THE 24 HOUR PLAYS Returns to Minneapolis this March

Hennepin Theatre Trust and the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) School of Fine Arts are partnering again to enliven downtown Minneapolis by presenting the second annual performance of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS®. This unique and engaging theatrical experience brings together the extraordinary talent of locally and nationally known artists to create and perform six brand-new theatrical works within 24 hours that will be performed on Monday, March 26 at 8 p.m. at the historic Pantages Theatre (710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis). Proceeds support programs for young up-and-coming musical theatre talent in Minnesota.

Ticket are $35.00 each. A limited number of VIP packages are available for $75 which includes premium seating and admission to the pre-show VIP reception with food, drink and entertainment. A limited number of VIP packages are available for $100 which include all of the above and admission to the post-show cast party. All pricing includes a Building Restoration Fee of $4.00

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis), by calling (800) 982-2787 or by clicking to HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

Six playwrights, six directors, 24 actors and a musical guest volunteer their time to create six new short plays in the course of 24 hours culminating with a performance of the plays in front of a live audience.

The night will feature some of the hottest theatrical talent in the Twin Cities, as well as nationally recognizable artists from the stage and screen.

On Sunday, March 25, the actors, writers and director meet in the evening to present props, ideas and inspirations. When the actors and directors leave for the night, the writers cast the actors and write all night to create six new plays.

On Monday, March 26, the directors arrive at the theater in the morning to select their play. The actors arrive, find out their roles and rehearsals begin. Following a short technical run-through in the afternoon, the curtain rises at 8 p.m. for an evening of unique, theatrical performances.

THE 24 HOURS PLAYS is non-profit production based in New York City that raises millions of dollar for charities worldwide for more than 20 years. Mark Armstrong, executive director, is a UMD alum and scholarship recipient who believes that this support was critical to his career in professional theater.

Proceeds from THE 24 HOUR PLAYS support Spotlight Education, the Trust's flagship education program that engages Minnesota high schools in the performing arts, and scholarships for students enrolled in the UMD Theatre program.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

The Minneapolis performance of The 24 Hour Plays is made possible by Hilton Hotels, United Properties and Sherman Associates.

Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit organization that creates positive change through the arts by bringing together people, businesses and organizations in WeDo™, the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District, to create and enjoy cultural experiences.

We want everyone who comes to WeDo to have a unique experience. Our historic theatres - the Orpheum, State and Pantages - light up Hennepin Avenue with the best of Broadway and world-class entertainment. Our Spotlight Education program inspires high school students through musical theatre.

Beyond our theatre doors, we connect people to unexpected arts and cultural experiences like the iconic Bob Dylan mural and our art-in-underused spaces project, Made Here. Our collaborations with businesses, artists, local officials and other arts and culture organizations bring a wide range of quality activities and entertainment to downtown.

Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

UMD's Department of Theatre, providing academic and professional training in the theatre arts, is housed in the Marshall Performing Arts Center (MPAC), which includes a 550-seat flexible thrust/proscenium theatre, a black-box experimental theatre, fully equipped scenic and costume shops, computerized lighting control, digital and analog audio playback stations and studio space for acting, dance and design.

The Department of Theatre offers two majors: a Theatre Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Theatre Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). In addition, we offer minors in dance, theatre and film studies.

Throughout the year, UMD Theatre offers a variety of shows for the public.

The 24 Hour Plays® bring together extraordinary artists to create time-limited theater around the world. In addition to The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway and The 24 Hour Musicals in New York City, regular events take place in London, Los Angeles, Dublin, Germany, Athens, Helsinki, Mexico City and Florence. Through collaborations with organizations including The Old Vic Theatre, Dublin Youth Theatre, Urban Arts Partnership, Cornerstone Theater Company, The Orchard Project, Bennington College and The Del Sole Foundation, The 24 Hour Company's productions have raised millions of dollars for charities.