For theatre students at Daytona State College, the semester means more than just classes. It’s a chance to tell stories, design sets, and step into the spotlight. With the new season ahead, the program continues to focus on student work and collaboration.
Their first production will be showing from October 24–26. Students from DSC’s Acting II class will present an abridged version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The show will feature love triangles, plenty of drama, and playful deception.
“I’m most excited for the costume changes,” said DSC student performer Julie Dabila. “It’s all about timing. You have to book it to get to where you need to be.”
Just two months later, A Year with Frog and Toad will be showing from December 12–14. The production is based on Arnold Lobel’s children’s book and follows a year of friendship between Frog and Toad. Auditions were open to the public, not just DSC students, resulting in a diverse cast that includes performers from both DSC and the local community.
“We have had tons of people from the community be a part of our shows,” said Samantha Stern, Director of Theatre and Assistant Chair of the Humanities Department. “We’ve even had people from high school and senior citizens audition.”
Stern has been with the college since 2012, originally joining as a professor. She recently earned the Service Excellence Award for her work in community-centered classrooms.
That same openness carries into the classroom, where collaboration between departments is a regular part of the theatre program. Cosmetology students may do the hair and makeup for shows, and theatre students might act as a sick patient for nursing students to diagnose.
One of Stern’s students, Avry Aviles, is consistently engaged in rehearsals and preparation. She’s often found learning her lines or warming up her voice as she prepares for her role in A Year with Frog and Toad.
“The hardest part in this show is figuring out the setup of the characters,” said Aviles. “Deciding whether we’re playing the roles more human-like or not, and how to embody the roles themselves can be a challenge.”
Aviles isn’t the only student taking an active role in the production. Kalima Pickard, a fellow performer in Twelfth Night and aspiring director, is known for supporting her peers during rehearsals.
“Don’t be afraid to get a no,” said Pickard. “It’s just a part of acting. But once you get a yes, it’s going to be so rewarding.”
