By Charlotte Brookins 

In February, thirteen students had the opportunity to showcase their work during the Department of Theatre’s Ten-Minute Play Festival, presented by the Department of Theatre Arts, where thirteen student-written, produced, and performed plays were on display.  

“I loved being a part of [the festival],” says Charlie Schmelzer IV, a second-year mathematics and theatre arts student who wrote When it Matters Most, a show tackling the struggles of one queer teenager’s relationship with her father.  

“Being able to work with all the people was amazing. All of us are making contributions; it’s a fantastic space to be in,” he added.  

The shows covered many topics, from a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of second-hand hats to a forbidden romance. Given the number of plays and the quick transitions necessary to show all of them in two hours, sets were simple—with cast and crew quickly moving mobile pieces on and offstage.  

The talent and dedication of all those involved burst from the stage. Many students even had personal connections to the shows they worked on. 

“It’s a fun space to learn to direct in. I also like writing, and the show I wrote, The Radio, got a reading,” second-year cinema student Emelia Wenzel, who directed in the festival last year, said. “It’s about my family.” 

Second-year students Abby Paul, a cinema and theatre arts major, and Brody Kivett, a theatre arts major, who played siblings in Sara Alvidrez’s The Unpacking, say acting in the festival is great experience and exposure.  

“I’ve always loved theatre and it’s something I know I want to pursue with my career,” says Kivett. “I’m a transfer student and this is my first year here, so this was a great way to get my foot in the door of theatre here at Iowa.” 

Paul says she had a similar experience the year prior. 

“[The festival] was the first show I was in at the university last year. Overall, I had a really good experience. Everyone worked so hard . . . Mathew Kier, the stage manager, worked especially hard on this show and we’re all so proud of it,” she says.  

To learn about upcoming events and performances hosted by the Iowa Theatre Arts Department, visit the department’s website.