Alumna Megan Cleveland has undertaken varied and challenging roles as an actress on the Vonnie Borden stage. During her time at Southeastern, she was featured in leading roles from shows including “Only in Louisiana,” “Julius Caesar” and the award-winning “Parking Lot Babies,” where she made her theatrical debut.

Now Cleveland has come back to campus to try her hand at directing a run of James Sherman’s romantic-comedy “Mr. 80%” at Southeastern. With the show opening this week, Cleveland sat down with The Lion’s Roar to discuss her experiences working on the other side of the stage for the first time.

The Lion’s Roar: This is your first time directing, correct? How were you selected to direct a main stage show?

Cleveland: Yes, this is my first time directing. From what I understand, they were looking for female guest directors so that the students could work with a bigger variety of directors.

You have acted in a few of the main stage shows. How does it feel to return to the campus as an alumnus and guest director?

I haven’t been gone long enough to feel nostalgic, but it’s nice to have just a little more time with the wonderful faculty and students of Southeastern.

 Tell us about yourself as a director. Do you have a process?

After doing some research, I discovered that every director works differently. I just try to stay open and honest while maintaining a positive atmosphere.

What is “Mr. 80%” about?

I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s a comedy from the ‘80s that we’ve slightly modernized.

 What is the theme of this show? What can audiences expect from it?

If all goes to plan, the audience can expect the unexpected.

 What has it been like to work with your cast members?

The cast has been really fun to work with and the production team has been a huge help.

 What were some of the challenges you faced?

The biggest challenge was not being able to use the theatre for so long, but with everyone’s hard work and dedication it has proven to be no problem at all.

 What is your vision for the set and costumes?

We’re going for the big trends in pop culture around 2000-2001.

 What do you want people to take away after seeing the performance?

I just want people to have fun and hopefully take with them an appreciation for live theatre.

 How do you feel now about directing after having a taste of it? Is it something you would want to do professionally?

Directing has been a great learning experience, but my love for acting has only grown stronger.

 What show would you love to direct one day?

I would have to think about that for a while before I made a decision.

 What is your next theatrical project? Are you going to stay with directing or something else?

I think I’m going to try acting again, but directing is definitely something to keep in mind.

“Mr. 80%” opens on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and runs every evening through Saturday, Nov. 19. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden theatre. Tickets are free to students, with $5 for seniors and non-Southeastern students and $10 general admission.