Student directed, actor approved

“I wanted to do the One Acts because it seems like we have more time to fine tune them,” said sophomore Amanda Wolk, who will star in the student-directed “Poof” on April 29 and 30 in the Hofheimer Studio Theatre.

“We can really develop our characters since the scripts are shorter than our main-stage plays.”

“Poof” will join “The Man Who Couldn’t Dance” and “Philadelphia” - the two other one-act plays this semester. Every other spring semester, students are given the opportunity to take the Theatre 412 course, which focuses on play production. Seniors Angelina Cuneo, Melanie Sanchez, and Patricia Carnrike have decided to direct the three one act plays this semester.

“Angelina has the perfect balance of directorial skills,” said Wolk. “She gives us ideas and suggestions, but allows us to add our own creative ideas to the mix as well.”

Poof focuses on the friendship of two women after one of them accidentally sends her husband to Hell. They serve as strong support systems for each other.

“The experience has been good and really laid back,” said sophomore Danielle Dun Moodie, who stars in “Philadelphia,” directed by Carnrike.

“Philadelphia” is about a man who runs into a strange streak of bad luck.

“I think it is awesome for a student to direct a play, especially if they have only acted,” said Dun Moodie. “They can see how the director goes about putting a play together.”

“The Man Who Couldn’t Dance” is directed by Sanchez, and follows a man and woman’s emotional journey to the acceptance of the end of their relationship. “I cried too,” says the character of Gail at a crucial point in the play.

All three directors have been involved repeatedly in VWC theatrical productions. Cuneo, Sanchez, and Carnrike each had major roles in the fall production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“The best part is seeing those moments in the actor’s work when things really click. It’s pretty amazing,” said Carnrike. “I have really enjoyed directing.”

Admission is free to all the plays.