A night of original theatre at Utah State University (USU) ended with a rare and heartfelt response as audiences rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation following readings of four short plays written and performed by USU students and faculty.
The event, hosted by the Department of Theatre Arts in the Caine College of the Arts, showcased new works that blended humor, emotion, and social commentary — reaffirming USU’s growing reputation as a hub for emerging playwrights and performers in northern Utah.
A Celebration of Original Voices
The staged readings took place at the Chase Fine Arts Center, where a full audience gathered to experience a curated selection of short plays written by students in the university’s advanced playwriting program. The evening featured pieces that explored topics ranging from family and loss to identity and hope.
According to organizers, the performances were designed as script-in-hand readings, meaning actors read from their scripts with minimal staging, allowing the focus to remain on dialogue and storytelling.
Director and professor Adrianne Moore, who oversees the playwriting program, said the response from the audience exceeded expectations.
“The energy in the room was electric,” Moore said. “These plays were deeply personal, and the performers brought authenticity that moved everyone. The audience didn’t even wait for a cue — they just stood up together. It was one of those magical theatre moments.”
The event was part of USU’s broader New Works Series, an annual initiative aimed at giving student playwrights the chance to see their work performed publicly and receive feedback from peers and faculty mentors.
| Event Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue | Chase Fine Arts Center, Utah State University |
| Number of Plays | 4 Short Plays |
| Organized By | USU Department of Theatre Arts |
| Audience Response | Spontaneous Standing Ovation |
| Focus | Student-written new works |
Highlights from the Evening
While each short play offered a distinct tone and theme, all four pieces resonated with audiences through their honesty and creativity.
One of the standout works, “Under the Juniper Sky,” delved into generational memory and reconciliation between a father and daughter in rural Utah. Another, titled “The Waiting Room,” explored the complexities of grief and connection among strangers in a hospital setting.
Two comedies, “Swipe Right, Swipe Wrong” and “The Intermission,” brought laughter to the crowd with their sharp wit and relatable humor about modern relationships and self-discovery.
USU senior Hannah Lewis, who wrote “The Waiting Room,” said the experience of hearing her words come alive on stage was both nerve-wracking and inspiring.
“I’ve been working on this piece for nearly a year,” Lewis said. “To see the audience respond with such warmth and empathy — it reminded me why we tell stories in the first place.”
The evening also featured performances by USU acting majors, who balanced comedic timing with emotional nuance in a way that impressed both faculty and attendees.
“The students demonstrated professional-level skill,” said David Harris, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts. “We witnessed the next generation of playwrights and performers coming into their own.”
Community and Artistic Growth
The spontaneous ovation, which lasted several minutes, reflected not just appreciation for the plays themselves but for the collaborative spirit that defines the USU arts community.
The Caine College of the Arts has long been recognized for fostering innovation through interdisciplinary projects that connect students across theatre, music, and visual arts. Events like this highlight the importance of creative expression in academic settings, especially at a time when live performance continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges.
According to data from the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, participation in local theatre has rebounded nearly 90% since 2021, signaling renewed community engagement in the arts.
Professor Moore said the support from the Logan community plays a key role in USU’s success. “The audience wasn’t just reacting to good theatre — they were celebrating a shared moment of artistic achievement,” she said.
Local resident Mark Jensen, who attended the performance, described it as “an emotional, funny, and beautifully human night.”
“I’ve been coming to Lyric Rep and USU productions for years,” Jensen said. “This one was special. You could tell how much heart went into it.”
Looking Ahead
The Department of Theatre Arts plans to expand its new works program, offering more opportunities for student writers and performers to collaborate with professional mentors. Next semester’s showcase will include a mix of one-act plays and scenes developed during the spring playwriting intensive.
In addition, several of the short plays from this event may move forward for full-stage production as part of USU’s 2025–26 theatre season, giving student playwrights the chance to see their work evolve from page to performance.
“The standing ovation wasn’t just about these four plays,” said Harris. “It was about what comes next — a community that continues to invest in creativity and storytelling.”
The Utah Arts Council and Cache Valley Center for the Arts have expressed ongoing support for USU’s theatre initiatives, which contribute significantly to the region’s cultural vitality.
For more information on upcoming performances, auditions, and events, visit the USU Theatre Arts Department page at.
The spontaneous standing ovation at Utah State University’s short play readings was more than a response to strong performances — it was a testament to the enduring power of live theatre.
As USU prepares for another season of creative exploration, the success of this event reaffirms the university’s role as a cornerstone of artistic innovation and community engagement in Cache Valley.
