The Daily Bulletin Archive

For more than 15 years, the Theater Department’s “Thursday Series” has functioned as a veritable testing ground for aspiring actors, directors, designers, and producers. This semester, the long-standing tradition is experiencing a resurgence. And the best-kept secret is that Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend performances—for free.

Every Thursday during Bengal Pause (12:15–1:30 p.m.), the Flexible Theatre is filled with the sights and sounds of one-act plays, dance performances, monologues, and improvisational acting. According to Ivan Rodriguez, a lecturer in the Theater Department and coordinator of the Thursday Series, each performance is an opportunity for students to put into practice what they learn in the classroom.

“Acting is doing,” he said. “You have to do in order to grow.”

Rodriguez also knows firsthand about the significance of the Thursday Series. He and other faculty members have presented performances for the series. In October, Rodriguez directed The Former One-on-One Basketball Champion, written by Israel Horovitz. He worked with Fajri Ansari, head men’s basketball coach for Buffalo State, and Glenroy Carr Jr., a Buffalo State basketball player, to mimic realistic-looking basketball shots on stage, and also collaborated with students for costume design and production.

The Flexible Theatre, located in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building, offers performers the ability to easily adjust seating, lighting, and stage design. Interested participants sign up for a time slot in front of the nearby Casting Hall Office and are in charge of their own production costs and props, but are encouraged to work closely with Theater Department faculty for additional help.

James Steiner, a junior-year theater major and production manager of Casting Hall Productions, recently directed Happy Suicides, which was written by fellow theater major and senior-year student Melanie Derblich. Inspired by the life and times of playwright Sabrina B. Emil, the play tells the story of a girl who contemplates the experience of death and its purpose in the world.

“Upon reading the play, it seemed that the message it was telling about suicide needed to be seen on stage in front of an audience,” Steiner said.

In addition to a number of Buffalo State students who worked behind the scenes on Happy Suicides, six others acted on stage. Steiner found the process of executing the play to be extremely beneficial.

“Taking part in the Thursday Series helps students build character and boosts their confidence,” he said. “Another great benefit is that professors come to see the shows and give advice where needed. That not only helps improve future performances but also helps the directors find cast and crew for shows [during the academic year].”

“The Thursday Series allows students to be the directors and collaborate with their peers,” said Derblich. “James and the cast embraced my idea and did so much more with it than I ever would have dreamed. That is what I love about the Thursday Series.”

Drew Kahn, chair and professor of the Theater Department, sees an increase in professionalism, preparation, and creativity involved in the productions. He said the Thursday Series gives students an additional opportunity to test their skills without the restrictions associated with other department projects.

“The Thursday Series has evolved based on the needs and demands of the student generations it serves as well as the entertainment industry’s needs and demands,” Kahn said. “It is a ‘gymnasium’ for young theater artists, where they can write, produce, direct, design, act, and create whatever they would like for a public audience. It is an immediate application opportunity for all they are learning in classes and rehearsals.”

Rodriguez hopes that with continued interest and success, the Thursday Series can expand to Tuesdays as well. He welcomes all students, faculty, and staff to come to shows and see what Theater Department faculty and students are up to.

“This is a great way for students to use the Flexible Theatre,” said Rodriguez, “and the seats aren’t very empty these days.”