Ella Braig

Saturday, March 2, 2024, Ladue’s performing arts students will write, direct, rehearse and technically design a series of plays– all in the span of 8 hours. At many high schools, 24-hour play festivals are nothing new. However, at Ladue, producing a creative showcase in such a short amount of time has yet to be attempted.

The 8-Hour Play Festival was first organized to provide playwriting and directing opportunities for interested students. However, as the department progressed through the planning process, its purpose evolved to also serve students looking to expand their acting or technical theater skills.

Writers/directors will arrive at 11:00 a.m., while actors and crew members will show up at 1:00 p.m. to receive their assignments. Performances will begin at 7:00 p.m. and are open to the public. While admissions are free, donations to the thespian troupe will be accepted.

Along with theater program director Jessica Winingham, several English teachers have agreed to chaperone the event.

“I love that we will take a risk and try something new, and something so challenging,” English teacher Janet Duckham, who will assist and supervise student writers as they compose their plays, said. “I can’t wait. I love theater.”

Through the showcase, Gray Baker, a junior who’s acted in numerous theatrical productions, will be stepping into a new role as a student writer/director.

“I’m so excited for more directing and writing opportunities for Ladue theater students,” Baker said. “[The 8-Hour Play Festival is] honestly such a great one-day experience and it opens [theater] up to so many people.”