Theatre Org. works round the clock to produce ‘Play In A Day’

It's been said William Shakespeare took 15 months to write his classic romance "Romeo and Juliet."

For members of the Theatre Student Organization, they'll have 24 hours to write, direct and act three plays.

The "Play In A Day" process begins tonight at 8 and continues until the plays are performed Saturday at 8 p.m. in Bloch Hall at the Creative Arts Center.

The group has 12 hours from Friday night to begin writing the three plays.

"At about 8 p.m., everyone is perky and about to write the best show in the world," said Cody Riggins, TSO president. "By about that 2 a.m. mark, everything you write is funny. Everything is the best thing in the world. If you're writing a dramatic piece, you're writing the best line an actor will ever say."

After the scripts are finished, directors will come in and begin shaping how the plays will go. Actors come in at 10 a.m. and begin learning their roles and blocking – all before the 8 p.m. show.

Unlike other productions, which are performed in-house by the Division of Theatre at WVU and other outside productions, "Play In A Day" welcomes participation from all.

Though the writing positions are all full, several spaces are available in the technical and action departments of the production.

Those interested can sign up to volunteer at the call boards at the Creative Arts Center.

Mel Moraes, Student Government Association executive director of the arts, said the production is a good experience for the students in the organization.

"I think it's fascinating that a group of people can come together and work as a team in such a short amount of time in order to put on a good show," she said. "I think it teaches the participants about the importance of teamwork in producing a show."

The group's mission statement is to "unite the West Virginia University Division of Theatre and Dance, and raise funds to support the students and the art they create," according to its official page.

Those who attend the event are encouraged to leave a suggested $3 donation.

The event is open to all members of the public, Riggins said.

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