H’mm, only a few minutes into waiting out a blizzard in the dorm, and cabin fever is already taking its toll. Adam Berger is the thrasher; Kevin Murphy is the thrashee. (Photo credit/Carla Kelly) 

By Carla Kelly
for the Valley City Times-Record

A blizzard; a gerbil on the loose; a roomful of IQ-challenged cuties; a doctor who knows way too much about her patient: Theatregoers looking for comedy will find it at this year’s annual Festival of One-Act Plays, April 16-19, at Valley City State University.
    Just follow the laughs to Theatre 320 in McFarland Hall, where the fun begins at 7:30 each evening. “These plays are pure fun and highly entertaining,” Theatre Director Martin Kelly said.
    “Third Floor,” written by Alex Kelly, senior history education major, takes place in a dorm on a college campus suspiciously similar to VCSU. A blizzard has shut down everything and thrown some can-do guys into survival mode, provided they can survive each other. Sophomore English major Danielle Phares is directing.
    Senior English major Misty Olds wrote “Fashion Model U.S.A.,” a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a reality show featuring would-be models who are setting new standards of high maintenance. Alex Kelly is directing this production.    “The Doctor Is In,” senior communications major Crystal Hust’s one-act play, follows a mild-mannered patient who begins to wonder how his substitute doctor knows so much about him. Sophomore history major Amber Szklarski is directing this three-actor production.
    “Searching for Glenda,” is one long laugh as a pet-sitter tries to find a missing gerbil and runs into eccentric neighbors all determined to be helpful, if only they knew how. Sophomore Amanda Cameron wrote the comedy, which is directed by Lee Homan, junior communications major and theatre minor.

Striking a Charlie’s Angels pose, these would-be models are armed (with hair brushes) and know how to use them. From left, Kaylee Callahan, Andrea Kelsch, Alicia Rohr and Jessica Trautman. (Photo credit/Carla Kelly) 

For full story, see Monday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.