ΜμΡΔΙηΗψΉΩΝψ Theatre student production to feature β€œSaid and Meant”

Μύ
November 10, 2015
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Each year, as part of the Theatre Program at ΜμΡΔΙηΗψΉΩΝψ, students are asked to take the reins and produce a show entirely by themselves.Μύ This year, theatre Majors Caleb Rivera and Randyll Smith are co-directing β€œSaid and Meant: Ten Short Plays about Language and Misunderstanding,” by Randy Wyatt with showings at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 in the ΜμΡΔΙηΗψΉΩΝψ Fine Arts Auditorium.

The show consists of 10 short plays delivered skit-style focused on how the use of language can affect the intended meaning very drastically.

Cast member Kolton Landreth said this show has something for everyone.

β€œIt’s very funny and there is a wide variety of styles of humor that are used that anyone can find funny,” he said. β€œEach skit is very different. Some are old-fashioned comedy, some of them are more modern and some of it is kind of dark humor.”

Co-Director Caleb Rivera said he chose the play for its humor and versatility.

β€œIt’s very interesting and funny, and it’s got kind of a parody tone to it,” he said.Μύ β€œAlso, it allowed me to cast a wide range of members.Μύ I could cast as many as I wanted, or if I didn’t have the people, I could have a small cast.”Μύ

Co-Director Randyll Smith said her role has opened her eyes to what it takes to direct a show.

β€œI’ve always kind of wanted to be β€˜behind the table,’” she said.Μύ β€œIt’s actually helped a lot to make me realize how much work goes into it, like getting all the props and knowing what kind of costumes we want and knowing exactly how we want a certain line to sound to the audience. It’s definitely been a game-changer.”

Rivera said directing with people in his class has created a unique dynamic.

β€œThe hardest part is working with your peers,” he said. β€œIt’s the easiest part and it’s the hardest part. It’s the easiest part because it’s fun but it’s the hardest part because it’s fun.Μύ Sometimes it’s hard to figure out when fun stops and work starts.”ΜύΜύ

Smith said she has enjoyed her ΜμΡΔΙηΗψΉΩΝψ Theatre experience and this production has been a memorable piece of it.

β€œIt’s a really great program,” Smith said. β€œWe’ve come a long way, it’s grown a lot and we’re just a big family over here.Μύ We bring out the best in each other, we build each other up and we have fun here.”

Rivera, who wants to teach theater at a university said the play production class has helped him cement his plans for the future.

β€œBeing a co-director has definitely fortified it in my mind,” he said.

Tickets are $5.Μύ All students are admitted free with an ID. Refreshments will be served at intermission.Μύ The show is for mature audiences only. For ticket information call the ΜμΡΔΙηΗψΉΩΝψ Box Office at (620) 786-1150.