Skypilot Theater’s One Act Festival, Series B- The Ladies Dominate the Stage

Community News, Entertainment — By Buddy Sampson on March 12, 2026 at 8:55 pm

By Buddy Sampson

Small theater productions can often be the testing ground for actors and actresses. Most of the biggest stars in Hollywood have cut their teeth, their acting chops in small theater productions.

The Skypilot Theatre, located in Atwater Village, provided the backdrop of a wonderful series of acting gems, “Second Chances,” which featured splendid performances from the actors in the intimate setting of the small venue. We caught Series B, a matinee, and it was the last performance of the series. We were caught off guard by the terrific display of talent.

Opening the show, was “The Box,” which featured a terrific performance by established singer Darci Monet, who also demonstrated a dual threat as an actress as well. Also sharing the stage was Rafael Hernandez Roulet, and Madison Freeland. Directed by Cameron Murphy, with Romney Humphrey as playwright and Jasmine Nicole as intimacy director, the play had a solid message of choice, between love and integrity. Darci Monet (Carol) plays a distrustful mom, who is wary of a young lady, Jane (Madison Freeland) who is trying to date her son Hugh (Rafael Hernandez Roulet). The subject of the play was a box, that contained family history that captured Jane’s attention. Darci had the most significant line in the play, delivering a poignant message that encapsulated the spirit of the play. She is a rising star. By the way, if you have heard “The Rose,” in the movie “Napoleon Dynamite, that is Darci Monet at her best.

The next vignette was a moving, tearjerking scene called “Dances With Wives,” which featured Karen Brundage (Claire) and Tim Trobec (Jordie) as an estranged couple that got together to attend their daughter’s wedding. The divorced couple, who had been trying to date others, represented the spirit of the entire series of “Second Chances.” Karen Brundage and Tim Trobec were captivating to watch and the scene was truly moving. Karen and Tim are stars and look for them to do great things in the future. Their scene was the most moving scene of the afternoon. It was directed by Morris Schorr and the playwright is Guy Newshamy.

The third vignette, directed by Piper Major, “In-Flight Analysis,” featured performances by Victoria Elder (Cassie), Hudson O’ Brien (Mr.Patton) and Rosemary Thomas (Ms. Brown). Cassie is an annoying airline stewardess who has a secret- she once worked for one of her passengers. The scene was a comedic look at how fate can sometimes bring two people together that are not even close to having similar personas. The voiceover for Captain Luck was performed by Corbin Timbrook, and Joyce Newman Scott was the playwright.

The last vignette, “Scratch-offs” had fantastic performances by Piper Major (Annie) who proves she has great chops, not only as a director, but as an actress as well. Joined on stage with Morry Schoor (Chance) and Dylan Bowers (Zane) the play ended the night with a strong message. Piper Major stole the scene with her incredible performance.

The production team included Jason Owsley, Astrid Becker-Byrd as stage manager, Shelby Janes, Tina Walsch, Douglas Gabrielle, Tudi Roche, Sean Dube and Tina Walsch.

It was an afternoon of pure talent which featured dominating performances by the ladies on the stage. Support local theater. You will see some of the best performances of stars who will explode and make an impact.

Want to see more of The Skypilot Theater? Visit their website at skypilottheatre.com. Support small theater by making a donation.