In Spring 2024, I took a Fundamentals of Directing course with Annie G. Levy. The course concluded with DirectorFest, a two night presentation of ten minute scenes, each directed by students in the class. This would be our final grade.

As the director of my scene, I was responsible for casting, staging, coordinating rehearsals, costume design, props, and minimal scenic and lighting design (with no budget!).

I knew immediately that I wanted to direct scene 7 from Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph. During my first semester at Emerson, my text and improv professor, Joe Antoun, recommended the play to me. I read the entire play over and over - I couldn’t get enough of it. I still use one of Kayleen’s monologues from the play for auditions.

This was the first directing endeavor I had ever taken on fully on my own. I faced quite a few setbacks, including losing an actor the day of the show (which explains why you will see an actor with a script - she stepped in with about 2 hours’ notice)! I learned so much from the experience, and I earned an A.

Director & Designer: Savannah Bellon

Cast: Noah Raquino & Kate Schembri

Professor: Annie G. Levy