Theater AACC returned to the stage this semester with a hilarious rendition of “Museum” by Tina Howe on Thursday in the Kauffman Theater. 

The play, written in 1975, takes place on the final day of an art exhibit and gives the ensemble of student actors an entertaining cast of characters to embody: tourists, security guards, art curators and superfans of the artists whose work is displayed in the museum.

“It’s got these three artists who have their stuff up and around the room, and you witness dozens of characters come through the space,” Sean Urbantke, a theater professor, said. “And you just witness a little slice of their lives, a little chunk of their lives, like what they’re after, what they’re learning for and what they’re wanting. That sort of thing.”

Urbantke expressed his excitement about AACC alum Arthur Cooper Boidy, who returned to campus to direct the play, written by the prolific American playwright, Howe. 

The ensemble came together beautifully to portray the group of zany characters. However, AACC acting student James Reed Estepp had a standout performance as the angry security guard who barely had the strength to keep his composure on the last day of the job. 

The set design, by Kendra Reese, an AACC student, was a remarkable collection of Found Object sculpture and styled mannequins. Scene designer Gabby Bly, also a student, organized the stage beautifully, allowing the cast to smoothly wander through the stage like an actual gallery. 

Performances continue throughout the weekend: Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff, and $20 for community members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through Eventbrite.com.