On a recent afternoon in early November, more than a dozen Citrus College performing arts students met with a star of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” to do something that doesn’t normally happen at community colleges.

Facilitated by theatre arts instructor Aubrey Saverino, the students participated in a workshop with New York actor and playwright Nick Dillenburg, who is currently starring in a national touring production of the Tony Award-winning “Harry Potter” hit.

They not only learned about a new play they would be performing on campus, they also offered their own perspectives in the hopes of tailoring the production into something they could relate to even more.

Saverino, who will direct the play, “One Final Beautiful Impossible Year,” said she and Dillenburg were in awe of the students for taking part in the unique workshop experience.

“Their bravery and willingness to share became an integral part of the creative process,” she said. “It was a wonderful, productive and unique experience for everyone involved.”

The workshop between Dillenburg and the students was the first of several that will take place prior to the play’s premiere in April. According to Saverino, most new plays – including large Broadway shows like “Hamilton” and “Wicked” – go through multiple rounds of workshops before receiving a full production.

“It’s an essential part of creating new work, and we’re so lucky our students get to be part of this process,” she said. “Colleges provide a unique environment to host these workshops, foster creative work and connect students to the professional world.”

The idea for the play came about from a conversation between Saverino and Dillenburg. Saverino recalls telling Dillenburg that she wanted a contemporary, large-cast play with plenty of diverse, age-appropriate roles for the student body.

“I wanted something modern but classically inspired – akin to those late ‘90s teen movies like ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ or ‘She’s the Man,’” she said. “I had a hard time finding a script that fit those parameters, so Nick said, ‘I’ll write it,’ and he began crafting a play specifically for our college community.”

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” the play centers on a group of young women who vow to focus on school and their friendships until they’re forced to plan a prom with an all-boys school.

Student auditions will be held in December, with rehearsals taking place in February. According to Saverino, Dillenburg will return to campus in 2026 to continue fine-tuning the play with students.

“It is a gift to work at a place that nurtures artistic endeavors,” Saverino said.  “I am so gratef