STCC Theater Workshop goes online for spring plays
Student-actors in the College Theater Workshop will perform this spring’s production from home to follow social distancing practices and not in the auditorium at Scibelli Hall.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Audiences for the STCC Theater Workshop’s plays normally keep their eyes on the stage, but this spring they will keep their eyes on the screen.
At a time of social distancing, Springfield Technical Community College Theater Workshop will perform three plays, with students acting out their parts from their homes in front of their computers.
“We had to change things up this spring due to the stay-at-home advisories related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Phil O’Donoghue, theater professor. “What was originally seven short plays was cut to three plays that can be performed for the screen. I’m very impressed with rehearsals and how this is turning out. I think audiences will enjoy what our students have come up with.”
The Theater Workshop sent lighting equipment and costumes to the homes of student actors to boost the production quality.
One play chronicles a therapy session. The other two dramatize phone conversations. The three plays have been performed at major 10-minute play festivals. The plays are “Your Mother’s Butt,” by Alan Ball; “Customer Service,” by Philip Hall; and “Miss You,” by David Auburn
The performances will be available for viewing starting May 22 on STCC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
O’Donoghue said the production would not have been possible without help from the STCC community, including STCC Digital Media Professor John Wakelin, STCC Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies Richard Greco, and STCC Marketing and Communications Director Keith Paul.
Cast members are Hannah Bruso-Penkala of Ludlow; Cedric Patterson of Springfield; Roberto Perez of Springfield; Gracie Pighetti of Wilbraham; Raquel Polite of Springfield; and Giovanni Tolliver of Springfield
Interested in applying to STCC? Apply online or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu