UCM Theatre and Dance Launches New Play Series

WARRENSBURG, MO – A weekend of live entertainment is planned as University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance presents its first presentation of the New Play Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27 at James L. Highlander Theatre. While the series is performed on stage, and admission is free, presentations also will be available via livestream for those who would like to experience the series remotely. This weekend, the series will feature 11 new works written by current UCM students.

 

Friday night will be a presentation of 10-Minute and One-Act plays including “Dead Men” by Thomas Clark and directed by Danny Gage, “Office Slice” written by Thomas Clark and directed by Riley Givens, “Memento Mori” written by Chris Schnurbusch and directed by Thomas Clark, “Spitfire” written by Ashlyn Reece and directed by Danny Gage, “Dark” written by Riley Givens and directed by Thomas Clark, “The Weekend” written by Anthony Johnson Jr. and directed by Anna Braman, and “Listen” written by Anna Braman and directed by Riley Givens.

 

Saturday night will feature a presentation of “The Lil’ Shakespeare Collection” written by Luke Habjan and Anthony Kiger, and directed by Carlos Gomez. Other plays to be presented include” Romeo and Juliet: A Kickball Love Story,” “Titus Andronicus’ Arts and Crafts,” “Naptime for Othello,” “JC: The Line Leader,” and “A Jungle Gym’s Night Dream.”

 

Production Advisor Aaron Scully stated about the New Play Series, “Playwrights write plays to see them performed and a lot of new plays end up living as just literature. It’s really exciting that our UCM Theatre and Dance playwrights will get to see their work performed for an audience. Additionally, it’s great that our audiences will get to hear the creative voices of our students.”

 

The production team for the New Play Series includes Katie Marshall as the production manager/stage manager; Dr. Aaron Scully as production advisor, Ken George as technical director, and Kelsi Richardson as lighting designer.

 

Actors featured in the New Play Series include: Danny Gage, Isabella Salerno, Logan Mathes, Zachary Craft, Nancy Stover, Ryan Haywood, Luke Habjan, Stephanie Heathcock, Luke Englert, Lacy Goettling, Ethan Shaffer, Gracie Heath, Jace Nielsen, Demetrius Hampton, Eleanor Panico, Keyvon Lewis, Carlos Gomez, and Riley Givens.

Admission to the New Play Series is free. Livestream links will be provided on the UCM homepage in the Facebook events for audience members who would like to watch remotely.

 

To promote a safe environment, social distancing and face coverings/masks will be required in the Highlander Theatre.

 

To keep up with all the latest UCM Theatre and Dance news, events and production information, please like . Anyone who has questions about the production season is encouraged to contact Aaron Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu.