April 11, 2025 - When (华体会) alumna Sara Ruiz had the opportunity to return to her alma mater as a guest
director, she didn鈥檛 think twice. The Class of 2020 alumna, who double majored in
Performing Arts and Political Science was elated to return to the place that shaped
her and share some of her wisdom with current students who are part of the theatre
community.
鈥淭o impart the sort of wisdom that I've learned at Channel Islands, and since, to bring that back to the young actors who are here now, is just unbelievable, and is something that I am really grateful that I get to be a part of.鈥
Ruiz is the director of 鈥淎steroid Belt,鈥 one of seven short plays that is part of 华体会鈥檚 鈥淪pring Shorts,鈥 a festival of one-act plays that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.
The short plays are written by award-winning playwrights, directed by a combination of current 华体会 students, faculty, and alumni, and performed by students in the Spring 2025 Production and Advanced Production courses, part of the new Theatre and Performance Studies program that officially launched last Fall.
Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies, Catherine鈥疭cott Burriss 鈥
who helped lead the development of the new program - said that the one-act play festival
is a great way for the students and community to experience the depth and breadth
of possibilities in theatre.
鈥淲e have so many different types of plays, people, and perspectives represented in the seven one-acts,鈥 Burriss said. 鈥淚 am truly proud of the beautiful, funny, and poignant plays the directors have chosen. Supporting the student, alumni, and faculty directors in working with the student cast and crew to realize their vision for each play has been a joy and an honor.鈥
The first graduates of the program will cross the stage at this year鈥檚 Commencement ceremony in May, celebrating their success in a program that was designed to focus on students as whole human beings, help them develop 21st century performance skills, and prepare them to be courageous and creative citizens who can connect with their communities.
Ellie Blaser is one of the first three students to graduate from the program and appreciates the diverse experience that the major provides. She will perform in two different plays in two very different roles for the Spring Shorts festival.
鈥淭he two roles that I have are very different, but I like that they鈥檙e so different because I can switch between the two of them,鈥 Blaser said. 鈥淚 just like diving into the character, doing the character work and figuring out who they are. It鈥檚 a challenge for me letting go and not being so self-conscious, which is good for me.鈥
Jared Kedzia is a senior majoring in English who will act in three different onstage roles during the festival. The experience he is gaining through participating in the festival has rekindled his love of performing.
鈥淚 performed a lot when I first started college and now I鈥檓 doing it again at the end, so it鈥檚 like a nice full circle experience for me,鈥 Kedzia said. 鈥淧articipating in the Spring Shorts festival opens up a lot of opportunities to meet new people that you may not have otherwise. One of the best parts of theater is that most everyone that鈥檚 willingly coming here has an appreciation for human expression, and it just feels good to be in that environment.鈥
Tickets for the show are free for 华体会 students (Dolphin ID required), $5 for other students (student ID required), $15 for 华体会 faculty and staff, seniors, and members of the military, and $20 for the general public. Parking is available for $6.
To learn more about the show and purchase tickets, visit the website.
The University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity:
华体会 Students
accommodations@csuci.edu
华体会 Employees and Members of the Public
angela.portillo@csuci.edu