Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) students took center stage—not just as performers but as the creative force behind Past, Present, and Future, a charming theatrical production held last month in the Studio Theatre on PVCC’s Union Hills Campus. From writing and directing to designing sets and managing technical details, students were in charge of every aspect of the show, showcasing their creativity, leadership, and teamwork.
Under the mentorship of PVCC Theatre Director Andrea Robertson, students in the Advanced Directing class collaborated to bring three original 30-minute plays to life: JoJo Show, by Carson Hayes, FARMTASTIC! by Billie Kurth, and The Gentle Players Present: The Fights of Shakespeare by Jessica Lindsey Parsons and Zachary Ross. Each playwright also served as the director of their piece, coordinating auditions, managing technical elements, and working alongside student designers to craft an unforgettable experience.
“This experience meant the world to me,” said Hayes, adding that it was “definitely a jump into the deep end creatively.”
The thought-provoking JoJo Show, follows JoJo’s character grappling with an uncontrollable ability to shift between realities, and explores themes of self-awareness and resilience, leaving audiences reflective and inspired. “I was tested on all fronts throughout the whole process,” said Hayes, a second-year English Literature major. “To be given the opportunity to put something you wrote on a stage is rare and doesn't come along all the time. I knew I couldn't let this slip through my fingers. This was my first time doing anything like this, it was a tough but absolutely rewarding experience.”
Kurth who wrote the comedic and heartwarming FARMTASTIC! shared similar appreciation saying that her first time participating in the program was a “privilege.” The play takes audiences to Mama Clementine’s FARMtastic Pregnancy Retreat, where two pregnant couples and a single mom-to-be bond, face challenges, and grow together under the guidance of the free-spirited Mama Clementine. Kurth said, “Seeing what was once merely an idea in my head come to life on stage in front of an audience and having the creative liberty to take the story where I wanted was such a thrilling experience for me.”
The Gentlemen Players Present: The Fights of Shakespeare, written by Parsons and Ross and directed and acted by Parsons, is an ensemble-driven play that brought Shakespeare’s iconic fight scenes to life, exploring themes of love, power, and revenge through dynamic staged violence.
“Getting to act in the show I was directing was a unique challenge, but it was also a great opportunity to really stretch myself as a director and actor,” explained Parsons, describing her fourth student-directed one-act play, which serves as a proof of concept for the duo’s efforts to launch their own theatre company, Desert Rose Theatre.
“You learn how to switch in and out of the moment and to evaluate the performance in a more holistic way. As actors, we're trained to observe and listen to our scene partners, to really hear them, that's how you build connection and where the magic happens! But as a director, I also needed to observe as an outsider at the same time. It's a lot to balance, but I had a great team of talented actors who were there to support me. I've taken so many of the lessons I've learned at PVCC to heart, including the example Andrea (Roberson) has set as a producer and director.
Behind the Curtain
Robertson’s program empowers students to take full ownership of their productions. Those who have completed the introductory directing techniques course are eligible to develop their own shows, giving them hands-on experience as directors and if they choose to write their pieces, playwrights. This year’s production was no exception, with students leading every aspect of the process including student designers playing a critical role in enhancing the performances with Michaela Davison designing the set and lighting for JoJo Show and Madelaine Reith designing costumes for JoJo Show and contributing to FARMTASTIC!
“Theater is about more than just entertainment—it’s a platform for our students to grow, take risks, and discover what they’re capable of,” said Robertson. “By putting their skills to the test in real-world scenarios, they gain invaluable confidence and experience. From writing and directing to designing and managing productions, our students get a taste of the collaboration and leadership required in the professional world. Watching them shine and bring their visions to life is the most rewarding part of this program.”
The program fosters collaboration, encouraging directors, designers, and stage managers to work as a cohesive team to bring their visions to life. Past, Present, and Future demonstrated the immense talent and dedication of PVCC’s theater students. By entrusting students with the reins, the program not only develops technical and creative skills but also fosters confidence and leadership.
Stay tuned for more student-driven performances in PVCC’s Studio Theatre, as well as the Center for the Performing Arts, where the next wave of theatrical innovation is sure to shine.