Some say the best way to learn is to teach. Senior theatre major Derrick Ramey knows how true that can be. Ramey is the director of the Cave Theater production of "Criminal Genius," which premiers Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
"Cave Theater, unlike main stage productions, is entirely student directed," says Jennifer Blakmer, managing director of the department of theater and dance.
Ramey adds that just because it's student-run doesn't make it any less important.
"The Cave is lower scale, but that doesn't mean it's secondary. There are just not as many people working on it. It's a small version of what happens on the main stage," Ramey said.
"Criminal Genius" is part of a six-play series called Suburban Motel. Every play in the series is full-length and can be shown separately, though they all take place in a run-down motel. This production, which is the third in Cave Theater's production of the Suburban Motel series, tells the story of a man and his father who have gotten mixed up in a crime.
Ramey feels that even though he is the director, all of the students have a lot of freedom and input in Cave Theater.
"I wouldn't say I'm teaching them," Ramey said, "It's more like a collaboration. The cast comes together to make the play as we envision it as a team."
Ramey also points out that even though the students are in charge of the major decisions regarding the play, the teachers and staff in the theater department are all more than willing to help out.
"It's student run, but we're not just running around in the dark," Ramey said. "Karen Kessler, the assistant professor of theater studies, has a meeting with us every week to talk about what's going on and to make sure we are on track. Facility members have come in to help us with things like fight choreography and voice work. We are still students and it's a learning experience."
Kessler thinks the students are doing well with the production.
"For most of the students this is their first show. They are used to classes, but things are different in real life. I help them transition between classroom work and real work. They have to think on their feet and they usually get really into it," she says.
Ramey believes students would enjoy "Criminal Genius."
"The play is funny. It's entertainment," he says. "Going to a play is just like going to a football game or an art exhibit. It will widen your viewpoint of what's happening on our campus."
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