Everybody gets a part in OSU Theatre’s newest production

Everybody gets a part in OSU Theatre's newest production

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Media Contact: Sandi DeVore | Marketing and Communications for OSU Theatre | 405-744-6094 | [email protected]

Have you ever been to a show where the actors don't know their parts until the curtains go up?

You can get your chance starting tonight, March 5, and running through Sunday, March 8, at the Jerry Davis Studio Theatre in Gundersen Hall.

The Oklahoma State University Department of Theatre's fourth production of the 2025-26 season is "Everybody," written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.

"Everybody" premiered off-Broadway in 2017 and was praised for its portrayal of the randomness of death in each night's performance. An adaptation of the 16th-century play, "Everyman," this 2018 Pulitzer Prize finalist explores themes of the human condition through the character "Everybody," chosen by Death to face God (or "Understanding").

Lee Brasuell, theatre department head, said OSU chose "Everybody" because it bridges classical theater history and bold, experimental contemporary writing.

"The play requires five 'Somebodies' to memorize the entire script, while roles are determined by a live lottery at the start of each show," Brasuell said. "This high-level technical challenge pushes our students to go beyond traditional performance boundaries and be adaptable to different performance scenarios."

While the unknown nature of who the cast of characters will be each night plays into the production's appeal, it also gives OSU students a chance to prepare for a career in which someone could be auditioning for multiple parts across different productions at the same time.

"The lottery system presents a significant 'swing' opportunity, which is a crucial learning outcome for students transitioning into the professional industry," Brasuell said. "Actors must be prepared to assume any of five distinct roles, necessitating exceptional mental flexibility and a comprehensive understanding of the entire script and working as a complete ensemble."

Not only do the actors have to be prepared for a different performance each night, but all the production students do as well.

"For our design and technical students, this also necessitates flexibility in the design process," Brasuell said. "The lottery scenario significantly impacts various production elements. For instance, costumes must be interchangeable between characters. Recorded monologues require sound cues to be synchronized with the appropriate recordings based on the characters being played. These are just a few examples of the challenges that need to be navigated to provide great learning outcomes."

OSU also brings in guest directors to showcase what students can expect in their preferred careers. For "Everybody," it was Tré Zijuan Tyler, a director and actor originally from the San Diego area.

Tyler is drawn to classic and contemporary works that explore deeply human questions of identity, morality and connection. He enjoys collaborating closely with actors to uncover honest, compelling moments onstage.

In addition to directing, Tyler is a performer, with credits including national touring productions with The Reduced Shakespeare Company, as well as work with the African American Shakespeare Company.

Tyler said he picked "Everybody" as the production to guest-direct because of his familiarity with the work and his appreciation for Jacobs-Jenkins' work. While it is a challenge to prepare for any potential role on any night, Tyler said he believes in the talent and work ethic that OSU's students have shown in rehearsals.

"My hope for all the students involved in the play is that they feel they have brought themselves into the process and can see themselves reflected in the art they have created," Tyler said. "To have an opinion and stand by it if they believe it serves the core of our project. I hope they know that they are, at their core, artists. Their personalities, lives, experiences and opinions are crucial to any process they approach. It is their strength."

Brasuell said that though the draw of the production is the randomness of each performance, it is also a chance to reflect on life and shared humanity.

"Despite the somber subject matter, the play is remarkably humorous and ironic," Brasuell said. "We hope that the audience will experience a sense of shared humanity, acknowledging that while our 'lottery' outcomes differ, we are all confronting the same finality together."

"Everybody" is presented by the Dava White Endowed Theatre Department Production Fund. Tickets can be reserved online at this website, by calling the Box Office at 405-744-6094, by visiting the Theatre Office or by emailing Sandi DeVore.