OBU Theatre Presents “HOPE, a New Works Festival”

October 30, 2024

OBU’s Theatre Department is set to premiere “HOPE, a New Works Festival,” a unique collection of student-written plays inspired by the Lynn Institute’s research on The Science of Hope. This festival, directed by guest director Jennifer Ezell, explores stories of resilience and recovery and will take place at the Sarkeys Black Box Theatre from Nov. 14-17.

The festival features four original works by OBU student playwrights: “Step by Step” by Jordyn Clinton, “Another Sunrise” by Madeline Carlson, “More than Surviving” by Josie Watson and “Till the Fire Stops” by Graci Lowe. The festival, which serves as an extension of “Plays About Recovery,” an applied theater initiative developed by OBU faculty members C. Alex Webster and Ezell, provides students with a platform to write, design and perform new works in a single semester.

Public performances are scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at 7 p.m., with additional matinees on Nov. 16-17 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for students and children, available for purchase online.

Director Jennifer Ezell, who holds a master’s degree in theater from Missouri State University and is completing her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts at Texas Tech University, is thrilled to lead the project.

“I am so excited that Oklahoma Baptist University supports new works by students,” Ezell said. “Providing space for young adults to cultivate creative works and collaborate on bringing them to reality teaches students the skills they need to shape the future of theatre and film. HOPE shines a light on the challenges and successes of recovery, and I hope the plays will help end the stigma of admitting when you need help and remind us of the power of community.”

Designed for audiences aged 13 and up, “HOPE, a New Works Festival” contains themes of recovery that address issues such as substance abuse and the struggles of healing. This student-driven production showcases a collaborative effort among OBU students in areas including lighting, sound, scenic design, props and costumes.

The cast for “Step by Step” includes Abbie Schoenebaum, a freshman theater major; Aris O’Dell, a sophomore theater major; Drew Rohrbach, a senior theater major and Christian ministry major; Elizabeth Mashek, a member of the community; Brianna Arledge, a junior biochemistry major with a theater minor; Joshua McCleskey, a junior theater major; Hannah Chandler, a sophomore vocal performance major; and Sierra Graham, a junior global missions major with a theater minor.

The cast for “Another Sunrise” includes Reese Janik, a sophomore English major with a theater minor; Watson a sophomore theater major; and Elena Streett, a junior creative writing major with a theater minor.

The cast for “More Than Surviving” includes Hannah Chandler, a sophomore vocal performance major; Noel Elliot, a community member; Clinton, a senior theater major; and Janik.

“Till the Fire Stops” cast members include Hank Childress, a sophomore business management major; Cole Green, a sophomore business management major; Jess Field, a senior art major; Ross Clay, a sophomore computer information systems major, Gracie Carleton, a freshman theater major; and JD Lasiter, a freshman biology major.

Production crew members include Ezell, Webster, OBU Director of Theatre John R. Dement, Abby Zang, a sophomore theater major, Rohrbach, Graham, Watson, Janik, Clinton, Carleton,  McCleskey and Schoenebaum.

Ezell said, “’HOPE, a New Works Festival’ aims to offer an engaging and thought-provoking evening, underscoring the vital role of hope in the journey toward recovery.”

Also, the OBU Theatre devising team has spent the past six weeks developing an original interdisciplinary performance through innovative, non-traditional theatre practices. Using methods such as viewpoints, Laban movement and design-centered approaches, students have collectively contributed to text, design and performance elements. Working within a rhizomatic structure, the team engaged in multiple roles, resulting in a piece that explores themes of cyclical behaviors, community involvement, and overcoming human struggles with recurring challenges. The title of the piece will be announced closer to the show.

“Devising theatre is often less understood than our traditional theatrical processes,” said Webster, the Devising director. “To devise literally means to create, and for this project, my challenge for the students is to create work together that specifically benefits our community. I am so proud of how the students have come to the space with open minds, ready to try new ways of creating theatre.”