Each year, as part of the theater program at Barton Community College, students are asked to take the reins and produce a show entirely by themselves. This year, theater Majors Caleb Rivera and Randyll Smith are codirecting “Said and Meant: Ten Short Plays about Language and Misunderstanding,” with showings at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 in the Barton Fine Arts Auditorium.
The show by Randy Wyatt consists of 10 short plays delivered skit-style, focused on how the use of language can affect the intended meaning very drastically.
Cast member Kolton Landreth said this show has something for everyone.
“It’s very funny and there is a wide variety of styles of humor that are used that anyone can find funny,” he said. “Each skit is very different. Some are old-fashioned comedy, some of them are more modern and some of it is kind of dark humor.”
Codirector Caleb Rivera said he chose the play for its humor and versatility.
“It’s very interesting and funny, and it’s got kind of a parody tone to it,” he said. “Also, it allowed me to cast a wide range of members. I could cast as many as I wanted, or if I didn’t have the people, I could have a small cast.”  
Codirector Randyll Smith said her role has opened her eyes to what it takes to direct a show.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to be ‘behind the table,’” she said.  “It’s actually helped a lot to make me realize how much work goes into it, like getting all the props and knowing what kind of costumes we want and knowing exactly how we want a certain line to sound to the audience. It’s definitely been a game-changer.”
Rivera said directing with people in his class has created a unique dynamic.
“The hardest part is working with your peers,” he said. “It’s the easiest part and it’s the hardest part. It’s the easiest part because it’s fun but it’s the hardest part because it’s fun. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out when fun stops and work starts.”
Smith said she has enjoyed her Barton Theatre experience and this production has been a memorable piece of it.
“It’s a really great program,” Smith said. “We’ve come a long way, it’s grown a lot and we’re just a big family over here. We bring out the best in each other, we build each other up and we have fun here.”
Rivera, who wants to teach theater at a university, said the play production class has helped him cement his plans for the future.
“Being a codirector has definitely fortified it in my mind,” he said.
Tickets are $5. All students are admitted free with an ID. Refreshments will be served at intermission. The show is for mature audiences only. For ticket information call the Barton Box Office, 620-786-1150.