UCM Theatre & Dance to Present Four Student-Directed One-Act Plays

Enjoy an evening of entertainment as the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Division of Theatre and Dance presents “Ride or Die!!!” featuring four student-directed one-act plays Sept. 10-12.

Shows include “Apocalypse Roadtrip” by Wren Aubrey Latham, “Toxic” by Rachel Bublitz, “A New York Minute” by Michele Palermo and “20 Questions” by Rob Gorman. All of the plays are directed, designed and performed by UCM students.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10-12 in the Black Box Theatre in Nickerson Hall. Doors will open at 7 p.m. 

 

The first play of the evening, “Apocalypse Roadtrip,” with direction and technical direction by Ray Boessen, features Quinn (Kaleb Kenyon) and Mitchy (Ayden Christensen). After the end of the world, two best friends are left with nothing but themselves and their 2011 Jeep Wrangler in a quest to see the sunny side of the apocalypse.

 

In “Toxic,” directed and technically directed by Joseph Devero, actors Caleb Wands (Chris) and Caleb Klaus (Brandon) tackle the destructive nature of toxic masculinity — specifically the urge to live a lie to appear larger than life, and the scary yet necessary work of being vulnerable with those around you.

 

The next play of the evening, “A New York Minute,” with direction and technical direction by Grace’e Carr, features Harry (Hayden Meschon) and Melissa (Georgia Perina). Five days ago, Harry ended his life in front of a subway train. As his best friend Melissa arrives to pack up his apartment, his ghost helps her make an important discovery.

Closing out the night is “20 Questions,” directed and technically directed by Xander Corkins. The play finds Dan (Kody Paris) and Felicity (Journey Platt) sitting in a bar on the threshold of the afterlife, grappling with big questions about existence, what lies ahead and whether anyone is ever truly ready for what comes next.

The production staff includes Stage Manager Landon Younger, House Manager and Social Media Manager Grace’e Carr, Light Board Operator Xander Corkins, Program Designer and Sound Board Operator Joseph Devero, and Poster Design and House Manager Ray Boessen. These students also served as their show's costume, scenic, props and lighting designer. During transitions between the shows, all actors will also function as the run crew. The faculty advisors for “Ride or Die!!!” are Aaron Scully, Ph.D., associate professor of Theatre, and Spencer Musser, assistant professor of Theatre.

 

Tickets are free for UCM students, military members and veterans. General public tickets are $1 and available at the door. There is limited seating in the Black Box Theatre, so arriving early is encouraged. 

 

UCM Theatre & Dance’s “[your story here]” season tickets are now on sale. Tickets are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by visiting the UCM Theatre and Dance Office in Martin 113 or calling 660-543-4020, or online at ucmboxoffice.universitytickets.com. For questions about the season or tickets, please call or email boxoffice@ucmo.edu.

For more information, contact Ashley Miller-Scully, chair of the Division of Theatre and Dance, at almiller@ucmo.edu. You can find UCM Theatre and Dance on Facebook or Instagram.