Straight from spring break, Black Box Theatre Festival is in its final week as the shows come closer and closer. BBTF is entirely student-made and directed in order to give students an opportunity to explore theatre outside of just being in the cast and crew. Directors can make anything from one-acts to short films.
However, this school year is unique due to it being the first time Free State Theatre has done BBTF in both the fall and spring. With BBTF being different from usual productions, Theatre Director Bryce Jones said this gives students added interest in the show.
“There’s a lot of interest in participating in BBTF by both directors and actors alike,” Jones said. “It’s a great way for students who are in other [extracurriculars] to get involved in theater.”
For directors like junior Evie Chancy, BBTF offers a unique opportunity to hone her skills in a creative and supportive environment. Chancy explained that when directing, she was able to have a more active role in the creative process.
“It’s allowed more people to get involved and have a time to really grow and develop quality scripts, and sit with an idea,” Chancy said.
Though she started out as an actor in the 2022 BBTF her freshman year, Chancy said that it wasn’t how she wanted to be involved in the productions. However, this is what inspired her to start directing her own shows.
“I’ve enjoyed directing a lot more than I’ve enjoyed acting. When I’m directing, I’m much more in control, and I have a vision.” Chancy said. “I get to be in control of my cast, I get to tell a story and I get to make people laugh…I want people to have as much fun watching the show as I had writing it.”
Differing from Chancy, sophomore Genevieve Stephenson is acting in BBTF, being her first time participating in a Free State Theatre production. Stephenson said that attending rehearsals and being a part of the show has been more of a growth process than she expected.
“The script started out as an idea, now it’s really a full play,” Stephenson said.
Because BBTF was created with the intention of as little help from Jones as possible, the plays and films are almost entirely student-led. Jones may sponsor the event, but he said that he has little to no involvement in the production past setting up and steps aside to let the actors and directors shine.
“I’m really not involved at all beyond giving the parameters…then this week I have involvement because I’m trying to get all the film submissions together in one spot so it’s just a smooth show,” Jones said.
As BBTF begins to switch from rehearsals to shows, these students are able to perform their shows in front of an audience. Chancy said that there’s many aspects that aren’t noticed by the viewers.
To see these students’ work in action, anyone can watch the Black Box Theatre Festival on March 27, 28 or 29; $5 for students and $7 for adults.
