From page to stage: All the ingredients for the Black Renaissance Theatre production of “STEW”

Have you ever wondered how students transform a play from a paper script to a fully realized production? From set design to blocking, the journey to bring a show to the stage consists of many components. Just like following a cooking recipe, each step is crucial to the final product, and the process is no easy feat.

Black Renaissance is ready for the task, as this semester they prepare to present Zora Howard's 2021 Pulitzer Prize finalist, "STEW,” at Moxie Theatre (6663 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego) April 24 - 26, 2026 

Founded in August 2020, Black Renaissance Theatre’s mission is to promote Black excellence and talent through theatre and film on the campus of San Diego State University.

Directed by Black Renaissance President Belise Andrews, a fourth-year psychology major and theatre minor, “STEW” follows three generations of Black women cooking a meal in a kitchen. Their secrets and generational trauma begin to come to light as the women prepare for an important event, and the cooking of the stew symbolizes their relationships, exploring themes of loss, survival, and unspoken truths.

“There's four women in it and they're in a family, and a lot of stuff happens in the kitchen. A lot of conversations are had, and because the characters are written so beautifully, I want to really bring that out,” said Andrews.

While Andrews was studying abroad at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art last semester, she browsed their library full of plays, but couldn't find one that felt like the right fit.

It wasn’t until Black Renaissance Vice President Jazmine Watson recommended “STEW” that she knew – this was the one.

“I read through it a couple times and I fell in love with it,” Andrews said.

Andrews usually focuses on acting and dramaturgy, so this show is her directorial debut – an adventure she finds both challenging and exciting.

“It's going really well, and it's eye-opening to see how much a director has to do, but hopefully I'm getting it done the way I need to,” Andrews said.

After picking the show, the next step was to pick the design team and crew, including a stage manager and assistant stage managers, and hold auditions. 

For Andrews, scenic work is one of the most daunting projects to take on, as the kitchen scenery plays a key role in the story.

“‘STEW’ is a very honest show, and so a realistic set would just bring everything together, but it's going to be tricky to get,” Andrews said.

Now that their auditions are finished and the cast is selected, the team is focusing on blocking – theatre lingo for practicing movement and positioning during scenes – as well as table reads and character work.

“We just really allowed the actors to understand who they were outside of what's written in the script, so right now we're just putting it on its feet and trying to block it as much as we can,” Andrews said.

“The whole world of blocking the show is super new to me, and because I used to be an actor, knowing the difference of where to state my two cents and when to let the actors do their thing,” she continued.

Because of the small size of the cast, Andrews said she cherishes the opportunity for them to get closer, not only as performers, but as friends.

“It's just really fun to look forward to, to spend my time with them and then just let all of our creative juices flow trying to make the show hit its comedic moments and make it feel super realistic and natural,” Andrews said.

“Rehearsals always put a smile on my face,” she continued. “I always leave happy.”

With all the newfound responsibilities Andrews has taken on as a first-time director, she recognizes she would not be able to handle it on her own without her trusted designers and stage managers.

Putting on a show does not fall on one person’s shoulders, even the director's. Every member of the cast and crew is a key ingredient to the final recipe.

“I've always been very appreciative of their roles,” Andrews said. “They're what brings the show together.”

For more information about “STEW,” visit the Black Renaissance Instagram page.