This month, Newman will host its 15th annual 24-Hour Theater Project, launched by Director of Theater Mark Mannette in 2011.
The event challenges teams to write, direct, rehearse and perform a play from start to finish within just 24 hours.
Participation is open to the wider Wichita community, as well as Newman faculty, staff and students. There are several roles to choose from, including actor, playwright, director, stage manager, props, costumes, promotion/graphic design, lights, sound and other support positions.
24-hour theater schedule
Drawing for teams will happen at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, with playwrights able to begin writing at 8 p.m. To ensure the plays are written on campus overnight, each script must include several required prompts. At 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, directors and actors begin rehearsing the new works.
The public performance will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Jabara Flexible Theatre.
Part of the excitement of the event is that audience members won’t know what type of play they’re seeing until the 24-hour period ends and the performances begin.
In years past, admission was $3, and audience members received a poker chip to vote for their favorite short play. This year, chips will be sold for $1 each, allowing attendees to purchase more than one chip, up to a maximum of five.
All proceeds benefit the Newman Theatre Club, which also sponsors the Sloppy Joes Improv Troupe.
For questions, contact Newman Director of Theater Mark Mannette at [email protected]
