This play has 24 hours – of prep time

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[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/24hrplayposter.jpg” caption=”The McMaster Theatre and Film Society will host its second 24-hour play competition. Groups of writers, actors and directors will have just 24 hours to write and rehearse a play, which they will then perform before an audience on campus.”]A genre, a line, a prop and just 24 hours.

That's all groups of actors, writers and directors will be given this weekend to write,
rehearse and perfect a play for the McMaster Theatre and Film Society's 24-hour play
competition.

The initiative, in its second year, was inspired by the Hamilton 24-Hour Film Festival, in
which filmmakers write, shoot and edit cinematic creations in just a day. It's meant to
give those with a background in the arts an outlet for their creativity as well as provide a
safe and fun place for those without experience to get involved.

“It's an opportunity for those who don't study theatre and film to explore what it's all
about, and it fosters a love of the arts on campus, which is really important,” said Sarah
Granger, president of the theatre and film society.

Granger said that interest has grown this year and the competition will include a
number of groups of students from outside the Faculty of Humanities.

Students will meet at McMaster Friday night, get their genres and props and then will be
set loose to write and rehearse their performances. The teams will meet back at the
University Saturday night where they will present their plays in T-13's performance lab.

“It's amazing to see the unique things each group develops out of this,” said Granger.
“Everyone has the same line and the same prop, but everyone will interpret them
differently, and that's the exciting part – the creativity that makes each play unique.”

Though not participating in this year's competition, Granger will be on-hand for the
entire 24 hours, acting as a point of contact for all participants.

“I'll be around for the whole thing – though we'll see what I'm like by the end of it,” she
joked. She also offered some advice to potential playwrights.

“Don't be afraid to take on a challenge, to see what you can do. You will surprise
yourself at the end of the day.”

Those interested in participating can contact Granger at mactheatreandfilm@gmail.com.
Performances begin Saturday at 6 p.m. in T-13 (located behind the Psychology
Building), Room 101 and admission is pay what you can.