Concordia Theater Department presents annual One Act Festival

The Concordia Theatre Department performed two student-directed performances on April 4-6, 2024 in the Black Box Studio Theater in the Borland Center for Music and Theatre for Concordia Nebraska’s annual One Act Play Festival.   

The festival is the practical component of the communication and theatre arts play production class. The class takes the students through the process of analyzing their play from multiple perspectives, including design, technical and acting choices so they are prepared to work with their peers to direct and produce a complete performance.    

This year’s plays included “But We Don’t” by Alan Haehnel and “Odds Are” by Keith J. Powell. “But We Don’t” was directed by Emily Loseke and assistant director was Makayla Finecy. The acting ensemble included Timothy Baker, Jonathan Baumann, Jason Church, Brett Determan, Aiden Jenik, Brianna Pike, Araceli Regalado, Ethan Reynolds, Amanda Steinke, Sarah Stepp, Alleah Struble, Catherine Vyhlidal and Kristen Welling.  

“Odds Are” was directed by Elizabeth Ascher and stage manager was Julie Oetting. The acting ensemble included Jonathan Baumann, Madeline Hudson-Knowlton, Marieka Kaufman, Joshua Nikodym, Sara Erickson, Jason Church, Harley Storie, Brett Determan and Sarah Stepp. 

“I enjoy providing the opportunity for these student directors to learn the process and develop the skills needed to produce a show, and for other students to participate in additional, smaller shows” said Professor Bryan Moore, director of Concordia Nebraska’s theatre department. “Many of our former one act directors have directed plays and musicals in their jobs at schools, churches, and community theaters, so it’s exciting to know that this course and production were a part of their training. I can imagine the same opportunities and success for Emily and Elizabeth in their future teaching careers.” 

The theatre program at Concordia University, Nebraska helps students find their voice, both in and out of the classroom. Theatre at Concordia Nebraska is an active part of campus life and well-integrated into a variety of degrees in education and liberal arts programs. Full-length productions and a variety of student-directed one acts bring together students from all disciplines to offer the campus and surrounding communities with excellent theatre.