Citrus College will debut a student-developed play next month, marking a rare opportunity for local performers to originate roles in a new theatrical production.
The college announced it will host the world premiere of “One Final Beautiful Impossible Year,” a new play created in collaboration with students and stage actor Nick Dillenburg. The production opens in early April and will run for six performances on campus.
Student Voices Shape New Production
The play draws inspiration from Love’s Labour’s Lost and centers on a group of young women navigating school, friendships, and social pressures. The story unfolds as the characters plan events with a neighboring all-boys school, blending humor with themes of identity and connection.
The project began as a collaboration between Dillenburg and theatre arts instructor Aubrey Saverino. Their goal was to create a contemporary script with diverse and meaningful roles for students.
During workshops in fall 2025, students shared personal experiences that directly influenced the script. Dillenburg then incorporated those perspectives into scenes and dialogue, returning with revisions shaped by student input.
Saverino said the process allowed students to see their ideas reflected in a finished production. Faculty noted that this approach deepened student engagement and strengthened the final script.
Performance Details And Campus Impact
The production will be staged in the Little Theatre, located next to the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Performances are scheduled between April 3 and April 12, offering multiple opportunities for the public to attend.
College officials said the play includes live music, dance, and visual art, creating a multidisciplinary experience for audiences. The project also provided hands-on learning for students in acting, production, and design.
Amberly Chamberlain, dean of visual and performing arts, described the experience as valuable for aspiring performers. She noted that originating a role in a new work challenges students to apply classroom training while developing their creative voice.
Citrus College serves about 17,000 students annually and has a long-standing reputation for arts education in the San Gabriel Valley. Its programs aim to prepare students for transfer, careers, and creative industries.
Tickets And Community Relevance
Tickets for all performances are available through the college’s performing arts box office. Community members can purchase seats by visiting the official ticketing site at https://www.haughpac.com or calling the box office.
For residents in nearby cities such as Azusa, Duarte, and Glendora, the premiere reflects the role local colleges play in expanding access to arts and culture. Student-driven productions offer audiences a chance to experience original work while supporting emerging talent.
As Citrus College continues to invest in creative programming, the debut of this play highlights the value of collaboration between students and industry professionals. The production stands as both a learning opportunity and a cultural event for the broader San Gabriel Valley community.
