Elaine Lac
Arts & Life Layout Editor

The University’s theatre department produces the best plays and prepares the best actors on this side of the Susquehanna. What if we told you the department is a triple threat: that they not only crank out fabulous performances and quality performers, but thoughtful and creative directors, too?

“Cocktail Theatre,” a student-directed one-act play series, are organized by Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance Anjalee Hutchinson’s directing class. The series is a part of the class’ final project.

The students must select plays, make costumes and find actors like in a professional play. “Cocktail Theatre” has been a long standing tradition at the University and is a final test of the student’s directing skills.

These plays are contemporary and range from comedy to drama. This year’s theme of “Cocktail Theatre” falls under a theme of  “Lovers and Strangers.”

For example, Gwenn Gideon’s ’15 play is called “The Man With the Flower in His Mouth,” a drama about a man whose days are numbered.

Auditions for the plays are open to all students, ranging from amateurs to thespian enthusiasts. Each play will have two to three actors who make roles deeper and more intense.

“Cocktail Theatre” is an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and get noticed by faculty so that if they want to participate in future productions, they have a head start.

After “Cocktail Theatre” will be a late-night show called Nightcap, which will revolve around the theme “Playground and Injuries”.

The shows will take place during December towards the end of the semester at 5 p.m., a.k.a. cocktail hour.