Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Communication, Film and Theatre (CFT) is presenting its first play of the spring 2025 semester, “Zoomers,” from Feb. 27 to March 1 and March 6 to 9. The show is written by Matthew Gasda and directed by theatre Professor David Pellegrini.

Set in an apartment in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, NY, “Zoomers” follows a group of roommates in their 20s as they navigate friendships and relationships while searching for meaning in a world full of distractions, including their obsession with the video game Super Smash Bros. 

First premiering in New York in 2024, “Zoomers” captivated Pellegrini with its richly drawn characters, which resonate with both his student actors and audiences. “In essence, Gasda has created a Chekhovian piece — one that is less plot-driven and more character-driven,” said Pellegrini. 

The play also provided opportunities to cast student actors in roles close to their own age. Theatre major Xsyanni Jackson ’25 noted, “Usually, we have to age up or down for shows, which is a great way to be a dynamic actor, but playing someone your own age takes the stress off a bit.” 

“Zoomers” gives student actors the chance to portray characters experiencing struggles their generation relates to. “There is a factor of relatability to the story and what these characters are experiencing that we’re able to play with as actors,” said theatre and English double major Zavier Garcia ’26.

The play explores the desire for genuine human connection. According to Dominic Robucci ’25, “Gasda’s writing does a good job of capturing the plight of Gen Z, mostly by displaying our inability to connect in the digital world, as the characters are distracted by their hedonistic pleasures.” 

Robucci also noted that the limited background information provided on the characters was both a challenge and an opportunity for creative interpretation. “For Michael (Robucci’s character), the only information given about him from the text is that he went to Brown, works at a restaurant and is doing a show. From there, I had to construct everything else about him.” 

Another challenge for student actors was separating themselves from their characters. Communication and theatre double major Zoe Calhoun ’26 said she had to “work on removing myself from the character and figure out the motives behind why my character responds the way she does.”