Kepner at the helm for Nov. 14-16 production

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While she was an undergraduate student, Clarissa Kepner enjoyed acting in several IU Kokomo University Theatre productions. Now, after graduating with a degree in criminal justice in May, Kepner has stepped behind the curtain to direct IU Kokomo’s upcoming production of “Little Women.”

“I have performed in each production for the last four years,” said Kepner. “When the theatre teachers retired last semester, it sort of left an open space for directing a show.”

In addition to her acting work, Kepner took directing classes taught by former professor Joann Kaiser. These experiences and training led her to want to “try something different,” stepping off the stage into the director’s chair.

The play “Little Women,” adapted from the Louisa May Allcott novel, follows the lives of four sisters during the American Civil War who have to navigate life, society, and coming of age during that era. Kepner compares the show to last year’s IU Kokomo production “Pride and Prejudice,” where Kepner played the protagonist Elizabeth Bennett. With Little Women she especially likes the relationships that the sisters have together.

“It was a good fit for the people that usually show up for auditions, which is all girls,” noted Kepner.

When asked what she enjoyed most about the new job of directing, Kepner replied, “Getting to work with a bunch of new people. The people I really enjoy working with, that I was already close to, and then getting to help introduce new students to our theatre.”

“Little Women,” adapted by Marisha Chamberlain from the novel by Louisa May Alcott will be presented by Indiana University Kokomo School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., on Fri., Nov. 14, and Sat., Nov. 15, at 7 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $5 for students, and children ages 6 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the show in the Havens Auditorium lobby.