40th Annual Donn B. Murphy One-Acts Festival
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Every year, M&B produces student-written works that have been evaluated and critiqued by a panel of judges — including M&B alumni, theater professors, and practitioners across the country. The festival and contest are named in honor of the late Professor Donn B. Murphy, whose work as leader of Mask and Bauble from 1956 to 1976 inspired an emphasis on student involvement and creativity that continues to this day. February 12 – 15, 2026
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This year's one-acts are:
Saint Skye by Anastasia Kelly (’26), which tells the story of a quiet college bedroom on the eve of a major life change as it becomes the center of a chaotic and emotionally charged night. As friendships, tensions, and unspoken feelings surface, Saint Skye explores the messy, magnetic bonds between young adults learning what it means to stay, to leave, and to be chosen.
No Fly Zone by Eileen Miller (’26), which floats us over to a world where some suddenly gain the power of flight, while those left grounded struggle with resentment, exclusion, and a growing sense of worthlessness. No Fly Zone is a dark satire about how inequality, propaganda, and isolation can radicalize the forgotten members of society into dangerous believers.
The Heir by Harry Tang (’25), a bawdy, Shakespeare-inspired satire that mocks the scheming absurdity of power, politics, and legacy. As nobles bicker and betray over a vacant throne, the play lampoons tradition, hypocrisy, and the theater of authority itself.
Saint Skye by Anastasia Kelly (’26), which tells the story of a quiet college bedroom on the eve of a major life change as it becomes the center of a chaotic and emotionally charged night. As friendships, tensions, and unspoken feelings surface, Saint Skye explores the messy, magnetic bonds between young adults learning what it means to stay, to leave, and to be chosen.
No Fly Zone by Eileen Miller (’26), which floats us over to a world where some suddenly gain the power of flight, while those left grounded struggle with resentment, exclusion, and a growing sense of worthlessness. No Fly Zone is a dark satire about how inequality, propaganda, and isolation can radicalize the forgotten members of society into dangerous believers.
The Heir by Harry Tang (’25), a bawdy, Shakespeare-inspired satire that mocks the scheming absurdity of power, politics, and legacy. As nobles bicker and betray over a vacant throne, the play lampoons tradition, hypocrisy, and the theater of authority itself.