By TILISHA T. ALEXANDER

Staff Writer

Six students showcased their talents in the Original Play Festival held May 10 through 12 in Stone Theatre.

Six original one-act plays were shown each night. The plays included "Little Red Riding Hood Reloaded," "Doghouse," "A Wake," "Mixer," "A Friend or Something" and "Konflict."

Jena Sharpton, publicist for the event and a junior speech and graphic design double major, said the evening began with the most family-friendly productions and ended with the shows intended for mature audiences.

"The plays are written, produced and directed by students," Sharpton said. "The theatre department usually does [production and direction of plays], but this year we decided to make it an all student production."

Sharpton said this has been a fun year because everything was done differently, and it was unique for students to be involved in every aspect of playwriting.

Macy Helms, playwright for "A Wake" and a graduate student of theatre, said she never thought she would be this good at playwriting and would probably write others if she had good ideas.

"I took a playwriting class, and we were told to take something that was in the public domain, which means within 50 years ago, and the author had to be dead, and turn it into a play," Helms said. "I took Kate Chopin and turned her story into a play."

Helms said "A Wake" follows an abused woman as she deals with the death of her husband.

"The first time I ever tried, which is this play, was exciting because I never thought I could do it, and I did," Helms said. "When I go into the rehearsals, I have a picture of how I want the actors or actresses to present the play, but we have directors for each play, and they do a great job at making the play realistic."

Justin Howard, who plays Bobby in the play "Konflict" and is a freshman speech major, said this is a great opportunity for him as a student.

"I really enjoyed working with other students because it makes us more relaxed and able to be more creative in the way we act," Howard said. "My character Bobby is fed up with the world and everything about it, and the way he escapes is through drugs."

Howard said he always wanted to be in theater, and being active with the theatre department allows him to display his talent.

Joshua Phillips, who plays the crocodile hunter in "Little Red Riding Hood Reloaded" and is a junior speech major, said this is a new twist on an old classic and is not just for children.

"The playwright has a deep passion for children's theater and puts all efforts into his work." Phillips said.

"This is a great way for playwrights to have their work seen, and I can't think of any colleges who actually do this kind of production for [and by] the students."