The Theatre Department will present an evening of Student-Directed One-Act Plays December 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Ida Green Theatre of Ida Green Communication Center. The presentation is free to the campus community. The directors are students from the directing class, and the productions are their first forays into directing as well as the final projects for the semester.
The plays are Levels of Perception by Stuart Spence, directed by Michael Megenhardt ’20, of Houston, Texas, and Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story by Sam Wolfson, directed by Abigail Goodman ’21 of Austin, Texas.
Megenhardt is directing Levels of Perception is the third part of the trilogy In the Western Garden, each about visual art. Levels of Perception is set in the late 1980s and its main theme is the clash between those who believe that all that can be said through art has already been said and those who believe that saying it again as loudly and passionately as possible is just as effective. The play features a clash between two generations: Gene in his 60s and Alan in his late 20s.
Megenhardt is an art and theatre major who hopes to become an artist and move to New York. His father, mother, and stepdad are all musicians, librarians, and artists. Michael says having been surrounded by art his entire life, he doesn’t think he could find anything he loves more.
“I understood the theme of the play,” Michael said. “As an artist I ask myself these same questions on a daily basis. This play deals with the questions in a way that is familiar to me, and the way the characters act and think about them feels real to me. What can I contribute through my art? What can I say that hasn’t already been said? What do I want from my art? What do I want my art to do? I think that these are important questions to ask ourselves and the more I can spread that the better.”
Michael has been involved in 10 shows at Austin College in cast, chorus, and production staff roles. He is a member of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society.
Cast members for Megenhardt’s show:
William Bridgwater ’20 of Hamilton, Texas, as Gene
Sophie Daniel ’22 of Houston, Texas, as Sally
Jude Drumheller ’23 of Houston, Texas, as Leonard
Harrison Vickmark 22 of McAllen, Texas, as Alan
Abigail Goodman is directing Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story, which she described as a one-act play about two kindergarteners going through the trials and tribulations of a young, budding romance. Only two cast members appear on stage and a few other characters are voiced from off-stage.
Goodman is completing majors in psychology and theatre and is an active member of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society. She has been involved in six production previously and is also a member of the Improv Troupe at Austin College.
Cast Members for Goodman’s show:
Allie Straeck ’22 of Allen, Texas, as Katie; and
Christian Ghermay ’23 of Plano, Texas, as Sam.
Voiceover Artists:
Chloë Bachofen ’22 of Waco, Texas; and
William Bridgwater ’20 of Hamilton, Texas.
Production crew for both plays:
Olivia Trusty ’22 of Fort Worth, Texas, Stage Manager;
Erin Bobbitt ’21 of Dallas, Texas, Light Board Operator;
Sawyer Ahmad ’23 of Hurst, Texas, Sound Designer and Board Operator;
Caroline Cangas ’23 of Plano, Texas, Run Crew;
Antony Ksendoff ’23 of Dallas Texas, Run Crew; and
Gracie Martinez ’21 of Houston, Texas, Project Operations.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and more than 100 expert faculty members allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. This year, the campus recognizes 100 years of co-education and has had several opportunities to recognize the history of women and accomplishments of current alumnae. Austin College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.