Dramatic facial expressions. Sweeping gestures that swallowed the stage. Profound monologues spliced with absurd comedy. The Las Positas Drama Hawks Showcase gave student actors a chance to fully immerse themselves in live theater.
On April 30, the LPC theater club and the Drama Hawks presented a “Night of One Acts,” a collection of student performances held in the Black Box Theater. The small atmosphere created an intimate connection between audience members and performers.
The Las Positas Drama Hawks is a student-run club that aims to give students the space and creative freedom to explore their passions of theater. Whether that be teaching, directing, acting or technical work. This showcase was entirely student-produced with all club participants directing, acting and handling backstage operations.
Theater club president Viv Owens encouraged aspiring actors to embrace the journey of self-discovery.
“Confidence is key, but that’s what everyone says,” Owens said. “I would just say trust your instinct, have fun, and get creative. Whatever that looks like for you to bring your uniqueness to the table — that’s what everyone loves to see.”
The first actor to take the stage, Renn Ma, performed “Daniel and Kevin,” a one-act play. The story centered a young gay couple, Daniel and Kevin, and dove deep into their mental intricacies. Ma portrayed both characters, shifting between emotional vulnerability and tension.
The second play “Everything Goes!” by Michael Patin, featured Kevin Flanagan as Mr. Wildace, Owens as Meathook, Chris Phalen as Joe, Ryn Taylor as Big Tim and Eleonora Layne as the stage manager. The production followed four gangsters stowing away on a cruise ship as they faced a life or death situation. The criminals pretend to be actors on the ship in order to conceal their identities and avoid capture.
The performance was filled with twists and turns that left the audience on the edge of their seats. The play incorporated audience participation, including the crowd. Actors and actresses interacted directly with the attendees.
Audience member Chuck Phalen enjoyed the cozy feel of the student-run production.
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Phalen said. “My favorite part was my grandson Christopher Phalen in drag. “They should do more of this where students write, direct and act the play themselves, especially in the Black Box. I like that it’s small”
According to the show’s pamphlet, the Drama Hawks aim to provide LPC students interested in theater an opportunity to learn the art of acting and collaborate creatively. The club is open for students, from individuals aspiring to teach theater to those interested in the craft of acting. The goal of the club is to open accessibility to students interested in theater arts.
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TOP PHOTO: Eleonora Layne, part of the LPC Drama Hawks, acts out a dramatic moment as the stage manager in the play “Everything Goes!” at the Black Box Theater on April 30. LPC’s Night of One Acts was entirely produced by students. (Photo by Sophia Sucato/The Express).
Sophia is a staff writer and photographer for The Express. Follow her on instagram @sophia_sucato
