On the weekend of Oct. 16-18, the Theatre & Dance Department presented the Fall 2025 Debut Set. The set featured three plays directed by students in the Advanced Directing class, THEA 345. The production team was also composed of eleven other students across design (costumes, lights, props, scenic and sound), stage management and dramaturgy. The performances were incredibly successful, with a sold-out show on Friday, and over 50 audience members in attendance at both the Thursday and Saturday evening performances.
The first play, “Like a Jet-Fueled Mariposa”, written by the Alebrije Writers Collective, was directed by Lexi DeRonde (’26). “Like a Jet-Fueled Mariposa” tells the story of two Hispanic girls living in a politically and environmentally dangerous not-so-distant future. Zu, the older sister, struggles to find peace in a world that is constantly attacking her community and family. Fely, the younger sister, hopes to use her robotics skills to build a new future. DeRonde noted, “I hope that as you [saw] ‘Like a Jet-Fueled Mariposa’, you [felt] the weight of the challenges immigrant communities face, but also the beauty that blooms within them.”
The second play, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, written by Edgar Allan Poe, was directed by Caroline Danner (‘26). “The Tell-Tale Heart” follows Young, the unreliable narrator, as he descends into madness. The eerie, black-cloaked “shudders” portray Young’s delusions, giving the audience a glimpse into his distress. While Young strives to convince the audience of his sanity, his lack thereof ultimately leads to the death of the other main character, Old. Jakob Spotts (‘28), who portrayed Old, said, “my favorite part about Debut Set was being with some of the most hard-working, funny, talented people I have ever seen.”
The third play, “The Proposal”, written by Anton Chekhov, was directed by Casey Cornwell (‘27). “The Proposal” tells the story of hypochondriac Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, who intends to propose to his neighbor’s daughter, Natalya Stepanova Chubukov. However, the two, as well as Natalya’s mother –adjusted from the original where the character was male–Stephanka Stephanovich Chubukov, get into ridiculous arguments.
“The Proposal” was an audience favorite, with all erupting in hysterical laughter throughout. Halie Benway (‘28), who portrayed Stephanka, reflected, “I enjoyed working together as a team to create such a beautiful night of theater. Although there were three separate [plays], we all collectively took the time to craft one story. It was such a pleasure working with everyone. We laughed, cried, but most importantly, we all were there [because] we had a passion and drive for theatre and that’s something we will never forget.”
Jaden Finn is a sophomore majoring in Environmental Science.
