a service organization, all of these clubs and activities are ways for us to make new friends and develop ways to give to the Jesuit community. If you are interested in attending the Senior One Acts, tickets will go on sale online in the next few months.
