MAST members Michelle Heese and Magnus Hammer rehearse the play Skin Deep. Michelle plays Maureen, a lonely, unmarried sister who goes on a blind date with Joe (played by Magnus).

Under the leadership and guidance of Malmö University English teacher Adam Gray, MAST has blossomed into a burgeoning amateur theatre group of students. MAST is tied to the Malmö University course Theatre and Social Justice and collaborates with Malmö Amateur Theatre Forum. MAST members hail from all over the world including Sweden, Australia, Germany and Spain, with several students participating in and winning theatre competitions abroad.

The student theatre is not only about drama and school work, MAST develops individuals.

“At least one student every term says to me, ‘MAST gave me more self-confidence; it changed my life,’” Adam says. “You have to get up in front of people and talk and learn how to express yourself.”

The course Theatre and Social Justice has three different aspects, which combine the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre. One-third of the course is literature studies with students studying and analysing various scripts. Another third of the course is an acting class, during which students are taught basics in acting and theory, act out scenes from plays discussed and practice improvisation. During the final third of the course students perform their own play and are responsible for everything including directing, lighting and scenery.

For MAST member Michelle Heese from Germany, acting in a MAST play is the first time she has performed in English. Even though Michelle attended acting classes in Germany, MAST has helped her learn to trust people and further developed her acting skills.

“We hang out together all the time and MAST is a good way to meet people, especially if you aren’t from Sweden,” she says. “You learn more about yourself.”

Adam acts as a support system for the students, watching dress rehearsals and giving advice, but the actual drama production is entirely up to the students. MAST members often spend time together outside of school rehearsing and getting to know each other.

MAST's Skin Deep Poster View the full size Skin Deep poster

It’s clear from one of the rehearsals for MAST’s latest production Skin Deep that the students enjoy each other’s company as they sit in a semi-circle chatting and calling out to Adam as he walks through the door. MAST member Magnus Hammer from Sweden completely agrees that he and his fellow MAST members are more than just classmates.

“We have a lot of fun together. And Adam makes everyone feels comfortable and gives good advice,” he says.

With his contagious laugh booming from his chest it is clear why the students in MAST appreciate Adam so much—he is open-minded, friendly and dedicated. Adam has been working with MAST for 6 years and “loves it.”

“I get as much as I give. I love teaching acting and it is most giving to see people grow. It is so rewarding,” he says.

Malmö Student Theatre is the perfect group at Malmö University for students looking to learn more about drama or who want to act in a play. MAST and the Theatre and Social Justice course are not only for theatre buffs however, according to Magnus all students will benefit from the group.

“MAST is great because it trains you to perform and speak in front of a group. You learn to express yourself and become more confident in who you are,” he says. “The course also teaches you to think outside of yourself so you are not just focusing on yourself, but on the people around you.”

MAST is open to all Malmö University students, even those who are not part of the Theatre and Social Justice course. For more information about how to join or get involved, please contact Adam Gray via e-mail or visit Malmö Student Theatre's website.