“Problem Child,” the dark comedy presented by the Binghamton University theater department this weekend, is about a couple, RJ and Denise, who have cleaned up their act after a life of drugs and crime in order to get their daughter back from the state. The play begins with the couple cooped up in a motel room for a week, awaiting the arrival of an uptight social worker, Helen, who creates more conflicts than resolutions.

Director Austin Tooley, a second-year graduate student studying theater, described working on this production as an exciting challenge.

“I was looking for a play with a clear, exciting story that could resonate with the audience here at the University and I think that the issues in the play — class, addiction, prejudice, social justice and depression — are so important and omnipresent that any audience member will be able to recognize the situation and hopefully come away with a lasting impression,” Tooley said.

The rehearsal process for student directors such as Tooley reveals how they use the knowledge learned in the classroom for plays in the theater department. Student directors can relate to the actors and thoroughly explain the details in each scene on their level, as they have taken the same classes.

Jacob Wentlent, a senior majoring in theater who plays RJ in the play, said his wanting to work with Tooley is one of the main reasons he auditioned for the production.

“I saw a production directed by Austin Tooley last semester, and really loved what I saw,” Wentlent said. “In talking with actors from that production, they made it very clear that Austin was an exciting, intelligent director to work with. That was the deciding factor in auditioning. I do find the play very interesting. It is a one-act, which means it’s the perfect length, not too long, not too short. It is full of twists and turns that, as an actor, are extremely fun to play.”

“Problem Child” is not only an entertaining comedy that pulls at your heartstrings, but also stands out because of its heavier issues. Written by George Walker, it is the final studio show of the semester and is not to be missed.

The production premieres at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30, with additional performances at 5 p.m on Dec. 1. and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the Gruber Theatre (Studio B), Fine Arts Building room 196. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the door.