Drama groups learn to talk

For a department that values self-expression, communication used to be a real problem for the department of dramatic arts.

Multiple groups competing for the same theater space, numerous directorial boards and far too many productions meant that something had to change.

“As I understand it, the quality of theater was at an all time low in the University, but the number of productions was at an all-time high,” said department student representative Miles Cozart.

In an effort to fix this problem, the department of dramatic arts streamlined its three branches under one directorial board last fall.

The Lab! Theatre, DDA Mainstage and the UNC Playwriting Studio unified more than a year ago.

This season, there will be four Lab! shows and two DDA shows in Kenan. Auditions are currently being held for the first two productions.

“We reduced the number of productions so the people aren’t so damn tired,” said David Adamson, director of undergraduate studies for the department of dramatic arts. “We are trying to make things better.”

The department aimed to find a model that allowed the most students to participate in productions without overextending themselves, Adamson said.

Though funding for the three groups remains separate, the board of directors is now the same.

Senior Zac Moon, one of four student producers with Lab!, remembers the department’s past difficulties from his first year at the University.

“Three separate groups were trying to use the same space in Kenan Theatre and coordination was an issue,” Moon said.

Gregory Kable serves as the faculty advisor on the board. Four student producing directors also lead the board.

These directors, in addition to several other managers and staff members, have worked together in order to establish clearer communication. One board now controls all of the groups.

The department is now able to plan the entire season of shows in advance.

Lab! and Mainstage productions collaborate and plan shows for Kenan Theatre a semester before they premiere.

But working together to plan has not changed the makeup of these groups.

Lab! remains a completely student-run and student-funded organization, while Mainstage is open to the wider community, members said.

A year after the switch, students and faculty feel the change.

“I definitely felt a difference,” Moon said. “It became much clearer who to contact.”

Adamson said he is excited for the energy of the new season.

“At this point there is no telling how the season will be,” he said.

“But last year was better than the last.”

Contact the Arts Desk at artsdesk@unc.edu.