A preview of University Theatre productions

Editor's Note: Information in this article, originally published Aug. 19, 2024, has been corrected. The name of the "Teletype" play, the name of its main character and the number of times Mia Self has directed the play were misstated. Incorrect information regarding the plot of "Teletype" has been removed. 

This fall, University Theatre will cast a series of plays with themes ranging from the Vietnam War, contemporary book bans and telling stories in a post-apocalyptic world. 

“Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play” is a three-act play that depicts the fallout of a nuclear disaster on human communication. The first act focuses on the effects six months after a nuclear disaster, followed by the second and third acts that highlight the events seven and 75 years later, respectively. In the modern era, social media is essential for sharing stories. The cast of 14 students play multiple roles to highlight how to spread familiar stories — namely, “The Simpsons” — in a post-apocalyptic world with no electric grid.

Danica Jackson, assistant director of performance, will direct “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play” for a second time. She said the theme was motivated by society’s dependence on technology and the power grid. Without electricity, Jackson said entertainment is governed by telling stories and sharing their culture. 

“If the Simpsons goes off the air, or [people] don’t have access to the episodes, they’re not going to understand what these references are,” Jackson said. “How do we maintain the integrity of the stories behind these stories, the themes that they’re trying to convey?”

Jackson said the cast for “Mr. Burns” involves 14 students, who will audition during the second week of classes. After the storyline and important moments are set, the play takes five weeks to assemble, including costume design. The performances will last for two weeks. 

“Teletype” is a play honoring past students who challenged the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The central character, Ed Thomas, is inspired by Paul Casto, a Vietnam veteran who attended school in West Virginia where the play is based. NC State student Wyat Hamilton won the 2023 Creative Artist Award for Theatre for writing the play’s script.

Mia Self, assistant director of acting, said the heart of the act represents students’ role in pushing for societal changes.

“The [20-year-olds] are the big change makers,” Self said. “Neurologically, [they’re] primed for it.”

Self also directs the play “Banned Books” to celebrate Banned Books Week, which raises awareness of challenged books. Partnering with NC State Libraries, the play highlights experiences of people’s narratives surrounding challenged topics, particularly involving the LGBTQ+ community. Self believes everyone should have access to individuals’ experiences surrounding their identities.

“Students go ‘Here is a book that has been challenged, that spoke to me profoundly about my experience as a human being,’” Self said. “And I really hope that everybody else has access to it, should they wish for it.”

Jackson said University Theatre strives to create an inclusive environment for all students. Any student can audition for a production, regardless of class or major. University Theatre offers free production labs and workshop series to cultivate acting skills. Students who don’t have free time can participate in QuickScripts, 10-minute plays written in 24 hours.

Self is opposed to only allowing exclusive groups, such as students in a club, to audition. She said the University needs places for students to appreciate art, music and theater. 

“What does it mean to be a human being as you’re watching all of these [plays]; all of those things are what we’re here for,” Self said. “Our mission is to create community through the making and sharing of theater.”

The auditions for “Mr. Burns,” “Teletype” and “Banned Books” are connected and occur on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28. All three plays debut in October.