Dramedy are set to unite on Sacramento State’s theater stage.

Sac State’s Dramatist Society will be presenting the “One Acts,” a series of four plays produced by Sac State students. Everything from the directing, casting and costumes are done by the students.

Senior theater and dance major Michael Smith is directing “The Game,” written by Louise Bryant.

He said “one acts” can be from any type of play, including drama and comedy.

“But the one act term (means) it is only the length of one act,” Smith said. “One (play) is an hour long.”

According to Sac State’s public affairs office’s press release, “The Game” delves into a world beyond our reality where the characters of Life and Death play for the lost souls they meet to determine if they return to the living world or sent to the aftermath of condemned souls.”

Smith said he got involved with the “One Acts” plays after feeling he was ready to direct and wanted to do it.

“I was a senior; I wanted to make sure I did (get to) direct and I found this play that I really liked,” Smith said.

Smith has been a part of numerous productions at Sac State including “The Wiz.”

He played the Scarecrow and said he has directed plays in directing classes and choreographic directing.

He said he enjoys all the aspects of theater, from being in the show to working behind the scenes.

During his directing class, he found out he enjoyed directing and making his vision come to life on the stage.

“The ‘One Acts’ give me full length to do (this) and it is all me,” Smith said. “I get to make the shots and the calls. It is another way to watch the expression of where my full vision on this canvas of the stage that we have.”

Senior theater major Richard Stiles is directing “Best Foot Forward,” written by Dave Ritterband.

According to Sac State’s Public Affairs office’s press release, “the play focuses on the lighter side of college, relationships and family and shows how far someone will go to make sure a family member will make the right choices in their life.”

Stiles said in a press release, “I think everyone that comes to see ‘Best Foot Forward’ will find a character that they can identify with,” Stiles said.

Senior theater major Kristina Vivsik is directing “The Bear,” written by Anton Chekhov.

According to Sac State’s Public Affairs office’s press release, “The Bear” is a comedic play that revolves an argument about love and money between a widow and the man who lent her husband money.”

Vivsik’s acting experience began when she was in the fifth grade and has loved the theater ever since.

“It is definitely a passion of mine,” Vivsik said.

Vivsik said it is a fabulous opportunity to be a part of the One Acts.

Vivsik’s friends have directed them and she also directed one in the Dialect club.

“Because we have to take a directing (class) as a requirement for a theater major, I would say it was (thee) inspiration to want to direct a One Act,” Vivsik said. “Given the opportunity to do that this semester, it was definitely like ‘Let’s do it and see what the directing experience is like’.”

Her favorite scene from “The Bear,” is the ending because Vivsik said it is passionate.

The character (Popova) has to overcome her own battles and conflicts in the realm of love.

The production process has been an enjoyable journey for Vivsik.

“It has definitely been exciting because you do not know what to expect sometimes,” Vivsik said. “I love the fact (during) the production, it really is more of a (collaborative) effort.”

Senior theater major Rachel Williams is directing “Birdbath,” written by Leonard Melfi.

According to Sac State’s Public Affairs office’s press release, “the play is set in 1960s New York and tells the story of an unsuccessful poet and a young girl who meet while they both work at an all-night cafeteria.”

Williams said in a press release, “I feel that the play gives hope to even the most awkward, lonely or insecure of us,” Williams said. “(It) shows that there is someone out there who understands exactly how you feel and is looking for someone like you.”

Smith said students should go see the “One Acts” plays because there is a wide range of differences in each play.

“For each one of these shows, there is something in each one of them that people here on campus and even younger or older generations can identify with,” Smith said.

Brittany Lambert can be reached at [email protected]