HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 2, 2015 – High Point University’s Department of Theatre will host an evening of comedy, drama and whimsy during “Night of the Originals,” a premiere of brand new plays written by HPU student playwrights. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19-25 in HPU’s Empty Space Theatre. It is open to the public, and tickets are available to purchase.
The evening will offer 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.
“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 Ed Simpson, chair of the HPU Department of Theatre. “The plays were created during the spring 2014 playwriting class. Over the last nine months, the student playwrights have continued to revise and shape their plays, culminating in this evening of entertaining and thought-provoking plays.”
The productions will star HPU seniors Roxanne Daneman, Jake McDowell and Nick Ogle; juniors Fletcher Armstrong, Mackie Quirk and Lauren Quintal; sophomores Lucie Stewart and Alex Rugato; and freshmen Patrick Kinsella-McClelland, Shannon Howard, Charlotte Adams and Ceili Lang. Junior Sara Steele is the stage manager, and freshman Gabrielle Wanek is assistant to the director and assistant stage manager.
“The presentation of these new works is a continuation of the High Point University Department of Theatre’s commitment to fostering, nurturing and presenting new theatrical works,” 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 the majority of university theatre 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.