Two student-directors, Maura Reiff and Jaccob Trifonoff, step up to the challenge of directing a main stage show for the WLU Hilltop Players. After a semester of a course in directing, the two applied to be allowed to direct a show on our main stage. The student-directed slot allows the WLU Theatre program to continue to give educational opportunities to our students in fun, creative, and challenging ways. The show is a collection of scenes so was a good choice for student directors with Reiff directing the first act and Trifonoff directing the second. While the acts can stand alone, the directors had to collaborate on concept and design elements.
“Though the two acts are directed separately, they had to collaborate ideas to make the play fit both of their visions,” Aulick said.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this job is seeing 18-year-olds blossom into budding young artists who have a voice in the world of theatre. These two have grown so much in the last year that it is almost like they are different people. I am terribly proud of them as people and as student-directors,” he said. Aulick was assisted in his work with the student-directors by Technical Director of Theatre Meta Lasch.
Cast members include Chad Arthur, Kacie Craig, Maggie Dillon, Brady Dunn, Alex Franke, Alexandria Glotfelty, Anna Gross and Mack Kale.
“Our cast and crew have put their whole heart into every inch of this production,” said Reiff, who has set her sites on theater as a profession. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a love story with very realistic characters. It’s not a fairy tale like Cinderella or a classic like Romeo and Juliet. Its witty and real.”
The production runs at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 20 – 22 and at 3 p.m., Sunday Feb. 23 in Kelly Theater.
Tickets can be purchased at wlualmostmaine.brownpapertickets.com for a reduced price. Reservations can be made by calling the WLU Theatre Ticket Office at 304.336.8277.