Stories of comedic tragedies, warring friends and a bartender with a malicious plan will pan out during a series of one-act shows.

STAGE Student Theater is a group of actors and actresses best known for their Stage One performances.

Stage One is a drama festival in which the club’s members will put on a series of one-acts written by the students themselves. This weekend’s shows are titled “Jenny Erikson,” “Nightlife” and “Writer’s Block.” Each one lasts about 30 minutes.

 “We like to get in new actors and teach them what to do,” said senior Joseph Sequin, director of “Nightlife.” “We also try to get in new writers and help them revise their own play.”

The tone of the shows ranges from comedy to angst. “Nightlife” is a mix of both, with a plotline about the relationship between two friends. “Jenny Erikson” is a little darker, involving an attack on a young woman. “Writer’s Block” is the most comedic of the three and includes five different settings and characters.

The performances also include staged combat and a musical number performed by a live band.

“I love the soap opera part. It’s so dramatic and random,” said Daniela Hull, who plays Victoria in “Writer’s Block”.

The actors and actresses have rehearsed for about seven weeks. Members of the club describe the Stage One performances as a fun learning experience. 

Bryce Park, who plays Frank the bartender in “Writer’s Block,” said it is important not to hold back in order to make a character as believable as possible.

 The actors also advised to get over feeling stupid in uncomfortable situations. An actor might get stuck with a comic role that makes them feel ridiculous, but STAGE urges aspiring actors to keep an open mind, look past the weirdness and have fun.

 “I get to tell a guy he’s been in a coma and scheme and plot,” Park said. “It’s a lot of fun to be loud and boisterous.”

Jonathan O’Guin, who wrote “Nightlife” and helped direct “Writer’s Block,” said it can be hard to enact a scene as one imagines it.

 It can be anything from getting the mood right for the scene, keeping an open mind while auditioning or doing something uncomfortable to meet the scene’s requirements, O’Guin said.

The first round of Stage One takes place Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. The three one-act shows will be played back-to-back starting at 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $5.