SPAM showcases student-written, acted and directed plays

CeNique Yeldell

With the end of the semester in sight, things are getting hectic and stress is in the air. STAGE’s annual production will try to provide some comic relief.

Student Theatrical Arts Guild for Entertainment is a Grand Valley State University organization completely run by students, from the directors to the technicians. The inspiration for the group was to educate students interested in theatre on the many aspects and elements that go into it, Max Ronald, president of STAGE, said.

The organization’s yearly production ‘Student Plays and More,’ or SPAM, will take place Mar. 20 through Mar. 22 in Area 51 of the Kirkhof Center. The shows begin at 8 p.m. There will also be a performance by the Swing Dance Club.

“There are seven shows, and all about various things: from an over-zealous C.I.A. interrogation, to a scam aimed at beautiful people, to fractured fairy tale-type sketches,” Allison Lemley, the executive technician and stage manager, said. Lemley also said there is not only humor but often something thought-provoking in the skits.

Andrew Wernette has been a part of the organization for five years, directing and acting. He is also president of the writer’s guild and said his goal is to promote students to write the sketches and plays STAGE puts on, as well as provide a space where people can be comfortable learning and working.

After the writers submit their scripts, the club has a meeting to choose sketches based on their content, time and technical aspects. Members select the ones that meet those standards and will be the most entertaining for the audience.

“Our sketches are hilarious, unique, and imaginative. I think the best thing about them is that they can be about anything you want,” Angelina Mount, a director for the group, said. “We accept all sorts of submissions and the more variety we have, the better.”

Mount said theatre is a great way for people to learn about themselves, build confidence and make friends. She said STAGE wants to provide a fun environment for people of all experience levels to come out and participate.

STAGE meets on Thursdays at 9 p.m. in Kirkhof, room 0072. The organization has a group page on Facebook with more information on the group, events and audition dates.