Break a leg: NGU students bring TV to life
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
NGU’s student-led and student-produced original TV sitcom “Break” is coming to the Billingsley Theatre March 12-13. But it’s no ordinary theatrical endeavor. It’s the culmination of hardwork, creative breakthroughs and unwavering passion, bringing together the talent and dedication of NGU students who are determined to leave their mark on the stage.
The idea of creating a TV sitcom has been rolling around in the minds of students and faculty in the school of communication for quite some time, but the actual production began in the fall semester of 2024.
Communication students were offered a class in sitcom scriptwriting. In this class, the students learned everything ranging from scriptwriting to blocking to performing. After gaining an understanding of the basics, the students buckled down and began writing their own sitcom script.
The students brainstormed and collaborated to produce “Break,” which will be performed in the theatre as well as filmed and made into a TV show.
However, the communication students couldn’t do it alone. After writing the script, they invited NGU’s school of theatre to join them, bringing the script to life through their performances. Though there was no obligation, and despite being immersed in another production, the theatre students eagerly stepped in to help turn the sitcom into a reality.
The sitcom follows a group of six college-aged students, a 12-year-old stowaway and a 65-year-old former pro wrestler-turned-summer camp coordinator as they work together to restore a dilapidated cabin at a Christian summer camp.
The story centers around Martin, an anxious college-aged youth leader who tries to hold the team together and establish a reputation as a great leader. As he struggles with the challenges of leading a rambunctious team and moderating strained relationships, he begins to feel like everything is falling apart.
But after a conversation with Ophelia, the wiser and older camp coordinator, Martin learns that not everything needs to go according to plan. Ophelia teaches him that leadership and life aren’t about perfection or control, but about trusting God and working with others.
“Break’s” clever lines and heartfelt message is not by accident. The student scriptwriters brainstormed and drew lessons from their own lives to add a touch of depth to the show.
Savannah Williamson, senior communication major at NGU, took the scriptwriting class in the fall. But she didn’t stop there. Even after the class ended, she has continued to help tweak the script, cast the actors and block the show.
She explained that she views the production as her “baby.” She was there when the idea gave birth, and she has been along for the whole ride. Even during the production, she will be on stage managing, engaging the crowd and watching her hard work come to life.
Even though Williamson has dedicated countless hours of work, she has also enjoyed the journey of “Break.” She explained that her favorite memories so far have been goofing around with her fellow classmates while writing the script. Everyone had different ideas to offer, but at the end of the day, the class grew closer and shared many laughs.
Along with Williamson, Chad Stratton, a senior digital media major at NGU, played a pivotal role in the sitcom’s creation. While he holds the title of producer and assistant director, Chad also contributed as a writer, taking on multiple responsibilities in the production. Stratton dedicated countless hours outside of class to ensure the project’s success.
“It’s like raising a child. I wanted to see this project grow and succeed, so I took on more roles than I probably should have just to make sure it did,” Stratton said.
While many of the students focused on scriptwriting and performing, Wyatt Hart, senior communication major at NGU, has played a key role in the sitcom by learning camera angles, refining the script and selecting characters for the cast.
Hart said that the sitcom process has been fast and tedious, but he has been able to showcase his talents and learn even more about scriptwriting and theatrical production.
While the production takes place on stage, Hart will focus on filming it. After the show, he will make edits to the film and help release the finalized version in April.
He encouraged students to attend the production, as it will be offered as a PALS event.
“Students should come because it’s going to be a unique experience,” Hart said. “This is the first time NGU has done something like this, and it might be the last, so if you want to see what it’s like behind the scenes in a live sitcom shoot, this is your chance.”
“Break” will be performed live at the Billingsley Theatre on March 12-13, and NGU students are encouraged to take part in this behind-the-scenes experience. With the combined efforts of communication and theatre students, the production is a testament to the creativity, passion and teamwork that make NGU’s community so special.
