By Michael Pedro
Every semester, Western New England University’s theater troupe, the Stageless Players, performs a play of some sort to a great deal of praise. This semester will once again be no different, with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest chosen to be performed. Co-directed by junior Cassidy Brannon and senior Cameron Turcotte, the play will be showcased in Sleith Hall’s Wood Auditorium this upcoming weekend, with shows running on Friday, November 8 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m.
It’s the first time directing a Stageless Players production for both Brannon and Turcotte. They note that directing can be a fun undertaking. Brannon said one of the best parts of directing is “ seeing an actor live out the vision you had for the show, because it’s out of your hands and it’s great when it hits where Cam and I want it to.” However, according to Turcotte, the process can also be stressful. “The hardest part is how there’s a lot to keep track of, like actors and props and where things go. This is why having a co-director is wondrous,” Turcotte said. “[However,] it is super fun. Even though we’re directing, I still feel connected to everyone.”
The play has a lot of things for people to enjoy, and the actors convey that sentiment. “We pick shows we think everyone can get enjoyment out of. We haven’t done a comedy show in quite some time, and it’s a little out of our lane,” junior Josh Farrell, now in his fourth production with the club, said. Emma Arendt, a junior who is in her first play with the club, noted that “it’s a nice and relaxing way to spend an evening with friends or roommates and a great way to support the school’s clubs. We hope to see you there!” For some other actors in the play, it’s their first time viewing things from a new perspective. One of these is sophomore Lacey Tilsley, who primarily works backstage. This will be her first starring role with the troupe. “I’ve always been involved in the tech side of things, so getting a taste of the acting side is fun,” Tilsley said. When asked about the play itself, she noted that “it’s a really good, cheap way for entertainment that you can enjoy without using a screen.”
Theater Professor Hillary Bucs, who is both the club advisor and the Intimacy Choreographer, noted that the directors are doing this for something more than just enjoyment. “Cam and Cass are doing this project as their Theater minor capstone project,” Bucs said. According to Bucs, “They’re the second folks to do [something like this]. The first was the play Boy in November 2023, directed by Max Brouillard,” so this is an impressive feat. Bucs also noted that “[The Stageless Players] are incredibly passionate about what they do. Putting on a play at Western New England University is an absolute labor of love for these students.”
If you’re in need of a good laugh and want to support the Stageless Players, you can buy tickets on University Tickets right now. Sophomore student Kat Greenwood, who is also starring in the show, notes that “watching people attempt British accents for 2 hours and make upper-class British jokes about society can prove to be a truly enjoyable experience.” Tickets for Western New England University students are $5, and general admission is $7. You’ll also be able to buy tickets for $7 at the door. With all of the love the club has put into this, it’s sure to be a great show, and it’s worth attending to support the Stageless Players.
