New Directors' Showcase ✦ Aug. 2 – 11, 2024

Produced by Kristi Ann Jacobson

Directed by Wallace Ross, Ruthann Saunders, Matt Haver

New Directors' Showcase (Kristi Ann Jacobson, producer)
The New Directors' Showcase is an exciting platform where emerging directors get the chance to demonstrate their creative talents by directing a one-act play. Under the expert guidance of performer and seasoned director, Kristi Ann Jacobson, these up-and-coming directors receive invaluable mentorship. Jacobson's extensive experience in capturing nuanced and provocative stories ensures that participants not only refine their directing skills but also gain deep insights into the art of storytelling. This showcase is a unique opportunity for new directors to shine.

Lantern in the Wind by Tim Kelly and directed by Wallace Ross.
Chasing the hottest story of 1915—Did Butch Cassidy fake his death?—journalist Florence Kilpatric tracks down Etta Place, paramour to the notorious outlaw’s sidekick The Sundance Kid, to a mountain cabin, and strikes a bargain for a scoop.

Just Like Old Times by Robert G. Barone and directed by Ruthann Saunders.
It is six years after high school graduation. The girls were all members of the school's drama club and they were all friends...more or less.

Changes have taken place during those six years, but some things have not changed. The actresses are still actresses, though not necessarily on the stage. And the backstage workers are still "techies," but not necessarily backstage. And they are still dominated by their director, Mrs. T. While they were in school, the girls were like puppets under her control. Their daily lives are still dominated by the routine she taught them drama classes and play rehearsals. Even though they seldom see her now, Mrs. T still "pulls the strings," so to speak.

Only Sharon has found a way to cut the strings. She died.

The Constituent by Ernest Thompson and directed by Matt Haver.
Chas Potter is a tough-minded, foul-mouthed old Republican from Maine, whose favorite pastime is writing insulting letters to his senator, Democrat William Blane. When Blane shows up at Potter’s cabin unannounced, the two men square off face-to-face for the first time. Strangely enough, this political odd couple find much in common — but then the fur begins to fly again, with hilarious results!