Theater: “What I Can’t Mend”
This Fall 2023, Communications Senior, Regan Smith, had the honor to write and direct a play for her final Capstone project. Titled "What I Can't Mend”, this show draws inspiration from the Church's struggle with welcoming sinners. Regan seeks to prompt introspection within Christian communities by sharing a fictional example that parallels hard experiences, as well as her own, of hurt within the Church.
“What I Can’t Mend” follows Martin Lake, whose life takes a surprising turn as he becomes a temporary live-in nurse for Ms. Lena Lancaster. This spirited, elderly, Christian cancer patient mysteriously replaces Martin's younger sister in a crucial clinical trial, testing his family bonds, aversion to faith, and professional integrity.
Regan's journey from idea to stage has been a collaborative and extensive one. As a first-time playwright, she was challenged by the amount of rewrites and drafts that needed to be completed in order for this project to come to life. The story changed a lot from her original idea, with the help but ended with a compelling and impactful story that accurately portrayed the challenges that arise when the church fails to welcome the sinner, and how God works through our brokeness.
As the director, she navigated auditions, revealing spectacular talent from within our Moody community. Through a six-week rehearsal schedule, Regan emphasized character development for each member, fostering a deeper and more authentic understanding of their roles. The cast was made up of dedicated Moody students who worked long and hard to make Regan’s show become a reality.
Beyond her work on "What I Can't Mend," Regan actively contributes to the Moody theater community. She serves on The Veil Theater executive team and also participates on the Moody campus improv team, Informal. Looking forward, Regan envisions continuing her storytelling journey post-Moody, aspiring to pursue a Masters in Playwriting and Directing. With a passion for influencing the entertainment industry positively, she recognizes the need for Christians to contribute impactful narratives, a mission she ardently pursues through her writing and active involvement in the theater arts.