Get ready for a double dose of theatrical brilliance as Newman University kicks off its new season!
Join us in the Jabara Flexible Theatre from September 17–19, 7:00pm for an unforgettable evening of original works written by talented Newman alumni brothers, Austin and Brenden Schwartz featuring TWO compelling one-act plays that pay tribute to some of history's greatest theatrical minds:
"Chekhov" – Written by Austin Schwartz, a delightful homage to the master of subtext and realism, Anton Chekhov.
"Looking for Directions" – Written by Brenden Schwartz, a witty and clever nod to the legendary absurdist playwright Samuel Beckett.
Ticket Information
$10 = general Public; $5 = Students; NU Students free, purchase at door
Directors Biography
Brendan Schwartz
Brenden Schwartz is excited to be back with Newman University again. He graduated from Newman University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theatre. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology at WSU. Brenden has not had a lot of spare time to while in graduate school to continue his theatre journey but has found small ways to keep involved. He has been a member of Wichita’s longest running professional improv troupe, SayWhat?! for nearly 4 years. He also participates in an actual play DnD podcast, The Floating Tavern, founded by another Newman alum, Matthew Clark. Brenden was honored to have one of his plays, The Unconventional Therapist, produced by Newman student last spring and is excited to see another one produced. This time it will be all the more exciting because he gets to produce and direct it along with his twin brother, Austin.
Brenden is grateful for the opportunity to direct two original plays with his brother for the first theatrical debut of SchwartzTwinz productions. This production means a lot to Brenden because it honors playwrighting as an artform and speaks to the importance of remembering those who came before us such as Anton Chekhov and Samuel Beckett. There is always more to learn from those older and those younger than ourselves.
Austin Schwartz
Austin Schwartz graduated from Newman University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and English. During his time at Newman, he wrote many plays and short stories due to encouraging and supporting professors of the English/Theatre department. After graduation Austin became the Technical Director of Theatre at Newman University but has continued to try and find ways to stretch his Theatre legs. He is currently a member of Wichita’s longest running improv troupe, SayWhat!? And is a member of an actual play Dnd podcast, The Floating Tavern. Austin is very busy behind the scenes for Theatre productions but has found a couple of times to stretch his acting legs most recently as Laertes in Hamlet (thanks to Mark Mannette) and starred in All is Calm produced by Wichita Grand Opera last December. Last fall he had his professional directorial debut when he directed, Tom, Dick, and Harry, for Newman University.
He is excited to be back this fall collaborating with his twin brother, Brenden Schwartz, as they bring two original plays to life. This is the first time SchwartzTwinz productions will putting on a theatre production. It actively produces a podcast, The World Needs a Little Talk, co-hosted by Austin and professor of Theology, Matthew Umbarger. His hope is that all who come to this show gain a deeper appreciation for plays as an art form. Engraining that actors are not the only stars of the show, but creators like Anton Chekhov and Samuel Beckett are who make it possible for actors to bring a story to life.