What Do You Mean by That?
Studies in Miscommunication, Awkwardness,
and Other Humorous Episodes

Thus was the title of the third production and first original play festival held by the St. Mary’s chapter of the International Thespian Society (ITS) on the Summer Garden stage this spring.

St. Mary’s ITS is a chapter of the International Thespian Society, an honors society dedicated to expanding education in the theatre for high school students.  St. Mary’s ITS works interdependently with St. Mary’s Theatre, the high school drama program. 

In What Do You Mean by That?, twenty actors and actresses and a crew of fourteen more collaborated with student authors, parent volunteers, and ASGT board members to produce the play festival. 

This festival of original short plays and scenes (well, one was borrowed from Shakespeare!) showcased the talents of five student authors, many of whom saw their work performed for the very first time, and student directors, as well. The subject matter ranged from the humorous (Awkwardly Yours, a one-act play about a misjudged kiss) to the poignant (Lessons from the Letter, a monologue about love and loss) to the absurd (The Life of Riley, a farcical play in the style of anime), and turned out to be an enjoyable night for all involved.

Although rain showers and overcast skies threatened to make all the hard work a wash, What Do You Mean by That premiered at ASGT on April 30, May 1, and 2 to enthusiastic houses.  Said Matt Martelli, St. Mary’s ITS Moderator:  “With the support and dedication of ASGT and its unflappable theatre patrons, the St. Mary’s Thespians once again brought original theatre under the stars vividly to life.”

Oh yes, and about becoming an Angel.  ASGT is doubly blessed by its partnership with this program.  Not only do ITS members work diligently to help us get the theatre ready for the new season, they have also made a substantial monetary contribution to the Stage/2 campaign each year.  Total to date is $2350, certainly enough to declare them Angels of the Summer Garden!