Theater students light up the web in ‘Opposite of People’ series

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Theater students star in the weekly webisodes of “The Opposite of People.”

Getting an education is basically what college is all about. The people who know a thing or two about that are the stars of Wichita State’s web series television show “Opposite of People.”

“The premise is built around the fact that these college theater students think that they are already stars,” writer and director Bret Jones said. “This is what I see every day. If students say something in a class that seems really funny or arrogant, I just write it into the show.”

“Opposite of People” has already posted 13 episodes online; the entire first season is on YouTube on Jones’ personal account.

Even with the show’s good reception, Jones admitted it hasn’t been easy to put together the series. It isn’t required; the show is purely just a portfolio boost to all actors involved.

“I’m at the mercy of the student actors,” Jones said. “We’ve lost three of our cast members and replaced them, and now a few more will graduate here soon, but it has got me to think about the WSU curriculum differently. Maybe we should be offering a regular rotation of acting for the cameras.”

One actor who has remained constant is senior Rachel Curtiss, who plays Deena.

“Deena thinks she is the best thing around, and she’s really full of herself,” Curtiss said. “I saw the show as an opportunity, and then I really fell in love with the character, and I have a ton of fun doing it.”

Another constant member behind and in front of the camera is junior Robert Thomas, who runs the camera, as well as performing in scenes.

“I had some experience behind a camera, which is what drew me to the show in the first place,” Thomas said, “but getting to work with these actors and see the story develop is what brought us all back for a second season.”

“Opposite of People” will continue to be produced and uploaded to YouTube throughout 2013, but just because the end of this show is near doesn’t mean WSU web series will end.

“I have another idea for a web series, it’s more serious,” said Jones. “I’d really like to do it, but it depends on the interest from the students. I could write all day long, but I need the performers to produce it. I’m hoping that will be the next project.”