Student-directed plays at Southeast

An article in the Southeast Missourian about the production of "Boy's Life" claimed that the play was the first student-directed and student-run production at Southeast Missouri State University.

Southeast has a long history of student-directed and student-run productions. I am not denigrating the accomplishment of Desmond Gray. He should be very proud, but he needs to be aware that he is continuing a talented legacy of student directors at Southeast. Space does not allow me to list them all, but I am happy to provide a partial listing. Dr. Don Schulte taught a directing class for years, and every student enrolled directed a one-act play that was open to the public. Two students, under my supervision, adapted and directed original productions: Shauna Thieman Fitzgerald in the Lab Theatre in 1993 and Megwyn Sanders-Andrews on the main stage in 2000. Kim Westrich Zustiak, Jessica Nelms Baker and Scott Mercer collaboratively directed "Plaza Suite" on the main stage in 1998, receiving accolades for their efforts from the American College Theater Festival. Cutting-edge productions were also directed by Diana Mays-Nielson, Bob Clubbs and Tim Nicolai, just to name the ones of which I am immediately aware.

The new Department of Theatre and Dance, headed by Dr. Kenn Stilson, needs to be reminded that it is part of an ongoing legacy that feels insulted to have been forgotten. As department chair, Stilson should be more aware of Southeast's rich theater traditions and remember to acknowledge them.

Dr. SHARON BEBOUT-CARR, Bluefield, W.Va.