Editor’s note: The title of one of the plays includes a word some may consider vulgar or a profanity.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance students will present a trio of plays each night at the One Act Play Festival Oct. 9-11 at Tucker Theatre.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 9-11, inside Tucker, located in the Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building, 615 Champion Way, with parking available in nearby lots.

The acts being performed include “Trifles,” written by Susan Glaspell and directed by Julia Vairetta; “Beta Bitches” written by Emily Yuko Walborn and directed by Taylor Hulse; and “Little Happy Secrets” written by Melissa Leilani Larson and directed by Sarah Hall.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for seniors and $5 for students K-12. They can be purchased online at www.mtsu.edu/theatreanddance/currentseason.phpor at the Tucker Theatre box office before each performance. MTSU students, faculty and staff can attend for free by presenting their current university ID at the box office. No late entry will be permitted after the box office closes.

About “Trifles”

In a small Iowa farmhouse, surly and reclusive farmer John Wright was found murdered. His apathetic wife Minnie is the prime and only suspect and is in jail for the crime.

When a small group of people enter the house looking for clues that would explain why a woman would suddenly strangle her husband in the night, two women examine the “trifles” of a country kitchen, such as frozen jars of preserves and a poorly sewn quilt.

As the women look closer at Minnie’s world, they make a bone-chilling discovery as the audience goes on an intriguing journey of suspense and mystery.

“Things may not be as they initially appear with this story, but I think the audience can rest assured knowing that our characters can piece together the puzzle, while learning a thing or two about themselves, as the truth begins to reveal itself in the end,” said student director Julia Vairetta, a theatre major from Knoxville, Tennessee. “This show has a way of allowing one to question the reality of the challenging social dynamics that influence our relationships with others, while retaining its classic 1910s charm.”

The cast includes:

•  Kaitlyn Gumbman, a psychology major from Spring Hill, as Mrs. Hale.
• Kyra Siciliano, a theatre major from Hendersonville, as Mrs. Peters.
• Eddie Schauwecker, a theatre major from of Memphis, as Court Attorney.
• Luke Gentry, a theatre major from Murfreesboro, as Mr. Hale.
• Tim Bryant, a theatre major from Murfreesboro, as Sheriff.

About “Beta Bitches”

“Beta Bitches” is a comedic play about two “mean girls,” Madison and Gwen, who hold a séance in an attempt to contact their deceased friend and “Queen Bee.”

For Madison and Gwen to get the answers they so desperately seek, they must endure a terrifying night of contact from the other side. The séance takes a horrifying turn when they conjure the one person they thought they’d never have to see again.

Riffing on classic teen movie tropes, “Beta Bitches” uncovers the vulnerability and humanity of teenage caricatures. It is an exploration of stereotypes, manipulative friendships, and how to exorcise your demons.

“The audience can expect demons, blood, the complex dynamics of girlhood friendships and spontaneous dancing,” said student director Taylor Hulse. “It is a very ridiculous show, but it is also super raw and heartfelt at its core. I hope everyone who sees this one act can relate and understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we have to learn and grow from them.”

Hulse, a theatre major from Lebanon, Tennessee, added being a student director is one the most “gratifying” and “challenging” things she’s been able to do during her time at MTSU.

The cast includes:

• Emma Groves, a theatre major from Watertown, Tennessee, as Madison.
• Bailey Bateman, a theatre major from Gallatin, Tennessee, as Gwen.
• Bailey Dorflinger-Slee, a theatre major from Franklin, Tennessee, as Claire.
• Emma Lilly, a theatre major from Murfreesboro, as Stacey.

About “Little Happy Secrets”

Claire and Brennan have been best friends for years. But when the two are brought back together after two years apart, Claire wonders if the feelings she has for Brennan might go beyond friendship.

“The play is a beautiful commentary on the ways that our personal beliefs and experiences can intermingle with the religious beliefs that we are raised with. The audience can expect an emotional rollercoaster as they see, through Claire’s own memories, the turmoil a crisis of faith can cause,” said student director Sarah Hall, a senior theatre major from Murfreesboro.

Hall said she is so incredibly fortunate to be directing “Little Happy Secrets,” and that it has been a learning process. 

“Bringing this story to life in the rehearsal room has been a joy and a huge learning experience for me. I hope to make a career as a theatre director, and this process teaches me new things every single day that I will take into the professional world,” said Hall.

“I am especially enjoying navigating collaboration between actors, production team members and the other directors for the One Act Festival. We are lucky to have so many people dedicated to this process, and each of them brings their own ideas to the table. For every idea we have to scrap, we can walk away with an idea that may work for a different production in the future.”

The cast includes:

• Jenna Martin, a non-degree seeking student from Murfreesboro, as Claire.
• Malana Harris, a theatre major from Rockvale, Tennessee, as Brennan.
• Ava Hughes, an advertising and public relations major from Murfreesboro, as Carter.
• Luke Gentry, a theatre major from Murfreesboro as, Natalie.

Additional details about the production, including a digital program and a full cast and crew listing, are available at https://audienceaccess.co/show/MTSU-10887.

For more details on MTSU Theatre and Dance productions, visit www.mtsu.edu/theatreanddance/currentseason.php.

For more information about MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts, visit www.mtsu.edu/theatreanddance. For details on MTSU Arts events and supporting its student programs in the Patrons Society, visit https://mtsu.edu/mtsuarts.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)