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The School of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University will premiere a film written, directed, and edited by SFA graduate student Armando Silvas Jr. when it presents “The Russian at Christmas” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in W.M. Turner Auditorium, Griffith Fine Arts Building, on the SFA campus.

The film was selected to be produced as the School of Art filmmaking program’s 2023 SFA summer feature. Silvas’ “The Russian at Christmas” is a feature-length action/comedy holiday film about a Russian hitman who tracks down a mall Santa on Christmas Eve.

A previous Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle award winner, Silvas has worked on four feature films and has written and directed more than ten short films of his own. He’s worked as a camera assistant, camera operator, director of photography and media manager on the past four feature films. A love of holiday films was a motivating factor behind the creation of “The Russian at Christmas,” Silvas said.

“I was inspired by my love of holiday Christmas films and the tradition of watching those films annually,” he said. “But more specifically, I enjoy unconventional Christmas films, such as ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Gremlins.’ Those are films that are set around the holiday but incorporate elements not typically associated with it.”

In “The Russian at Christmas,” Frank, a recently fired mall Santa, is trying to survive Christmas Eve with his friend, Todd, a low-self esteemed man stuck in a loveless relationship. Frank, who is dealing with the recent loss of his dad who passed away on Christmas, witnesses a murder committed by a Russian hitman. Trying to emulate his dad, Frank tries being a mall Santa. But Frank isn’t cut out for it and gets fired with a reminder that he’ll never be like his dad. To make matters worse, Frank learns that his ex-girlfriend has found someone new and that there are loan sharks who are trying to collect money that Frank owes. The film includes over-the-top action with absurd humor while keeping the underlying theme throughout that no one should be alone on Christmas.

Although Silvas has directed short films and worked on feature films, “The Russian at Christmas” what his first feature film to direct.

“The film very quickly took over my life, and there wasn’t a moment that went by during production that I wasn’t thinking about it,” he said. “This was also the first time for me directing a large crew. The students that I worked with were very talented, motivated, and hardworking, which made my job a lot easier. In the end, I had a great experience directing the film, and I’ll always remember it fondly. It’s a great and surreal feeling to know that this film only started as an idea and then gradually evolved to what it is now.”

Silvas said he learned the importance of being open-minded to changes and of making those changes while on set or during post-production. He said he welcomed input from faculty and students that would allow him to look at certain scenes from new perspectives and improve on them. Learning how to identify problems while on set was another valuable lesson.

“While making any film, problems can arise when you least expect them to, and you need to be able to work around them quickly to find a solution in order to stay on schedule,” Silvas said. “As a filmmaker, you need to adapt to any issues that appear.”

Silvas said he hopes the film shows audience members “the importance of friends and family, and that life is too short to hold onto any grudges.”

“I also hope audiences can recognize the hard work and dedication that our SFA film students have, and the potential that the SFA filmmaking program can offer,” he added.

Silvas will graduate in May with a Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking. He hopes to teach film production at the university level while also pursuing a career as a director of feature films and documentaries. He plans to submit “The Russian at Christmas” to different film festivals and to make it available to stream on Amazon Prime in the hopes of reaching a wider audience.

Other key crew members included William E. Arscott, executive producer; Derek Wayne Johnson, co-producer; Brad Maule, unit production manager; Tristen Robertson, director of photography; and music graduate student Jimmy Bartley, music composer.

Key cast members were Drake Willis (School of Theatre and Dance alumnus) as Frank; Triston Dodson (School of Theatre and Dance alumnus) as Todd; Bill Small as The Russian; Brad Maule as The Russian’s Dad; and Lloyd Kaufman as Mr. Winters.

A film director, writer, producer and actor, and president of Troma Entertainment, Kaufman was brought in from New York City to act in a supporting character role for the film. He was featured in Derek Wayne Johnson’s documentary film “John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs.” Kaufman’s films include “The Toxic Avenger” (1984), “Class of Nukem High” 1986, “Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead” (2006) and numerous others. He helped to launch the careers of James Gunn, writer/director of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise and the upcoming “Superman: Legacy” film, along with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of “South Park” and “The Book of Mormon Broadway Musical.” Kaufman’s film, “The Toxic Avenger,” is also getting a remake from Legendary Entertainment which stars Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon.

Admission to the premiere of “The Russian at Christmas” is free. A question-and-answer session with the cast and crew will follow. For more information about SFA’s filmmaking program, contact the School of Art at (936) 468-4804.

Who doesn’t like a spy thriller? Lovers of comic theater and classic movies will be in their entertainment element at the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre and Dance’s production of “The 39 Steps,” a parody play adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock.

“The 39 Steps,” will be presented Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 29 through March 3, in the Flex Theatre, Griffith Fine Arts Building, on the SFA campus. Directed by Professor Scott Shattuck, the play is full of rollicking humor, packed with “wildly inventive stagecraft” and features an intrepid group of seven actors playing dozens of roles.

“I was delighted when I was asked to direct ‘The 39 Steps’ because I was rolling in the aisles when I saw it in London’s West End several years ago,” Shattuck said. “I’ve had a lot of fun directing zany British comedy in the past.” He’s directed successful productions of Joe Orton plays and of Tom Stoppard’s funny adaptations off Broadway. Calling himself a “classic film buff,” Shattuck describes Hitchcock as “head-and-shoulders the top director of the 20th century.”

Shattuck said,”The 39 Steps” is not only a tribute to and a spoof of Hitchcock’s 1935 movie of the same name, but it’s also peppered with wordplay and references to his better-known pictures, such as “Rear Window” and “North by Northwest.”

In “The 39 Steps,” a debonaire visitor to London has become bored and decides to pass time doing something “mindless and frivolous.” He heads out to go to a show.

“There he somehow finds himself swept up in mysterious international intrigue which chases him all the way to the Scottish Highlands,” Shattuck explains. “In the midst of the suspenseful fun, he meets shadowy femmes fatales, sinister heavies, clueless underwear salesmen and other hapless bystanders along the way. It’s a fast-moving comic action-adventure story that celebrates the magic of live theatre as well as the fun of old movies.”

Shattuck described the target audience of “The 39 Steps” as tweens through seniors, but even some younger children (8+) may enjoy it. Drinking, smoking, violence and sexual innuendo are depicted, but all in ways that are cartoonish or benign. Profane language is minimal and mild. There are loud “bang” sounds, flashing lights, stage fog and lighthearted suspense.

“Adults who have seen movies such as ‘Psycho’ or ‘Strangers on a Train’ may get a few extra laughs – or groans – but no prior knowledge is required,” Shattuck said.

In directing “The 39 Steps,” Shattuck said the play calls for all sorts of inventive stagecraft to portray planes, trains, automobiles and three different stages as well as chases through shadowy streets, under perilous bridges and over foggy moors, all on the Flex Theatre stage.

An ensemble of seven actors will portray numerous characters (the author estimates “approximately 200”) with different accents, physical postures, occupations, ages and genders, sometimes with fast costume changes and sometimes just by changing hats. Shattuck believes the audience will be intrigued by “wildly inventive stagecraft,” including sets, costumes, lighting, sound, wigs and props, and the many faces and voices of the supporting roles, which will be played by five performers designated as “clowns” in the script.

“The 39 Steps” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 29 through March 2, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3, in the Flex Theatre. General admission ticket prices are: adult, $15; senior (62+), $10; youth (high school and younger), $8; SFA faculty/staff, $8; non-SFA student, $8; and SFA student, $5. For ticketing information or to purchase tickets, call the Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407, or visit sfasu.edu/boxoffice. For information about the play, call (936) 468-4003 or visit sfasu.edu/theatre-dance.

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre and Dance will present the student-directed full-length, dark comedy “The Motherf**ker with the Hat” by award-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Black Box Theater in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, SFA campus.

Directed by Dallas senior Mariano Aguirre Jr., “The Motherf**ker with the Hat” explores the tumultuous journey of Jackie, a recovering addict determined to stay on the straight and narrow. His world is turned upside down when he discovers a mysterious hat in the apartment he shares with his girlfriend Veronica, sparking a series of events that unravel secrets, betrayal and unexpected alliances. Set against the gritty backdrop of New York City, this explosive tale of love, loyalty and the pursuit of redemption will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning the blurred lines between right and wrong, according to Aguirre.

The cast includes Houston freshman Ashland Anderson as Veronica; Houston sophomore Xavier Sanchez as Jackie; Houston sophomore Erik Colbert as Ralph D.; Brownsboro junior Sarah Cook as Victoria; and Houston junior Eric Sosa as Cousin Julio.

The crew includes Whitney Posey, senior from Hawkins, stage manager; Osvaldo Matute, freshman from Magnolia, assistant director; Jonathan Leatherman, junior from Dayton, scenic designer; Dylan Manning, freshman from Allen, costume coordinator; Jade Hushaw, sophomore from Killeen, lighting designer; Marwa Habibi, freshman from McKinney, sound designer; and Ashley Camarillo, senior from Yoakum, props designer.

Aguirre is a Bachelor of Fine Arts candidate whose past directing credits include Jesse Cameron Alick’s “for colored boys …,” Carl(os) Roa’s “Spanish for Estranged Latin Kids,” Luis Valdez’s “Los Vendidos” and more. Assistant directing credits include Robert O’Hara’s “Bootycandy,” August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” and the upcoming SFA Mainstage production of “Real Women Have Curves” by Josefina Lopez. Aguirre is also a member of the Multicultural Ensemble.

The play is recommended for mature audiences. Faculty production advisor is Cleo House-Keller.

Tickets are $5 for SFA students and faculty/staff and $8 for adults and youth not affiliated with SFA. To purchase tickets, visit the SFA Fine Arts Box Office online at sfasu.edu/boxoffice or call (936) 468-6407. Available tickets may be purchased at the door. Griffith Fine Arts Building is located at 2222 Alumni Drive. For more information about the play, call the School of Theatre and Dance at (936) 468-4003 or visit sfasu.edu/theatre-dance.

Venezuelan percussionist Alirio José Torrealba will perform at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Cole Concert Hall on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

His recital will feature performances of “Entrevero” for Maracas and Tape by Guasaka4; “Pajarillo Flamenco” by Juan Carlos Contreras; and “Temazcal” (maracas and tape) by Javier Alvarez. He will also conduct a maracas master class for SFA’s percussion studio.

Torrealba studied at the Simon Bolivar Conservatory of Venezuela and the Latin American Academy of Percussion. His passion for Venezuelan folk music led him to author “The Art of the Maracas” and establish the iPlayMaracas Academy. “The Art of the Maracas” is an introductory book designed to inform percussionists how to play “cross-stick maracas.”He has presented master classes in Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Bogota and other parts of the world.

Admission to the concert is free. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation, in association with the Texas Forest Country Partnership and Texas Forest Trail Region, will host the Rural Texas Travel and Tourism Conference March 7 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom on SFA’s campus.

The purpose of the conference is to educate and promote economic development opportunities through travel and tourism in Texas. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to acquire certification and knowledge of best tourism industry practices and will hear from expert speakers, according to Mary Ann Rojas, CARRI executive director.

“The conference will provide a forum for rural communities to showcase tourism attractions and entrepreneurship in rural Texas,” Rojas said. “It also will help build local capacity and strengthen networks among tourism and community champions. The conference also will act as a stage to showcase and highlight existing events that have benefited communities in rural areas and inspired others to learn from each other.”

The keynote speaker for the event will be Jonas Arjes, interim president and chief executive officer of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, who will present “A book, a river, and a hole in the ground: A Branson story.” During the presentation, Arjes will discuss his experience with the transformation of Branson, Missouri, into an international destination. He also will share knowledge of the community challenges, infrastructure, workforce, and social and economic impacts of growth.

“SFA’s CARRI exists to provide and support rural communities through the leveraging of university resources, talent and research,” Rojas said. “We recognize the economic development opportunities and challenges facing rural deep East Texas. We also recognize and advocate supporting tourism as a positive economic driver in our region.”

The conference is open to the public and encourages SFA students, as well as practitioners and community leaders, to attend. Cost of attendance is $100, and registration is open until the day of the event. To register, visit gosfa.com/tourismconf.

For more information about CARRI, visit sfasu.edu/carri.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 37 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications