FORMER Warners Bay High drama student Jackson Vaughan will make his directorial debut when Newcastle's newest theatre company stages its first production this weekend.
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The play One Good Thing is a black comedy by American playwright Don Zolidis.
It's about two high school students, named Travis (Joel Mews) and Erynne (Chole McLean), whose worlds are falling apart.
Travis is in love with a girl who doesn't even know he exists; his parents are separating; and his brother has been deployed to Iraq.
Erynne is dealing with her own demons. She's been booted out of home and is living in a mini-van.
The play is about how the pair deal with their issues, and the strength they need to muster to survive.
Vaughan said directing One Good Thing had been a steep learning curve, but one he's thoroughly enjoyed.
He is a longtime cast member of many of the Young People's Theatre productions, and steps into the directing role for the first time with new theatre company Eclectic Productions.
Vaughan also wrote It's Worth A Shot, which was produced by Warners Bay High School in 2014.
Eclectic Productions was formed after five high school friends, including Vaughan, decided to stage the production with the Young People's Theatre undergoing renovations over the summer.
Chloe McLean is the driving force behind Eclectic, which hopes to become a mainstay company in the Hunter for young adults. She said the group's mission was to develop creative opportunities for graduates of local drama school students.
"Eclectic can be a stepping stone from participating in drama school to taking part in adult productions," she said.
■ One Good Thing, by Eclectic Productions, is at the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre, Warners Bay, on April 4- 9 with day and evening shows. Tickets are $15 for student concession and $18 for adults, from http://bit.ly/one-good-thing-booking.
It is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.
