BA Theatre Studies Students Creating Theatre in the F.A.S.T. Lane
For future practitioners of theatre, it is essential to have as many opportunities as possible to put learned skills into practice. Luckily, the students in the BA Theatre Studies program have Friday Afternoon Student Theatre, affectionately known as “F.A.S.T.”
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F.A.S.T. is an experimental venue that explores the “process” through which theatre is created. The program is part of the Department’s initiative to foster a performance culture at MSU that embraces multiple modes of creativity. Students write original work, explore innovative performance techniques, and experiment with new dramatic material. The possibilities for theatrical expression are almost limitless.
F.A.S.T. also provides opportunities to practice leadership skills by appointing student Artistic Directors. This semester, F.A.S.T. welcomes new Artistic Directors Erin Gaydos and Melody Appel, and Technician Christian Confalone.
Christian Confalone, a Sophomore Theatre Studies major with a minor in Musical Theatre, who as technical liaison bridges the gap between the Theatre and Dance Tech areas, assists F.A.S.T. productions with lighting, sound, set, props, and “everything else to help all productions!” Christian hopes to focus his career around performing and lighting design.
Erin Gaydos is a Sophomore BA Theatre Studies student with minors in Psychology and Makeup Artistry who hopes to work in Theatre/Drama Therapy for children with special needs or disabilities. “I was interested in being an Artistic Director for FAST because I wanted to help continue the growth of the program. Also, supporting and providing a resource for all students to be creative on their own terms is important to me,” Erin says.
Melody Appel, a Sophomore BA Theatre Studies major who was previously seen in F.A.S.T’s staged reading of “Love and Information” by Caryl Churchill, agrees. “After being apart of a FAST production last semester, I knew I wanted to direct shows and spread awareness about this program that allows students’ voices to be heard.”
Both Erin and Melody will also co-direct the first show of the season, Angry Young Women in Low-Rise Jeans with High-Class Issues by Matt Morillo.
As Artistic Directors, Melody and Erin are excited about the opportunities that they can provide to fellow students: “What’s extraordinary about FAST is that it allows students to direct and perform in shows of their own choosing or present original work in a safe, non-judgmental space in Life Hall,” they muse. “As Artistic Directors, we want to spread the word, as well as create a bigger community in the program and provide a creative outlet that students can rely on.” Students who wish to propose a production should email fast.msu@gmail.com to request a proposal sheet.
Angry Young Women in Low-Rise Jeans with High-Class Issues by Matt Morillo will be presented on November 2–4 at 7pm in Room 0325. Next up this season will be The Shadow Box, running November 30–December 2.
F.A.S.T. performances are free and open to the public. As there are no reserved seats, management recommends arriving 30 minutes early to ensure entry.