Three K-State students created their own theater company to reach rural communities.
When the curtain goes up, talented students bring imaginative ideas to life in K-State’s theater program. Now this vibrant hub of creativity inspired three bright stars to strike out on their own.
Gerianne Meals, Emmett Spaw and Dominic Moore showcase their bold, bizarre and often hilarious pieces with their Switchgrass Theater Company.
The three students are all theater majors, playwrights and actors who have participated in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. At the festival, students can receive critiques on their shows, improve their dramatic skills and receive national recognition.
To further their careers, these three decided to start their own theater company. This way, they can get more eyes on their shows — outside of K-State productions and festivals.
Playwright process
What spurs their passion? Meals said she gathers her story ideas from real-life observations that capture her attention. For example, her play titled “Sincerely Winnie” was inspired by her father’s life experiences. The piece is based on a little girl who writes letters to a Vietnam soldier as a pen pal. Meals’ father also had a pen pal in the Vietnam war.
“I like to see how I can expand on peoples’ perspectives because they are so powerful,” Meals said. “It’s what art is all about: being a mirror to society.”
The group is enthusiastic about expanding the reaches of theater throughout rural and less populated communities. They would love to see more opportunities available for aspiring actors and playwrights besides Broadway and other large companies.
K-State inspiration
K-State’s theater and English departments have been instrumental in the company’s success, showcasing the university’s dedication to student success during and after college.
“The professors have been so supportive inside and outside the classroom,” Meals said. “I’ve been able to make many meaningful and beneficial connections through K-State.”
In fact, the very idea for the theater company was sparked by a conversation one of the company members had with their academic advisor. When the idea for a new company was suggested, the group immediately began formulating ideas for a name. After extensive negotiation, they settled on Switchgrass.
The rest is history.
Follow the troupe’s journey
Check out @switchgrasstheatreco on Instagram.
By Kate Ellwood
