This fall, the Acadia Theatre Department is putting on a production of The Melville Boys, a play by Norm Foster, the most-produced playwright in Canadian history.

The Melville Boys tells the story of two brothers who have their weekend plans at a cottage thrown out of whack by the arrival of two sisters who are the catalysts to a tender, unsentimental, and often hilarious look at what happens when four lives in transition touch common ground.

Students take centre stage

While a few key production roles are filled by faculty, the rest of the team is entirely made up of students, from the actors on stage to the lighting technicians and promotions team behind the scenes.

The technical director of this fall’s production, Audrey Eastwood (Theatre), says “Acadia’s theatre program is quite unique in that students in the four years of their degree will work in every capacity of theatre. So even actors know how to turn on lighting boards and how the saws in the shop work, and folks on the technical side get acting classes as well. Students leave the program as well-rounded artists with great job potential.”

Madeline Strandberg (first-year, Theatre and English) says that having the chance to play Mary in The Melville Boys has given her newfound confidence in her abilities. “I think this is some of the best acting experience I’ve gotten so far!” says Madeline, who is also an aspiring playwright. “I’ve always wanted to pursue acting, but never had the confidence I could make it in the industry. This experience is making me want to try.”

Developing new—and unexpected—skills

Like Madeline, for many of the students working on The Melville Boys, the production has become about so much more than the play itself as they discover new passions and skills outside of their wheelhouses.

German exchange student and head of the prop crew, Scott Mehmen (third-year, Biology and English), is excited to get involved in theatre, which is something he’d never done before coming to Acadia. “When I found out that I was able to work for the theatre production on campus, without being a theater major, I was ready to try it out,” says Scott. “I was just happy to get crafty and try something new!”

And try something new he certainly did! Scott is particularly proud of the fine craftmanship that has gone into prop making for the play. “The most fun experience so far has been building a trout out of Styrofoam and coloring it so that it looks as realistic as possible,” explains Scott. “And to be honest we really did a great job! This fish looks absolutely real, and people should be excited—and honored—to see it during the performances.”

While Scott might not find himself making Styrofoam trout again, Max Miller (third-year, Theatre) is picking up skills that will most definitely come in handy after his time at Acadia. “I always enjoy the hands on in-rehearsal practice and work. I find it really highlights the importance of communication and being on time which are valuable skills in the real world, as well as making sure I come to rehearsal prepared.”

Snag your tickets!

Come on out to see The Melville Boys, playing from November 21-30. You’re in for one heck of a show, trout and all!

“It’s a brilliant story,” says Madeline, “and I can’t wait to help bring it to life!”