HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 20, 2015 – High Point University’s Department of Theatre is hosting six more nights of the “Night of the Originals.” This play is composed of five brand new plays written by HPU student playwrights. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 in the Empty Space Theatre on HPU’s campus. It is open to the public, and tickets are available for purchase.
Each student was enrolled in a class led by Ed Simpson, chair of the HPU Department of Theatre. The five plays have undergone countless re-writes since their first drafts were submitted for the playwriting class, and they are ready to be performed.
The evening offers performances of “S.O.F.T.E.N,” written by junior Eliza Albritton; “Storm Warning,” written by 2014 graduate David Mikulay; “Someone’s Daughter,” written by junior Morgan Faith; “Floundering,” written by senior Rachel Garrett; and “Untold Parking Lot Stories,” written by 2014 graduate DeAnna Hughes. The theatre department will also present three student-written shorts including “The Exam” by senior Claire Denny; “The Most Beautiful Footsteps” by Garrett; and “Planning Dinner” by sophomore Charlotte Burton.
Included in the production is an original musical score composed by Nathan Daugherty, adjunct music professor, and HPU students Nick Brown, Seth Burleson, Braxton Kubasko and Jered Oakes.
“This is an exciting and unique opportunity for our audience to witness the ‘birth’ of a collection of brand new, never-before-performed plays,” says Simpson. “Since 2008 alone, the department has workshopped and presented no fewer than 10 original productions written by both student and professional/guest artist playwrights. This commitment to new works is central to the mission of the Department of Theatre and is something which sets our department apart from other programs.”
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for non-HPU students and $3 for children 12 and under. HPU students receive one complimentary ticket by showing their valid HPU Passport Card. Those interested in purchasing tickets may contact the HPU Box Office at Hayworth Fine Arts Center at 336-841-4673.
