Act 1 Productions
A highly-acclaimed performing arts company featuring plays, musicals, children’s theatre, dance concerts, and film festivals.
Act 1 is the producing arm of the DeSales University Division of Performing Arts. We encourage our students to bring truth and beauty to the world through their art forms in Theatre, Dance and TV/Film.
We invite you to join us in our celebration of truth and beauty in our production of plays, musicals, children’s theatre, dance concerts, and film festivals. Most of our productions can be seen either in person or streamed* — call or email our box office for your tickets and your preference.
The DeSales TV/Film students have been instrumental in filming these productions to deliver them in a virtual format. In addition, the Act 1 faculty and guest directors and designers continue to enjoy the challenge of discovering new ways to design sets, costumes, lighting, and sound for both social distancing and filmed live productions.
*Streaming rights are limited by the licensing organizations; not all shows are permitted to be streamed.
DeSales University Film Festival
A celebration of the diverse range of genres and styles form the next generation of DeSales filmmakers.
March 23rd 2024 - 7:30 PM
Upcoming Productions
Act 1 to Produce 2020-2021 Virtual Season
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures and Act 1 is rising to the occasion by offering quality artistic experiences in a virtual format. Whatever device patrons use, as long as they have internet access, they will be able to view student performances this fall.
The Act 1 team is excited to explore this new frontier of internet performances. The entire Division of Performing Arts is working hard to offer patrons a warm welcome back as the 2020-2021 virtual fall season launches Act 1 into the next 50 years.
In keeping with the times, Act 1 will employ social distancing, while still offering quality artistic productions. All performances are professionally pre-recorded, live in 2020, except for Chainz/Broken which is a recorded live 2020 Zoom production.
Prices are $10 per viewer, except for The Screendance Festival which is $5 per viewer. Call the box office at 610.282.3192 for group rates or for an exclusive “All Access Pass.”
Here is the slate of events scheduled for this fall:
Chainz/Broken
Two One-Act Plays
by Paris Crayton III
Directed by Kalif Troy
SEPTEMBER 26 & 27, 2020
In Chainz, a young teen has been gunned down and his killer set free, which leads to protests around the country. One protest in particular gets out of hand and lands four black men from four different walks of life in a holding cell at the local police station. In the course of their time together, the four men learn about each other and more importantly, about themselves—and what it is to be an endangered species in America. Ages 12+
Broken deals with the stories of five women who have lost a child due to gun violence. Their stories are imagined by the playwright, but they are inspired by real events where a gun in the wrong hands ended in a tragic outcome. This moving play deals not only with the agonizing pain these senseless deaths caused, but also with the strength of these women and the hope they share for change. Ages 12+
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Matt Pfeiffer
Music by Alex Bechtel
OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2020
Forced into exile to the Forest of Arden, witty Rosalind disguises herself as a boy, only to meet up with her newfound beau, Orlando. In the guise of a boy, Rosalind attempts to teach the forlorn Orlando how to woo his “Rosalind” in this enchanting romantic comedy that explores the aspects of true love. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, newly explored in this inventive, filmed production. Ages 6+
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by James Walker
Directed & with original score by Dennis Razze
DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2020
Perhaps the greatest ghost story of all time, Dickens’ most beloved story is seen in a fresh interpretation in this new production directed and scored by Dennis Razze. You and your family can enjoy this holiday production in the comfort of your homes! Ages 6+
Emerging Choreographers Concert
Artistic Director Angela Sigley Grossman
OCTOBER 24 & 25, 2020
The dance season opens with the choreographic expressions of our talented dance majors. This exciting virtual concert celebrates the beauty of human movement with a select group of student choreographers premiering a program of new works. Please join us as we share these filmed world premieres from the intimate Schubert Theatre. Ages 6+
48-Hour Screendance Challenge
Curated by E’lise Jumes
Original 2020 Screen Dances
NOVEMBER 1, 2020
Celebrate the collaborative spirit our dance, film, and theatre majors bring to the 48-Hour Screendance Challenge! Students will team up to create original films that merge cinematography and choreography. You will be amazed at what can be created in only 48-Hours! Ages 6+
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Labuda Center box office at 610.282.3192 or by visiting the web site at www.desales.edu/act1. Connect with us on social media: @dsuperformarts.
The Labuda Center for Performing Arts
The Labuda Center for the Performing Arts is home to most Act 1 events. It is handicapped accessible, and features the 473 seat Main Stage Theatre and the 187 seat Schubert Theatre.
GPS Location: 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, PA 18032
