Most young adults aspiring to show business careers pack up and head to Los Angeles, but one Mississippi Valley State University student has done just the opposite.
Crystal Foster, a senior mass communications major from Los Angeles, has written her own script, started a drama club and directed a production on campus. “The Right Choice,” a play about the decisions and consequences college students face, will be performed Nov. 4.
“I noticed a lot of students weren’t involved in activities on campus,” Foster said. “I wanted to create something they could participate in that would give them a chance to show off their talents.”
The play is also intended to communicate a message about HIV/AIDS awareness. Foster said the idea came from a friend who knew somebody affected by the condition. Foster said she researched the virus to write the play, a process that took three months.
“I think the play helps people become more open-minded,” Foster said. “A lot of people are close-minded and afraid of change.”
The play was first performed last year.
“I have only heard positive feedback so far,” Foster said. “A lot of the teachers are really impressed and proud that a student-run production went so well. I think it could inspire students as an example of what we are capable of doing.”
Foster said her major influences are Tyler Perry, John Singleton and Spike Lee.
Before she started the play, she said no other major productions were really available on campus. There were theater classes, but there was no club for the students.
“Initially, I had a hard time getting people to participate,” Foster said. “The people I chose, though, are very dedicated.”
Leading a group of young actors isn’t easy, Foster said.
“A lot of them are my friends,” Foster said. “So sometimes they think I will be okay with them being late or things like that. It has taught me a lot about being patient.”
Other students in the drama club have also shaped the performance of the play.
“It started as a drama,” Foster said. “But the other actors brought in their own personalities and flavors, and it kind of morphed into a comedy.”
Foster said the play is easily identifiable because of its characters.
“A lot of the characters are based on the kind of people you find at Valley,” she said. “They are all unique in their own way.”
Candace Young, a Valley student who has a role in “The Right Choice,” said working with Foster has created a strong friendship between the two.
“I read the play and knew it was good, but I thought I was too goofy to act,” Young said. “I had never done it before. Crystal really helped me a lot.”
Young said Foster is very dedicated to her passion.
“She is incredibly talented,” Young said. “She’s also a workaholic.”
Foster said it can be difficult at times to balance school work and other activities. She is also the editor of the Delta Devils Gazette and is involved with Up Til Dawn, an organization that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“It can be difficult to fit in activities and school work,” Foster said. “I probably should spend more time on academic things, but this play is something that I love to do. I could work on the play all day.”
Foster said she would like to pursue a graduate degree in film and script writing. She’s not interested in acting.
“I auditioned for a part in the play,” Foster said. “But they told me I was terrible, so I won’t be performing.”
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium on the Valley campus. Entrance is $2 at the door and $1 for Valley students.
