Two Original Plays in Two Acts

Written and directed by Miranda Fuller ’19

Directors/Playwrights Notes:

Petty gods is a love story. I wrote the script as a way to explore the drama of everyday life, something that never ceases to awe and confuse me. The title “Petty Gods” refers to the mundane narrative of the story and the characters that experience it. They, like you and me, are lesser gods squabbling for their corner of paradise. The play reflects on the importance of the ordinary and how extraordinary that can be. - Miranda

“Petty Gods” Summary:

Scarlett Green, a young woman of 27, struggles to cut ties with an old friend when she faces one of the biggest decisions of her life, marrying Martin Foster. The decision is compounded due to relationships in her past. As the play moves back and forth in time from her present to her past, her unstable nature becomes more clear, jeopardizing everyone she holds dear.

Cast: Sarah Robinson ’20, Lance Zhang ’19, Lauren Eppinger ’20, and Addie Doherty ’19

Crew: Zoee Blossom ’19, Aaron Brown ’20, Corey Dunn ’20 and Sam Kendrick ’19

Created by the members of the Theater Arts Winter Activity

Directors/Playwrights Notes:

When the group began to make “Stepping Up” we did not know what it would be about. Through various writing and improv-based exercises, we discovered its themes and meaning. It became clear the writing had two primary things in common: loneliness and coming-of-age. Using these themes (and a ladder) we continued to create, collaged our writing and used it as a source of inspiration for new scenes. I pushed the students to create theater not always tied to realism. Due to this, “Stepping Up” does not have a traditional structure. What creates cohesion in this play are its themes. In places, this play is like a poem or abstract painting open to your interpretation. - Dan Burmester

“Stepping Up” Summary:

Scene 1 Prelude

A character tries to make connections with other people as they go about their lives. Characters confront loneliness and coming of age in various situations.

Scene 2 Ladder in the Sky

An attempt to deal with the complex journey of life. Are these characters in purgatory? Are we witnessing four thinking minds without bodies? What do you think?

Scene 3 Life of the Party

Sometimes people don’t always make good choices. What if we were able to look back at mistakes we made and talk to our younger selves? Would that help?

Scene 4 College Anxiety

A group of friends plays a mindless game and contrast it with heightened language. They discuss what it feels like to apply to and be rejected from college.

Scene 5 Marital Problems

A couple is about to celebrate their five year anniversary. However, a small issue builds to a large argument about being in a healthy relationship.

Scene 6 Interlude

Miranda, Jake, Annie, and Lance talk about what needs to happen in Stepping Up next. They decide they need to talk about beauty.

Scene 7 The Bear Scene

A nightmare or a hallucination?

Scene 8 A Silent Shadow

A ghost tries to connect with the person he loves. Does she hear him?

Scene 9 Funeral Home Conversation

It's Christmas time and two morticians talk about their lives. The corpse passes to the afterlife.

Scene 10 Postlude

Lance, Annie, Miranda, and Jake talk and sing about a way to cope with all of life’s challenges.