The appeal of Kevin Mead’s directorial debut: intense humor. Also, a desk.

For Mead, directing “Speed-the-Plow” represents a longtime interest in David Mamet, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer best known as a screenwriter for “Wag The Dog.” Similar to the 1997 film, which depicts a presidential administration that constructs a fake war with Albania to cover up a sex scandal, the humor in “Speed-the-Plow” relies on satirizing an institution. But rather than focusing on government, the play centers on questions of commercializing art in the film industry.

“Mamet has been a reference in my writing for the last few years,” said Mead of the 14th Grade Players’ show, which will mark his directorial debut.

His interests in performance, though, are realized by example. Mead is a creative writing major, has performed in four shows on campus and is a member of improv comedy group receSs. Mead also released the comedy short “Charlie On Parole” this October, which he directed with senior Darren Miller, one of three cast members in “Speed-the-Plow” and a fellow member of receSs.

Mead saw possibility in a small, intimate cast. Seniors Katy DiSavino, Darren Miller and Patrick Burgwinkle have all worked together before.

“I saw this as an opportunity to work on a few particular skills regarding working with actors,” he said.

Both Miller and Mead performed in DiSavino’s production of “Boeing, Boeing” last semester, and the three traveled to Broadway last year to see the show. With “Speed-the-Plow” now on Broadway, Mead’s show is the second 14th Grade production to coincide with a Broadway run.

“Our version is considerably different than the version on Broadway right now,” Mead said.

DiSavino and Kirk Larsen, the stage manager, are also creative writing majors, while Larsen, Mead and Miller live together.

“We’ve all known each other for a while,” Mead said.

The familiarity manifests itself onstage. Miller and Burgwinkle’s banter as Hollywood producers is natural and seamless, highlighted by exaggerated body language.

The quality could be credited to experience: All of the actors have performed in several campus theater productions.

“The script was beautifully written. It’s a great story and it affords a number of interpretations,” he added, describing it as “surreptitiously dense.” He said he was also drawn to the show for its chronicling of the film industry, where Mead aims to work.

“If I could write films and make enough to eat, I’d be thrilled,” he said.

“There will be a ton of swearing, action, blood, sex and violence!” said Mead, encouraging students to attend.

Looking to the set, he then added, “And there’s a huge desk.”

“Speed-the-Plow” will be performed this Thursday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m. in the Lisner downstage. Tickets are $5.