The concept of 24 Hour Theatre began in New York in 1985. It involves bringing a performance to life from scratch in one day. Within the 24 hours, the play was written, rehearsed, the set was constructed, lights, sound, make-up, and costumes were designed, and the play was performed. Of course, 24 Hour Theatre has always been done with professionals. You may be asking why I would want to attempt such a lofty project with high school theatre students??? I believe this is a great opportunity for these 20 to 30 dedicated theatre students to be involved in something absolutely amazing. The HHS Theatre Department has the luxury of having students that are dedicated and passionate about their craft. These 20 to 30 high school students are exceptional and I had no doubt that they could have success with this project. The 24-hour time frame allows for complete creativity, improvisation, exhaustion, frustration, collaboration, teamwork, group bonding, which concludes in a public performance of complete originality and perhaps “madness”. The 24 Hour Theatre Project is a huge challenge to everyone involved and I am positive that each student will walk away from this experience a little bit changed and hopefully inspired.
Thanks for your support,
Brandy Barfield Rood (Mrs. B)