High Schools to collaborate at Inge Center for unique 24-Hour Plays

News Release
September 15, 2010
High Schools to collaborate at Inge Center for unique 24-Hour Plays

In an event unlike any in the Midwest, high school drama students will gather this month to accept the challenge of creating six original plays in just one day’s time.

The performance of this creative activity is the 9th Annual High School 24 Hour Plays on Saturday, September 25th, at Independence Community College in the William Inge Theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Admission is $5 general, $2 students, free to ICC staff and students, and is sponsored by ICC’s William Inge Center for the Arts.

Typically ten or more high schools contribute their students to collaborate with those of other schools. Rarely do high school students from different schools get to work together, but in the High School 24 Hour Plays, students are randomly put together to write and rehearse six original scripts.

To date, high schools participating include Topeka Highland Park, Wichita Collegiate, Bartlesville, Labette County, Sedan, and Independence, with more expected.

This event is presented in collaboration with the original 24-Hour Plays Company. Since it was created in 1995 by Christina Fallon, the 24-Hour Company has produced more than 300 new short plays.

Audiences have enjoyed these fresh productions in cities, colleges and high schools all over the country. One high-profile event, a benefit for New York City schools, takes place on Broadway and features star actors.

The William Inge Center for the Arts is one of the nation's leading rural arts organizations. It sponsors educational and cultural events year-round. It is best known for its annual William Inge Theatre Festival. The Inge Center is named for the late William Inge, native of Independence and Pulitzer and Oscar-winning playwright and screenwriter.

The Inge Center is funded in part by grants from the Kansas Arts Commission, Hallmark Corporation, the Dramatists Guild of New York, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information on the 24-Hour Plays or additional Inge Center activities, call (800) 842-6063, ext. 5835 or visit the William Inge Center for the Arts website: www.ingecenter.org or the official 24-HourCompany website at www.24hourplays.com.