On November 8-11, University of Central Florida’s Project Spotlight will be hosting its semi-annual One-Act Festival. This festival allows students the chance to produce, act in, and direct one-act plays.
Project Spotlight is an organization completely governed and overseen by students. The One-Act Festival (OAF) gives those interested in participating in all facets of theatre, the opportunity to present their talents through a series of short plays.
Roger J. Thatcher, president of Project Spotlight, said “The reason I chose to be a part of this organization, is because it gives students an opportunity that isn’t available at most schools: total artistic control of a show. The best thing you can get out of college is experience, and OAF gives students this opportunity.”
For the first time in OAF history, this fall’s festival will consist of one-act plays completely directed by MFA graduate students. Undergraduate students have mostly directed previous years. The selection of plays for this showcase will include Hidden in this Picture by Aaron Sorkin, This Property is Condemned by Tennessee Williams, and For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls by Christopher Durang.
When asked about what sets her play apart from the rest, Tara Kromer, director of For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls said laughingly, “It’s big, silly, campy, and riotous fun compared to the more serious pieces being presented.” This one-act is a comedic parody of Tennessee William’s familiar play The Glass Menagerie. “At the end of the night, I just want the audience to have a really good time.”
Project Spotlight’s One-Act Festival will be held in the Performing Arts Center Studio 1 on Nov. 8, 9 and 10 at 7 p.m., and on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.