The Virtual Show

wwudrama program to perform 2 online plays from performer homes

Two one-act plays will be presented as online performances by the Walla Walla University drama program, wwudrama. Two performances of “10 Ways to Survive a Quarantine” and “Bad Auditions … Online,” will take place via livestream May 30 at 9 p.m. and May 31 at 2 p.m.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Village Hall—the drama venue at WWU—the drama program was scheduled to stage the play, “Twelve Angry Jurors,” which was the first play originally performed in Village Hall. When classes for spring quarter moved to an online format, the cast and crew took on a show-must-go-on mindset and were eager to tackle an online format instead. 

The two new one-act plays will be performed entirely via livestream from the actors’ homes. Each actor has not only learned lines, but has also put together their own sets, lighting, hair and makeup, costumes, and props. 

The new plays, “Bad Auditions … Online” by Ian McWethy and Cathy McWethy and “10 Ways to Survive a Quarantine” by Don Zolidis explore what it’s like to be stuck at home and to suddenly have to rely on one’s own creativity to stay sane. Both are comedies and reveal human foibles that seem all too relatable in the current circumstances.

Most student participants will play two roles. Their roles are listed in parentheses below with the role in “Bad Auditions ... Online” listed first.

WWU students involved in production of the plays are:

  • Claira Eastwood, stage manager, sophomore strategic communication major (in the role of Casting Director)

  • Nathan Pittenger, senior graphic design major (Roger and Torrance)

  • Kyle Lambert, senior mechanical engineering major (Greg and Co-Host)

  • Rylee Blake, senior psychology major (Uma and Co-host)

  • Victoria Ico, senior communication major (Wendy and Jolene)

  • Libby Thayer, senior biology major (Tash and Neima*)

  • Kolten Stopsen, senior film, TV, and media major (Pascal and Jeff*)

  • Dorea Bradley, junior psychology major (Gina Marie and Sahra)

  • Nick Ault, music, psychology, and pre-physical therapy triple major (Peter and Jamal*)

  • Arien Cabenilla, sophomore nursing major (Kellin and Lou)

  • Abby Rodgers, junior global communications major (Rory and Uder)

  • Meghann Heinrich, winter 2020 communications graduate (Carmen and Ella)

  • Madison Turner, junior theology major (Phyllis and Alison)

  • Emma Meadowcroft, sophomore psychology major (Tandy and Reagan)

  • Peter Thomsen, senior mechanical engineering major (Tom and Richard)

  • Cameron Sandoval, freshman physics major (Jeff and Toby)

*Both roles are from “10 Ways to Survive a Quarantine.”

All audience members will be muted, however the audience will be welcome to applaud during the performance using the chat feature. Run time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Admission to the performances is free and, unlike an in-person performance, there is no limit to the number of audience members. To access the livestream link and learn more, visit wallawalla.edu/drama.

Posted May 21, 2020.
 

digital rendering of computer screen video call with students
Each student actor will be performing from their home via livestream.