By: Grace Kanipe '26

This fall, the University of Mount Union Department of Performing Arts invited audiences into two very different worlds: the whimsical, quick-changing chaos of The Mystery of Irma Vep and the warm, timeless spirit of A Christmas Carol. Though the productions varied in tone and scale, both showcased something core to the Mount Union experience: students pushing themselves creatively, supporting one another, and discovering new strengths through the art of storytelling. 

Stepping Into the Whimsy of The Mystery of Irma Vep

For Joel Greenly '26, a French, Spanish, and international affairs and diplomacy triple major, The Mystery of Irma Vep offered an opportunity unlike anything he had attempted before. Taking on the dual roles of Jane and Lord Edgar required masterful quick changes, rapid-fire character switching, and a willingness to embrace the show’s playful absurdity. “It was a quick-change show that forced me to switch costumes and my own characterization rapidly,” he explained. “But beneath the absurdity, it’s a story about finding acceptance in who you are and that drew me in.” 

Rehearsals brought him closer to fellow cast members Ludovico Spada and Vienne Anderson, who tackled the show’s ambitious pace together. “We knew each other before, but this production brought us all closer. By performance time, we knew ourselves and our characters well enough to pull it off,” Greenly said.

Balancing academics during the process required intention and organization from Greenly. “I had to plan ahead every day. Prioritizing what needed attention helped me stay grounded and so did knowing when to let myself relax. It’s strengthened my time-management skills and boosted my confidence. I never fear class presentations, and sometimes it’s nice knowing I can rely on acting skills during language skits.”

Greenly's biggest takeaway? Trusting himself. “The rehearsal process taught me that having confidence in my abilities is the first step to success. Even with a show as different as Irma Vep, the audience embraced it. It wasn’t perfect, but we created something beautiful.” 

One moment, however, stood out above the rest: the quiet final scene between Lord Edgar and Lady Enid.

“For once, the show pauses to breathe. After all the chaos, it’s about embracing who you truly are," he said. "Written during the AIDS epidemic, its message is defiant: Be yourself, no matter what anyone says. I hope the audience walked away with that.”

Taking the Lead: Directing A Christmas Carol

While Irma Vep challenged its actors with speed, precision, and comedic timing, A Christmas Carol offered a different kind of challenge for Tucker Gayhart, a music and theater double major and the director. Leading a cast of more than 50 performers, from young children to longtime community members, all united in telling Dickens’ timeless story proved a fulfiling experience. 

“What this experience has taught me is that I don’t always have the best idea for how something can work,” he reflected with a laugh. “Theatre is collaborative. Even when I come in with every moment planned, an actor’s delivery can inspire something entirely new.”

Directing a cast that spans ages, experience levels, and backgrounds required patience and adaptability. One rehearsal moment crystallized everything.

“I’ve had to learn how to speak differently to younger kids than to my peers. It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding," he said. "During the final scene, when the choir sings Hark the Herald Angels Sing, it all clicked. You could see everyone — kids, students, adults — collectively embracing the joy of the story.”

Balancing directing with academics meant planning ahead and protecting pockets of time for rest. Even with the busy schedule, the project reaffirmed his desire to pursue theatre direction.

“Even with a forgiving schedule, I still end up working late. But I love it. Directing gives me a sense of joy that I haven’t found anywhere else," he said. “The first show I co-directed in high school changed my life. Theatre is fleeting, you can only experience it in the moment. Directing lets me help bring those moments to life.”

What surprised him most was the level of mutual trust required to create a show. Yet, for students interested in directing, his advice is wholehearted and reflective.

“Actors and designers trust me to guide the story. And I have to trust them to use his instincts and expertise. If I micromanage, they won’t feel empowered," he said. "It’s the most rewarding challenge I’ve ever faced. Things will feel messy at first — that’s part of the process. Trust your team, trust the story, and embrace the chaos.” 

Together, these students represent what makes UMU theatre special: a place where performers grow, directors lead, and everyone involved contributes to something bigger than themselves. This fall’s productions — one uproariously comedic, one deeply heartwarming — showcased more than just talent. He celebrated collaboration, resilience, imagination, and the joy of bringing stories to life. 

A Christmas Carol opens November 20 and runs through November 23. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and veterans. All children and students are free, but tickets must be ordered by calling the Box Office at (330) 821-2565. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mountunion.edu/boxoffice.