STCC theater to return in May after 3-year pandemic hiatus

From left, Lauren Tracy, Malissa Boone, Professor Phil O'Donoghue, Isaiah Colon and Matthew Gorman.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a spacious classroom with high ceilings at Springfield Technical Community College, students in the theater workshop are running their lines as they rehearse for the first in-person production in over three years.

They’re challenged to play edgy characters who are nothing like them, which students say is part of the fun of performing in this spring’s STCC College Theater Workshop.

“I play this psycho,” said Lauren Tracy, a general education student at STCC. “In my real life I’m not a psycho, but it’s nice to get out of my comfort zone, and really act and be someone else.”

The spring production, titled “Laughing for all the Wrong Reasons: A Night of Dark Comedy,” features six 10-minute plays. Assistant Professor Phil O’Donoghue, who directs the students, said he’s looking forward to seeing the actors in action on the stage at Scibelli Theater (Building 2) for three free performances for audiences in May.

“We’re trying to start up a very proud theater program after three years of being dark,” O’Donoghue said. “Like so many traditions, our small but active theater opportunities were canceled by the pandemic. I am thrilled that after three years we are in-person, onstage, and ready to bring back the miracle of live theater to our campus.”

The pandemic broke a nearly 50-year tradition of bringing quality live theater productions to STCC, which has a technical mission but also a rich history of supporting culture and arts. O’Donoghue describes the effort as starting up again from scratch.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly said, “It's wonderful that we're able to offer live theatre to our STCC community.

“The students have been preparing for the opportunity to demonstrate their acting skills to a larger audience and we are looking forward to their performances,” she said. “Professor O'Donoghue’s dedication and unthwarted enthusiasm is a mainstay of STCC's theater arts."

The production boasts six different story lines, all with intriguing premises. Here’s how Rolin Jones’ “Ron Bobby Had Too Big a Heart” is described:

“A shotgun, some ammo, bottle of chloroform, the prom queen in a laundry bag...just two young girls of age packing for a road trip.”

Then there’s “Making the Call” by Jane Martin:

“When a Secret Service Agent comes to Elizabeth’s door, he makes her an offer that she never imagined. She debates on her decision and just when she believes she has figured it out, he turns the tables yet again.”

I am thrilled that after three years we are in-person, onstage, and ready to bring back the miracle of live theater to our campus. Phil O'Donoghue, Theater Professor

Students say they can’t wait to take to the stage and transform into their colorful characters. During rehearsal, they sometimes shout or unleash off-color language to heighten the drama. They bring a mix of energy and vulnerability.

“My character is the exact opposite of me,” said Malissa Boone of Springfield. “I’m very sweet and full of pink, and my characters are very edgy. One of them is crazy. Another is a drunk, but also sarcastic.”

Student Matthew Gorman of the Feeding Hills section of Agawam said the “edgy” theme running through the six plays appeals to him.

“It’s wonderful. I’m generally a dark, comedic person inherently,” Gorman said. “We call it ‘Laughing for all the Wrong Reasons’ because we’re not supposed to laugh but we do.”

Student Nina Bishop started performing in theater when she was 12 and continued in productions at West Springfield High School. She has acted in community theater and says the STCC Theater Workshop is as good as any program she’s been involved in.

“I love how (Professor O’Donoghue) has really catered to our acting skills,” she said. ”I think definitely our personalities and acting styles are shining through in different ways.”

“It’s also unique how he has combined all these 10-minute plays instead of choosing a regular show-grabbing headliner for everyone,” she added. “I think it’s really going to show the versatility and also keep them interested. There is definitely a play in here that’s light and funny. There’s something for everyone.”

The following 10-minute plays will be performed:

• Kara Lee Corthron’s “Mercury is Perpetually in Retrograde So Stop Worrying About It”
• Elizabeth Dewberry’s “Head On”
• Rolin Jones’ “Ron Bobby Had Too Big a Heart”
• Stephen McFeeley’s “Between Two Friends”
• David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Baby Food”
• Jane Martin’s “Making the Call”

The dates and times of the play:

• Thursday, May 4, 11 a.m.
• Friday, May 5, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 6, 7 p.m.

“Laughing for all the Wrong Reasons: A Night of Dark Comedy” is free, but donations to STCC College Theater Workshop are gratefully accepted.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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