On & Off Campus Blog: A festival of firsts
By: Ellis Wee ’27
Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to rehearse with a group of seven other actors for a theater festival called the Massachusetts Theater Guild Festival, or METG. Although, yes, we were eliminated in the prelims, I want to focus on how truly invaluable not only that day was, but the process as well.
Having the ability to choose and cast the play, I felt that our show, The 39 Steps, was a unique experience and a fun way to get a glimpse into doing theater from a directing perspective. From experimenting with accents, physical gags, sound effects, and yes, that dreaded train scene that we revised what felt like hundreds of times, I was really able to observe how one can create a play that does not rely on large, elaborate scenery.
The entire process of putting on a show during our acting and directing class, in spare CABs and as a group, also served as an opportunity for some of my cast members to get involved in a theater production. Something not everyone can do due to other sports and activities throughout the year.
As a cast, we were encouraged to create big, energetic characters, which I will admit was difficult for me at the beginning. By the end, however, I developed a real appreciation for how this work helped my skills, especially because it required me to shift quickly between multiple distinct characters, each with their own physicality, voice, and mannerisms.
Attending METG itself was also incredibly exciting. From the elaborate sets to the gut-wrenching performances from other students, it was, at times, overwhelming. More than just a competition, the entire 12-hour day felt like a celebration and, in my mind, reaffirmed the importance of connection. Getting to meet other actors, as well as members of stage and costume crews, allowed me to hear about their rehearsal processes, their approaches to acting, and the different ways their schools brought their productions to life.
Watching the other shows was not only entertaining but also highly informative and spellbinding. There were also many activities designed to bring this wide array of students from diverse backgrounds together, from the culminating dance at the end to simply interacting with other actors.
In the end, this experience meant far more than the outcome of the competition. It helped me grow as both a performer and a collaborator and gave me a deeper appreciation for the community that theater creates.
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