As students get back into the routine of school, they begin to prepare for the Black Box Theater Festival which is held twice a year for those interested in theater production. Throughout the process, students express their creativity by writing and directing their own short films and one-acts. Moreover, other students are able to be featured in these productions.
This fall, five out of the eight productions are short films rather than one-acts. Senior Gabe Bennett has participated in BBTF twice and is working on directing a film for this year’s festival in the fall. While Bennett has never directed a one act, he has previously performed in one.
“It’s a very collaborative experience,” Bennett said. “You get to know what all the other one-acts are doing, and you’re building this big production. You get rehearsal dates that the directors have to choose, and it’s like hanging out.”
Bennett said that by sharing his own film, he has given inspiration to those who are watching and may want to participate. With proficiency in both acting and direction, sophomore Alice Lyles said that one-acts are generally more difficult.
“In some ways, [a short film] is easier than doing a one-act,” Lyles said. “You’re not as involved trying to set up for personal dates, but you also get more creative freedom.”
Theater director Bryce Jones said that some students may lean towards the short film side because they have the ability to share their work after it is shown at BBTF.
In addition, Jones said both categories are equally challenging in their own ways.
“[For the films], the editing process is always what is the most time consuming,” said Jones. “On the one act side, having to create an environment on stage by way of sets, props and costumes within which the performance takes place, and then replicating that is a challenge.”
Overall, Jones said that the two options consistently leave him impressed and that it is important to have both one acts and short films as an option.
“They can let their creativity and art be whatever it is they want it to be,” Jones said. “Some people prefer one or the other, or have written, produced and directed both.”
