Back in the fall of 2011, we were busy perusing scripts to try to find an exciting option for a spring play for our young actors and we were struggling. We wanted something that would challenge our participants, provide them with lots of opportunities, and hopefully entertain our audiences along the way. Since we couldn’t find something that fit, we decided to write our own! That first year, Limelight staff members wrote 12 short scenes, each themed to a different month of the year. The collection of short one act plays allowed each actor to play a larger part in a shorter show, and to portray multiple roles in a single production. The format was a hit and it is one that we have been happy to continue ever since.
As the years have passed, the one acts have evolved to be a great opportunity and training ground for writers and directors, as well. The scenes are now created by participants in a writing class. These writers (mostly in junior high and high school) create the stories & scenes that the younger actors will get to perform. We have also opened up additional Student Assistant Director positions for these shows. This gives the more experienced participants the opportunity to try directing first hand. Under staff guidance, they get to help with elements of the process from casting, to blocking, to character development, and more. With participants involved on every side of the production, these shows truly embody a sense of Do-it-Yourself theater and providing an opportunity for everyone to play a part in the process.
Themes for the one acts have included animals, food, outer space, and interpretations of historical events. Our next adventure will be with snippets of different film and television genres in the upcoming “You May Also Enjoy…” This show revolves around a fictional streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu. Each scene will be a part of a different fictional show or movie.
Auditions for actors 8-13 years old will be held Feb 1 or 4, and you can sign up to audition here. Interested Student Assistant Directors can fill out an application form here. If you’d like to see a performance, the show will be March 22 & 23 at 7:00pm at Bednarcik Jr. High.