FlipSide Faces

by Mindy Marks

Lunching at the Performing Arts House is anything but dull. In fact, it’s chaotic. The six theater majors who live there all have similar schedules, so there are bustling bodies trying to fry, microwave and butter everywhere you look.

For senior Mandy Peters, who’s lived in the PA House for two years, the busy lifestyle is normal.

“You just have to make it work and create a balance between personal and professional work,” Peters said. “It actually works to your advantage because they respect what you’re doing and are working toward the same goal.”

Peters has been part of 17 shows at Simpson. From director to performer, she’s done it all.

“I’ve done every aspect possible,” Peters said. “That has aided me to formulate how I want to be as a director because of being on all ends.”

Peters would love to be a professional theater director.

“I knew I wanted to be a director during directing scenes last spring,” Peters said. “It was very emotional and moving because it was the first substantial scene I’d done. I was working with really talented actors and saw my ideas come to life.”

She learned earlier this week that her dream may become a reality. Peters was accepted to the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Masters of Fine Arts Directing Program.

Last weekend she had her final production at Simpson when she directed “The Festivities” by Anton Chekhov and “The Audition” by Neil Simon.

“Sometimes at the end of the year it’s hard to keep going, but we see it as just as important as all the other productions,” Peters said. “We’re all working toward the same goal.”