SCRIPTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT at Academy for the Performing Arts

Academy for the Performing Arts Presents SCRIPTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Senior Acting and Design Students Showcase Three Staged Readings on February 20

Chagrin Falls, Ohio — The Academy for the Performing Arts invites the community to an evening of storytelling, collaboration, and emerging talent at SCRIPTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, to be presented February 20 in the Academy’s Black Box Theatre.

This special event will feature staged readings of three plays performed by the Academy’s Senior Acting students, with production support provided by the Senior Design and Technical Theatre students. The evening’s selections include ZOODIAC by Rich Stimac, directed by Dan Hendrock; The Day the Crayons Quit by Patt Collings, directed by Abraham Adams; and Orientation by Ian McWethy, directed by Esma Eddeb.

Staged readings are a unique performance format that emphasizes text, character, and storytelling. Actors present scripts with minimal staging, movement, and technical elements, allowing audiences to focus on language and interpretation while offering performers the opportunity to explore roles without the demands of a fully realized production.

According to Academy Artistic Director Dan Hendrock, who also directs one of the evening’s works, “Staged readings are an essential educational tool. By focusing on the script itself, students develop stronger close reading skills, vocal expression, collaboration, and interpretive choice. These performances create space for exploration, discussion, and creative risk-taking, helping students better understand how a play evolves from page to stage.”

SCRIPTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT provides a valuable capstone-style experience for seniors, bringing together performance and production disciplines in a professional rehearsal and presentation environment. The event also offers audiences a rare look at the creative process, highlighting the development of character, storytelling, and design support in its earliest stages.

The performance will take place in the Academy’s Black Box Theatre. Tickets are free but seating is limited so please arrive early.

For additional information about the Academy for the Performing Arts or upcoming events, please visit the Academy’s website www.chagrinacademy.org