Newman University is kicking off its new theater season with original storytelling written and directed by alumni brothers Austin ’23 and Brenden Schwartz ’22.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Sept. 17-19 in the Jabara Flexible Theatre. Additionally, the Thursday night performance will be livestreamed on Newman University’s YouTube page. The two one-act plays feature current Newman students and celebrate two of history’s most influential playwrights.
“Chekhov” was written by Austin and serves as an homage to Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short story writer. “Looking for Directions” was written by Brenden and honors Samuel Beckett, an Irish playwright and novelist.
Tickets for “Chekhov” and “Looking for Directions” are available at the door and are $10 for the general public, $5 for non-Newman students and free for current Newman University students.
Meet the Schwartz brothers
Brenden graduated from Newman in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and theater. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology at Wichita State University.
While graduate school keeps him busy, he has remained active in the local creative community. He has spent nearly four years performing with SayWhat?!, Wichita’s longest-running professional improv troupe, and participates in an actual-play Dungeons & Dragons podcast, “The Floating Tavern,” founded by fellow Newman alumnus Matthew Clark ’22.
Last spring, Newman students produced Brenden’s play, “The Unconventional Therapist.” This fall marks his return to co-produce and direct his own work on the Newman stage.
Austin, a 2023 Newman graduate, holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater and English. Encouraged by faculty in both departments, Austin wrote numerous plays and short stories as a student. Following graduation, he joined the university staff as technical director of theater.
Alongside his backstage leadership, Austin continues to perform. He is also a member of SayWhat!? and “The Floating Tavern” podcast. Onstage, Austin recently played Laertes in Newman’s production of “Hamlet” under the direction of Director of Theatre Mark Mannette, and starred in Wichita Grand Opera’s production of “All Is Calm” in December. He made his professional directorial debut last fall directing “Tom, Dick, and Harry” at Newman.
In addition to theatrical productions, Austin and Brenden produce the podcast “The World Needs a Little Talk,” co-hosted by Austin and Associate Professor of Theology Matthew Umbarger.
A shared playwright debut
For the Schwartz twins, the upcoming run marks the first theatrical production under their collaborative banner, SchwartzTwinz Productions.
The origin story of the one-act plays, however, traces back to a theater history class taught by Mannette in the spring of 2021.
“The traditional assignment was to just write an essay analysis of a playwright,” Austin said.
“But we didn’t want to write an essay,” Brenden added.
The brothers asked if they could alter the assignment and instead write an original play. Mannette agreed.
Five years later, Mannette remembered the Schwartz brothers’ student scripts and asked if they could bring them to life on the Newman stage as part of the 2026-27 Newman theater lineup.
“For him to request that we specifically come and direct something we wrote and not some already well-established play, that just shows the trust he has in us and the scripts we wrote,” Brenden said.
Brenden shared that the chance to direct alongside his brother carries deep artistic meaning.
“This production means a lot to me because it honors playwrighting as an art form and speaks to the importance of remembering those who came before us,” he said. “There is always more to learn from those older and those younger than ourselves.”
Austin echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the written word.
“My hope is that all who come to this show gain a deeper appreciation for plays,” Austin said. “Creators like Anton Chekhov and Samuel Beckett are who make it possible for actors to bring a story to life.”
The showcase marks a full-circle moment for the brothers, who participated in several theatrical and musical performances during their undergraduate years at Newman. They continue to balance their artistic passions alongside their professional careers.
Advice for future students
For Newman students who may feel nervous about trying theater for the first time, both brothers offer straightforward encouragement.
“Just do it,” Brenden said.
When the twins arrived at Newman as first-year students, initial hesitation almost kept them off the stage until auditions for Newman’s student improv troupe came along.
“I remember our freshman year, they had auditions for the fall show at the time, and we were too scared to do it,” Brenden continued.
Then auditions for the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe came along.
“I was like, ‘Austin, we’re just here in our dorm rooms. We’re not doing anything. Why not just try it?’ And we did,” Brenden added. “That is what really launched us, motivated us and gave us the confidence to keep doing stuff. It sounds funny, but just try it. Just do it and you’ll have fun.”
Explore all upcoming Newman productions
Newman University Theatre’s 2026-27 six-production season pairs students with professional performing artists, stages original works by Newman alumni, and introduces an exciting program collaboration with the Music Department.
