Back on stage

Theatre program resumes in-person performances with “The First Degree”

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 7^th, 2021

“It didn’t really feel like theatre.”

That’s what California State University, Bakersfield student Brianna Garcia said about her experience participating in “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms,” a live play that CSUB theatre students performed this spring via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s different because you can’t really get up and move around. It’s harder to interact with the other actors because you aren’t catching each other’s vibe and energy as well,” she said. “The audience always gives off their energy to us, so when you don’t have a live audience, it’s kind of awkward.”

After being limited to virtual performances for a year, that’s all changing this month. CSUB is premiering its first in-person production since March 2020 — “The First Degree,” written by alumnus Michael Mejia. It will be performed at the university’s Doré Theatre Oct. 21-24.

“It feels so good to be back on stage,” said Garcia, who is playing Elsa, one of the main characters. “Just being there and looking at all the red seats and being with people again for the first time is amazing. I can’t wait to see the audience and have their energy in the theater.”

“The First Degree” is about four first-generation CSUB students with different backgrounds and focuses on the challenges they face while pursuing a degree, such as a struggle for financial and parental support and deciding on a career path.

This is the first time the theatre program has performed a play about CSUB students, said Mandy Rees, coordinator of the program and director of the play.

“It is something that we hope our students can relate to, to see things they’ve experienced being played out on stage,” she said. “Even if you’re not a first-generation student, you may have faced some of the things they’re facing.”

Garcia said Elsa lives with her sister while her mom is in Mexico and struggles with her identity in addition to grappling with the challenges of obtaining a degree.

“She doesn’t know who she is,” she said. “She feels like she can’t be Mexican at school, but then she feels like she’s not fitting in with the American culture either. She’s really struggling to find that balance. It’s about her trying to fit in and find out who she is without feeling ashamed of where she came from.”

Garcia is one of 10 students, as well as two faculty members and one alumna, who are in the play have been rehearsing since the fall semester started. Rees said she’s excited to be able to give students the opportunity to practice in person again.

“It feels normal, even though we’re rehearsing with masks on,” she said. “To be in the same room with each other and be present with each other is great. That’s what it’s all about. Our main goal is to serve our students and give them a theatrical experience.”

A learning opportunity

CSUB’s theatre program was one of the lucky ones. When the spread of COVID-19 caused universities to suspend in-person instruction, programs and activities in March 2020, CSUB had just wrapped up performances of the musical “The Who’s Tommy?”

After that, students in the program had to rehearse virtually for the 2020-21 season, which included “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” as well as a radio play “Tales from the Vault of Fear.”

Rees said organizing virtual rehearsals and trying to put together a live show over Zoom were significant challenges but also great learning experiences.

“We were able to learn a lot and do things we would have never thought of before,” she said. “There were some great creative things that came out of last year, but it is great to be together on stage again.”

Garcia said she has enjoyed being able to rehearse in person with her fellow students and feels very confident about how the play will be received.

“I feel like there’s a lot of pressure, because this is the first show back, but I feel really motivated,” she said. “I hope the audience relates to it. There are a lot of students at CSUB who are first-generation students. I hope they see themselves in every character.”

“The First Degree” will be performed at the Doré Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21-23 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 24. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, CSUB faculty and staff and $5 for students.

In addition, Rees said the university will make a video recording of the production available from Oct. 22-24 or those unable to attend the live performances. Patrons must pay the ticket price to access the recording.

Also coming later this fall is the children’s production “Noodle Doodle Box” Nov. 20-21 at the theater. The play is about two best friends who find that being best friends isn't always easy, especially when an outsider tries to divide them.

Themes include the essential importance of friendship; and empathy, kindness, sharing, forgiveness and redemption as well as appreciating individual differences.

“I love this play for the surprisingly complicated relationships and the humor,” said Director Amy Ressler. “Many people will recognize themselves in the seemingly simple characters and the play’s metaphors for international relations!”

“Noodle Doodle Box” will be performed at the Doré Theatre on Nov. 20 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. General admission is $5 and children 12 years old and under get in free.