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Director Derek Phelps speaks to Wacey Gallegos and Molly Thornton during a rehearsal of Chadron State College's production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead."
Director Derek Phelps speaks to Wacey Gallegos and Molly Thornton during a rehearsal of Chadron State College's production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead."
Director Derek Phelps, right, and stage manager Jessica Steffen-Schepers laugh during a rehearsal of Chadron State College's production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by Tom Stoppard.
Derek Phelps is getting to do something that many students do not get the opportunity to do.
Phelps, a 2011 Sidney High School graduate who is currently studying theatre at Chadron State College, is directing the play "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" at CSC. The play will run Feb. 24-28 in Memorial Hall's Black Box Theatre on the CSC campus.
A student led production is not common, even at Chadron State College, said Roger Mays, visual and performing arts professor, in a press release. He added that in order to qualify, a student not only has to complete a 10 minute play both for beginning and advanced directing, but he or she must demonstrate consistently excellent work, significant experience in production and exceptional commitment to the craft and the program.
"Derek's experience within our program and at the Post Playhouse last summer has proven him to be one of these rare students who deserves the opportunity," Mays said.
Phelps said the experience of directing has been something entirely new to him.
"It is an entirely new ballpark," he said in a play preview video released by the college. "I've been an actor, I've been a designer here at Chadron State. Scott (Cavin, assistant professor of visual and performing arts) and Roger came up to me and asked me if I'd be willing to direct. Roger actually recommended it to me. I read it, and I fell in love with it. I have been working all summer on it, and just kind of getting the idea and the humor that goes along with it."
The play is a spin on Shakespeare's classic "Hamlet." According to a CSC press release, the play is a theatrical comedy that explores themes of self-identity and life, presented through the perspectives of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters in "Hamlet."
In the video preview of the play put out by the college, the actors in the play praised Phelps' work as director.
"Oh, he's wonderful. He comes so prepared," said Molly Thornton, who plays Guildenstern.
"He's really good about striking that balance to where he has that floor plan laid out, but he still gives you a lot of freedom to experiment. He's really exceptional," said Patrick Bergin, who plays The Player.
Phelps got his start in Sidney acting with Way Out West and The Missolua Children's Theatre, in addition to being involved in one act plays and speech as a SHS student. According to Phelps, when he got into college he pursued other interests, but "always felt a real passion for theatre."
Phelps has played roles in previous CSC productions such as "Big River" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." He also acts professionally during the summer at Chadron's Post Play house. The Post Playhouse is a live theatre company located in Fort Robinson Park.
"Derek has been active in the plays at The Post, booking all five of five shows this upcoming summer," said his mother, Tina. "This is a great opportunity for Derek to see if this is what he wants to pursue as a career."
"I'm exceptionally proud of the work Derek has done at college, and for him to get the opportunity to direct is a perfect segue way into the career he wants to pursue," added his father, Jeff.
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