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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

One Acts Showcase Talents of Student Actors, Directors

By Meghan Dusek
APRIL 20, 2007--Most students won't gain gratification for a semester of work until May 7 at the earliest, but for the students of University of Wisconsin-River Falls theater Professor Meg Swanson's directing class, their hard work will be interpreted, viewed and (hopefully) applauded.

Spanning May 1-3, a total of 14 one-act plays will be performed beginning each night at 7 p.m. in the Sanford Syse Theatre in the Kleinpell Fine Arts Building. The performances are free and open to the public, with donations accepted.

In coordinating their own productions, students gain and hone a kind of dexterity in their abilities. "The process of directing a play is a complex one, involving various types of communication and the mastery of a variety of skills," says Swanson. "By taking responsibility for directing a play, students gain insights into the theatrical process, begin to develop an aesthetic sense, and learn huge amounts about themselves as leaders and as individuals."

That dexterousness includes an element of juggling, as the process for all students involves conceptualization, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Ultimately though, the process disproves the cliché that every man is an island. "The process is the same from production to production, but the challenges are specific to each show," says Swanson.

The directors are:

Naomi Bielefeldt, Altoona, Wis., directing How to Kill a Vestal Virgin (Tuesday, May 1)

Brian Bishop, Lodi, Wis., directing Ariel Bright (Tuesday, May 1)

Joe Burger, Menomonie, Wis., directing Desire Desire Desire! (Tuesday, May 1)

Deb Constantine, Stillwater, Minn., directing Visitor From Forest Hills   (Wednesday, May 2)

Brittany Engler, Bristol, Wis., directing Golden Fleece   (Wednesday, May 2)

Naomi Magner, Baldwin, Wis., directing Ashes to Ashes (Thursday, May 3)

John McConville, Hudson, Wis., directing The Unseen Host (Tuesday, May 1)

Nick Moen, Colfax, Wis., directing Chicago   (Wednesday, May 2)

Adam Oster, Woodbury, Minn., directing Mel Says to Give You His Best   (Thursday, May 3)

Ashley Sakalaucks, Menomonie, Wis., directing The Love Course   (Wednesday, May 2)

Shanna Schneider, Farmington, Minn., directing The Lover   (Thursday, May 3)

Sylvia Wadzinski, Philips, Wis., directing Wanda's Visit (Tuesday, May 1)

Kris Weckman, Shakopee, Minn., directing Slide/Over   (Wednesday, May 2)

Josh Woodward, Cottage Grove, Minn., directing Barrier of Nearness   (Thursday, May 3)

For more information contact the UWRF speech communication and theatre arts department at 715-425-3971.

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