Over the span of three decades, Milligan College students have done their part to keep the performing arts scene going strong in Northeast Tennessee.

2018 was no different for the theatrical department, which wrapped up its annual “Festival of One Act Plays” on Wednesday, April 25, inside the college’s McGlothin-Street Theatre.

During a span of three days, students were able to direct different productions while their peers were able to perform the one-act plays for sizeable crowds.

“Literally hundreds of students have direct plays for the festival and nearly 2,000 students have performed,” Richard Major, professor of theatre and founder of the festival, said in a statement issued to the Elizabethton Star.

Throughout the three different nights, six different students were able to make their directorial debuts.

Milligan senior Averie Vines, of Johnson City, started off Wednesday’s slate of performances by directing the comedy “Two Truths and a Lie” by Mary Michael Wagner.

Students Corri Carpenter and Jacob McGlamery graced the stage as the main characters in the comedic story involving two ex-lovers that participate in a popular game to see who spends time in their old apartment.

Taylor Williams, a sophomore student from Afton, capped off the night by presenting “Unprepared,” an original play he was able to create that features two characters having a fun time preparing for a play.

The comedy starred students Elizabeth Dykes and Drew Hawkins.

Other students were able to get into the fun during the week. Freshman Mandy Lorch of Johnson City and Meaghan Rodgers, also from Johnson City, made their debuts as directors on Monday. Tuesday was highlighted by Gabrielle Lim of Bradenton, Fla., and Andrea Coggins of Johnson City showcasing their director aspirations.

Students that performed during the other two days include Jeanette Marie Bess, Graham Denton, Sierra Frosley, Colin Morgan, Erin Donovan, Kristen Branch, Taylor Martin, Bradley Harvey and Mallory Hancock.

Prior to the start of Wednesday’s finale, Major commended the efforts of all the students involved with the theatre program and thanked them for their work during the week. He also thanked the community for coming out to support the local arts.

Visit www.milligan.edu/academics/fine-arts to learn more about the program and the upcoming events offered by the school.