GTA kicks off spring with comedy production

In the fall of 2022, Zechariah Pierce was named Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) artistic director. He is also the associate director of theatre in the University of North Georgia's (UNG) School of Communication, Film & Theatre. The role is the latest in his career path at UNG, which began as an assistant professor in the fall 2016 and includes coordinator of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in the acting for stage and screen program, associate professor of theatre and directing in the production seasons.

Encouraging and guiding students both on and off stage, Pierce is mindful of the productions he selects for GTA. This spring, GTA will perform two plays, including "The Play That Goes Wrong," which runs from Feb. 13-21 at Hosch Theatre at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.

"I'm a sucker for a good comedy, and there are a lot of them out there when it comes to the theatrical canon. However, I've never come across anything quite like this show. It's typically difficult to read plays and get a sense of the hilarity, especially the first go-round, but this one left all of us rolling on the floor,” the Atlanta, Georgia, native said.

According to Pierce, the play was chosen because of the physicality and lines within the story.

"It's probably one of the more difficult technical challenges we've undertaken (rivaled with installing a working pool on our stage a couple decades back), but the sheer desire to mount the madness we had just read overcame our fear of failing at doing so," Pierce said.

Additionally, he believes bringing laughter and entertainment is a balm to the community — and perhaps beyond.

Drew Davison has the lead role in the production, working hard to make his hometown of Suwanee, Georgia, proud. He said GTA would allow him the "opportunity to explore every facet of theatre that I wish from acting and directing to lighting and audio."

"I was amazed at the freedom and the encouragement of exploration that they provide," he said. "It is something that is very important to me because my primary focus is directing. Being able to take courses and learn about every aspect of theatre allows me to be a stronger leader in the room."

Davison believes that comedy is the most difficult genre of acting because it's all about timing.

"With a piece like 'The Play That Goes Wrong,' we have the additional task of making the intentional mistakes (the 'goes wrong' part of our show) look unintentional. Our characters must not play into the inherent comedy happening all around us, which becomes a challenge all in itself," he said. "As my final production with UNG and GTA, I couldn't have asked for a better show to allow me to apply all I've learned in my time here."

Meanwhile, Katie Galbreath is working behind the scenes, making sure things run smoothly for Davison and his fellow cast members.  As stage manager, her role requires her to focus on direction, stage management and performance for "The Play That Goes Wrong." These responsibilities have given her the confidence to pursue her career in theatre as she completes her senior year.

"As the stage manager, I am one of the facilitators of this collaboration, and I've gotten to practice keeping up with a fast pace and communicating effectively between different departments. It also gives me unique experience with more intense and involved scenic elements than I have worked with before," the Flowery Branch, Georgia, resident said. 

She is particularly encouraged by the play itself.

"This is one of those productions that emulates what GTA is all about because it relies extra heavily on collaboration and ensemble," she said. "To me, those are the most important parts of theatre, and every opportunity to work in this way makes me a better, stronger theatre artist."

Galbreath and Davison are each pursuing a bachelor of theatre arts degree.

For tickets  to spring 2026 productions, including "The Play That Goes Wrong," visit the GTA website.

From April 10-18, GTA will host a production of "Into the Woods" in the Ed Cabell Theatre at UNG's Gainesville Campus.

GTA is an intercollegiate theatre collaboration between UNG and Brenau. Formed in 1979, GTA focuses on producing high-quality, university theatrical productions and provides students access to learning opportunities between both universities.