Wichita State University Theater students and faculty members produced a feature-length film, "Redux," as part of the WSU Theater season this year. The movie is written and directed by program director of theater at WSU, Bret Jones.

“Redux” is about a college student, played by Rian Leigh, undergoing experimental treatment for schizophrenia while attempting to solve the murder of her friend. The film, which is rated PG, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Feb. 1-4, in the CAC Theater.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Fine Arts Box Office in the lobby of the Duerksen Fine Arts Center or online at wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice. General admission is $10, with $8 discount tickets available for seniors, faculty/staff and military, or $6 tickets for children and students. WSU students are eligible for one free ticket (visit http://www.wichita.edu/j/?4363 for details). For ticketing assistance, contact the Fine Arts Box Office from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, at 316-978-3233 or fasttickets@wichita.edu.

Jones penned the script after researching the new science of optogenetics. This research explores how neurons that have been genetically made sensitive to light can be controlled. The possible applications are treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

“When I first read about optogenetics, it sounded almost like science fiction. It’s so amazing what scientists are discovering,” Jones said. “I realized the potential of using it as part of a story I had been working on, which eventually became “Redux.””

Although Jones’ background and focus are in theater, in recent years he has turned his attention to film as another medium for his students to study. He has written and directed a sixteen-episode web series, “The Opposite of People,” which starred WSU Theater students, as well as other film projects including “After Midnight,” a feature-length film screened at The Barebones International Film and Music Festival in 2015.

“There is a big difference in acting on stage and in front of a camera,” Jones said. “I wanted to explore film as a possibility for students. The 21st century actor is one who performs in a multitude of mediums: film, television, commercials, theater, voice overs and the internet. The theater faculty wants to expose our students to different areas of performance to help prepare them for the profession. That’s the purpose for producing “Redux,” to educate our students.”

David Neville, scenic and lighting designer for WSU Theater, provided lighting for some of the scenes in the film.

In addition to WSU School of Performing Arts students being involved in the project, two students from other departments volunteered their services to the film. Austin Steffens, WSU business major and Praveen Potluri, graduate student in engineering, heard about the film and became co-directors of photography for the project.

The “Redux” cast includes theater students Rian Leigh, Allison Williams, Kristen Bock, Jessica Curtiss, Christian James, John Block and Robert Thomas, along with WSU faculty Nick Johnson and Sabrina Vasquez, both members of the dance faculty at Wichita State.