Two original productions will be staged in Culbertson Auditorium under the direction of Sterling College Seniors Darsha Bechard and Chloe Wootton. “Doorway to the Shine,” written by Senior Shane Rogers, and “Cosmic Disarray,” written by Senior Cody Martin, will open at 7 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium on Nov. 7-8. The two plays will run consecutively separated by a 30-minute intermission. Admission is free with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Rogers of Peck, Kansas, wrote “Doorway to the Shine” as his senior project. The play centers around two sovereigns of an empire who have come about their power in a dishonorable fashion. Amidst dealing with the consequences of their actions, they are faced with the conflict of how to save their empire from a complete rebellion while also maintaining power. Rogers’ characters learn how to deal with past wrongs while experiencing second chances.

Bechard of Belleville, Kansas, is directing the play as her senior project.

“It's a really rewarding experience to have this chance at directing again. This is a position in the theatre that I could see myself taking on again in the future, so the chance to learn the ropes of it with my peers is a very forgiving opportunity that not many people receive. I'm lucky to be able to put on a show with such enthusiastic actors and crew who are willing to ask questions, re-run scenes and do it until it is done right. I won't always be able to work with people who have such great attitudes, so I am very grateful that I get to now,” said Bechard.

The second play, “Cosmic Disarray,” was written by Cody Martin of Hutchinson, Kansas. Also a senior project, Martin’s play is a tribute to the science fiction B movies of the 1950s. After an alleged spaceship crashes in a small Kansas town, a father and son realize that anyone in the town could be from outer space. The story documents the effects of this extraterrestrial event on the son, father and their fellow townspeople.

“Cosmic Disarray” is directed by Wootton of Norco, California, as the fulfillment of her senior project.

“I want to be a director when I graduate, so it’s really nice to have this opportunity. My theatre arts major, concentration in directing, and experience in several shows at Sterling have prepared me for my role as director of ‘Cosmic Disarray.’ It’s been a lot of fun and I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s hard work come together for a great performance,” said Wootton.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.