Davis & Elkins College’s Theatre and Film program is excited to present ‘Game Over, A Night of Student One-Act Plays’ featuring original scripts written by multiple student playwrights. Performances will be held January 30 – February 1 at 7:30 p.m., and February 2 at 2:30 p.m. in the Harper McNeely Auditorium at the Myles Center for the Arts. Admission is free for the showcase, though donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated.
The production will feature four original plays written by D&E students. “Geani” written by Sidney Megna tells the stories of two students who encounter a genie and learn how to trust others while still staying true to themselves. “Ptolemy” by Marissa Mallow is a performance art piece about a girl struggling with accepting her place in the afterworld. “The Fall of Frankie Daiquiri” by Damian Stevenson is a comedy about a group of Prohibition smugglers trying to rise to the top. “Alder Grove” is the senior thesis of Star Eakle, who serves as both writer and director. The play is an interactive performance that takes you into the world of a survival style horror video game. Audience members will help make decisions for characters as they try to survive a night in a haunted forest.
Reflecting on the experience, senior Star Eakle says, “The process of making this show has been a wild ride, filled with sleepless nights and moments of questioning my life choices, but it’s also been an incredible opportunity to blend my design skills with the art of storytelling. What I’ve created is something interestingly weird, exciting, and just a little bit spooky—something I’m eager to share with others.”
Supporting this sentiment, sophomore Marissa Mallow adds, “Sharing my writing, or any of my art, has always been something nerve-wracking for me. I decided last year that I would work to get over that fear and the perfect opportunity was presented to me when they announced the winter one-acts. I worked on writing my show and perfecting it over last semester and now I have the chance to share it!”
The Theatre & Film Department has a great team of student and community members bring the playwrights’ words to life. In addition to Star Eakle, Junior Sidney Apanowicz and Alumna Kyia McGill each direct a one-act.
Junior Sidney Megna continues, “Having a play I wrote being featured in the Winter One-Act show is like pushing a baby bird out of the nest and watching that bird fly! It’s really gratifying getting to see a team willing and excited to work on something I wrote. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to tap into a creative part of my brain and have a space to showcase my work. I cannot wait to see the final product!”
Sophomore Damian Stevenson mentions, “Having written a play that is being produced for the winter one-acts is a lovely experience. It gives me something unique and it allows me to branch more into my creative writing side, while still having the chance to perform.”
The stellar cast and crew include Albert Chewning, Audrey Mason, Caden Blizzard, Charlie Ressler, Geoff Manson, E.H. Humphrey, Jerrick Hulse, Jonathan Bennett, Joseph Birchland, Marina Saviceva-Noti, Mary Orndorff, Mikayla Nethken, Roger Doug Gabbert III, Rosanna Bell and Taylor Lesnak.
The evening’s events should be considered “PG13” for language, violence and adult content. To reserve tickets for this show please visit https://linktr.ee/dnetheatre. Seating for this show is limited to 50 patrons per night.
