UCM Theatre & Dance to Present ‘Lost & Found,’ Student-Directed One-Act Plays

Enjoy an evening of entertainment as the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Division of Theatre and Dance presents “Lost and Found,” featuring four student-directed one-act plays. 

The “Lost and Found” Studio One-Acts are directed, designed and performed by UCM students. Performances include “Laugh ‘til You Cry” by John Plasencio, “Playback” by Jonathan V. Edmondson, “Roosevelt’s Ghost” by Aaron M. Scully and “Car Games” by DC Cathro. 

These shows will be performed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-13, in the Nickerson Black Box Theatre on the first floor of Nickerson Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. and curtain is at 7:30 p.m. 

 

"Playback,” written by Jonathan V. Edmondson, directed by Raegan Weber and technical directed by Ari Kendrick, follows the characters of Zora, a world-renowned pop star, and Ashton, an old friend and sound engineer. When Zora arrives unannounced at the studio, old wounds mix with startling revelations as the two push their own identities and limits. The cast members are Mason Enright as Zora and Damian Schaffnit as Ashton. 

 

Next, “Roosevelt’s Ghost,” directed by Payton Lawrence and technical directed by Sam Fischer, is a look into the worst day of President Theodore Roosevelt’s life as the ghost of his recently deceased mother visits him moments before his wife passes away. The play is based on historical events and was written by Aaron Scully, Ph.D., associate professor of Theatre. The cast members are Xander Corkins as Theodore Roosevelt, Ava Broermann as Mittie, Kelly Akers as Alice and Rylin Tolle as Doorman. 

“I think my show is important because it shows a glimpse of time in a young Theodore Roosevelt's life when he was struggling the most,” Lawrence said. “I hope it shows people how everyone goes through struggles in their life and often they come out better on the other side.” 

“Car Games,” written by DC Cathro, directed by Cal Klaus and technical directed by Lucy Nutt, is a humorous distraction and the silence in between. The weight of deciding about potential parenthood looms over a long journey of two people trying not to think about what is to come. The cast features Jesse Moore as Roger, Rosalyn Schuster as Anne and Kaia Trujillo as She. 

 

In “Laugh ‘til You Cry,” directed and written by UCM student John Plasencio and technical directed by Gabe Sokolowski, Emmett creates a fictional talk show that he co-hosts with the manifestation of his suicidal thoughts – Suicide the Clown – to cope with his failing comedy career and relationship. The cast includes Ty Schroeder as Emmett, Lola Simmons as Rose, Lazarus Murray as Russel and Finn Juliano as Suicide the Clown. 

The production staff includes Stage Manager Ashley Singh, Light Board Operator Ari Kendrick, Sound Board Operator Gabe Sokolowski, Social Media Manager Raegan Weber, Program Designer Cal Klaus, Poster Designer Payton Lawrence and House Management John Plasencio. Student Technical Directors also served as their show’s costume, scenic, props and lighting designer. Faculty advisors are Ashley Miller-Scully and Spencer Musser.

Tickets are free for UCM students. General public tickets are $1 and available at the door. There is limited seating in the Black Box Theatre, so arriving early is highly encouraged. Parking is available in the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center parking lot. 

For additional information, contact Miller-Scully, chair of the UCM Division of Theatre and Dance, at almiller@ucmo.edu.