In an effort to ease transitions into the Penn State School of Theatre, a group of current theatre majors invited all new bachelor's degree students to perform in a collection of one acts, taking stage at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the Playhouse Theatre.

Switching gears from their usual roles, Sean Collier (sophomore-theater) and Katie Bucco (sophomore-theater) are producing the as-yet-untitled event to introduce the new students -- including freshmen, transfer students and new majors -- to the theater faculty and community in something more substantial than just audition monologues.

"We wanted to do this for the new students mainly because we know it takes so much time and effort before people get to know who you are," Collier said.

The producers wanted to give the new students a chance to showcase their talent because most theatre students do not appear on stage their first year, as freshmen are infrequently cast in main-stage shows.

Also, some people go through the entire program and never act on stage, since it is not a requirement for the major.

"I think this event will be great because it's like a fresh perspective," Bucco said. "A lot of the things you see in school of theatre have the same people, but this has all new people. No one has ever seen their faces before."

The collection is comprised of nine short scenes, all 10 minutes or less in time and each starring about three of the 19 new students.

Collier, Bucco and six other sophomores are each directing a scene.

The individual directors chose their own scenes, taking into consideration what would be appropriate for the new students and also what could be entertaining in so short a time frame. The resulting combination features comedy, love, sex and the complexity of relationships.

The producers said they sense a lot more enthusiasm in this production than in others, due in large part to the actors' desire to prove themselves and impress the faculty.

"I feel like they are so versatile," Bucco said of the new students. "They are excited and so creative."

One of the incoming students, Amelia Nutter (freshman-theater), said she was glad for this initial showcase.

Because she did not audition for the main stage this semester, Nutter said she is quite nervous for this one chance to perform well in front of faculty and the rest of the theater community.

"It's imperative to have the faculty know you and see what you can do," Nutter said. "I'm hoping to make a good impression."

Nutter also said the student directors are doing a "fabulous" job. Since, like her, they were only newcomers last year, she said they exemplify the program's strength.

Collier and Bucco plan to invite the School of Theatre faculty, theatre students and those involved with student organizations such as No Refund Theatre and Penn State Thespians. It is also open to the public and free of charge.

Upperclassmen said they hope to see the event continue for each group of incoming students because it has been such a rewarding experience for all involved.

Collier said it would be interesting if the current group of newcomers took over as directors in the future.

"I would hope that upperclassmen would take up interest," Collier said. "But if I was the only one who wanted to direct it, I would."