Several years ago, a small group of non-theater majors decided to bring student-written, student-performed and student-directed shows to USC. Since then, the organization, called Off Off Broadway, has been dedicated to giving students who aren't pursuing an acting career the experience of college theater.
The organization performs at least one original show each semester, free to the public. This year Off Off Broadway will present "Audition Night" from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19 at Benson Theater. Written by a student, "Audition Night" focuses on oddball actors auditioning for a production of "Rent" and features characters tailor-made for the organization's members.
Mae Chinnes, a second-year public health student, has been involved in Off Off Broadway for three years and will be playing a character auditioning for the role of Regina George from "Mean Girls."
“Everyone kind of gets to decide what they want to perform, so if there’s a piece you’ve always dreamed of doing, but just haven’t had the opportunity, that was your chance to get to explore that,” Chinnes said.
The process of choosing a play to perform is a long one and starts with nominations. Writers are nominated to pitch the general plot synopsis of their proposed shows. After a plot is chosen, the group incorporates songs from Broadway musicals and discusses each individual's interpretation of the dialogue and music.
There's more to a show than just the words and songs, however. No one knows this better than MeMe Woods, a fourth-year psychology student, stage manager and hair, makeup and costume chair on Off Off Broadway's executive board. As an executive, Woods has a front row seat to the intricate process that allows for the characters to develop.
“You can get very creative with the roles and then it’s always a fun hunt to go find all the costumes,” she said.
All members of Off Off Broadway are involved in this process, which started back in August. Many have come to appreciate the hard work that goes into each show and the bond that they share as a united team bonded by the love of theater.
“If you’re passionate about theater and you love what you’re doing, then this is the group for you,” Woods said.
Off Off Broadway is constantly recruiting members and every participant gets a role in the shows. For those dedicated to the organization like Jordan Kristian Thomas, a third-year English student and co-director of "Audition Night," Off Off Broadway is all about community.
“We’re really diverse, we're supportive of each other," Thomas said. "Musical theater, in general, is a very inclusive community that emphasizes differences and friendship."