Southeast Missouri State University students take over the stage in 'Boys' Life'

When Desmond Gray started acting in middle school, he found love for something that would guide him on a path to Southeast Missouri State University, where he is directing the first student-run play, "Boys' Life." The play opened Thursday and continues today and Saturday.

Gray, a senior and member of University Players, the student theater organization, said his goals were cemented in high school outside of Chicago.

"I didn't go to a performing arts school, but there was a strong focus on the fine arts, and being able to work with people with a similar mindset and work ethic helped me to focus on what I wanted to achieve."

Since his arrival at Southeast, Gray has been seen on stage in many productions, including his roles as Daddy in "Sweet Charity," Biff Baker in "The 1940s Radio Hour," Jim in "Big River" and Romeo in "Romeo & Juliet." He also has performed in the ensembles in "42nd Street," "Dance-Apalooza" in 2006 through 2009 and every student dance concert since 2005.

"At Southeast, there have been a lot of opportunities," Gray said. "If I didn't come to Southeast, I probably wouldn't be directing right now. Typically, undergrads don't get directing opportunities."

The opportunity extends to everyone involved with "Boys' Life." From the actors to the crew, everyone involved is a student in the theater department. This student-run production is the first of its kind for Southeast's theater program.

"Even though it is a student-run show, the faculty has made themselves very available for us," Gray said. "Each person involved has a faculty mentor, and the department has helped out a lot with promotions and funding."

Applications for the directing position were open to all students who met certain requirements, including being in the visual and performing arts program and completing the directing I class.

"Realistically, it was like applying for a job," Gray said. "I'm not sure how many people applied for the position, but I am excited and honored to know that the faculty thought I was strong enough to take this on."

Dr. Kenneth Stilson, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, has been Gray's mentor on this project and said he is pleased with the students' work.

"This is the maiden voyage for this type of production, but it is going great," he said. "These are future professionals putting this on, and I think people will be really amazed at the level of work and professionalism."

Stilson said the department is excited about launching this second stage series with the students producing a show each semester

"Boys' Life," by Howard Korder, documents the mishaps and setbacks of three twentysomething men and shows the journey from adolescence to adulthood. The fast-paced comedy contains adult language and themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Tickets are $3 for students and $8.50 for the public. They can be purchased at the River Campus box office, at 651-2265 or metrotix.com keyword, "boys' life."