The 24-Hour Play Festival Returns to Contemporary Theater Company

The Contemporary Theater Company brings back their longest running tradition, The 24-Hour Play Festival, for its 13th year on January 13. A full-length play is written, rehearsed, and performed in a single day with over 50 artists working on it.

"Two years ago, we stepped up the challenge from creating six short plays to one cohesive, full-length play, and it's been incredibly satisfying," says Production Manager Maggie Cady. "This year, we're bringing it home to our theater so that we can embrace the CTC style of audience-focused shows. You feel all of the emotions more strongly in a small theater - funny things are funnier and poignant things are all the more powerful."

The playwrights begin the process at midnight, writing through the night until actors and directors arrive in the morning and begin casting and rehearsing the play. Photos, videos and stories are uploaded to the company's website and Facebook page throughout the day, allowing the audience to keep up with the process as it unfolds.

The event draws large crowds each year, and at the end of the evening, the audience gets to vote for their favorite actors and scenes.

"The energy and excitement of the event really shows in the performances," says Cady. "We bring together actors, directors, and writers from many CTC shows to work on the most creative project of the year!"

As the company enters its thirteenth year, the play festival brings together veteran company members alongside new faces for a day full of theatrical mayhem and magic.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind event - once it's done, it will never be seen again. It's a highlight of the Contemporary Theater Company's calendar, and one that should not be missed!

The performance is January 13 at 8 pm at the Contemporary Theater Company on Main Street. Tickets are $12.

A complete schedule of events and more information is available at www.contemporarytheatercompany.com or by calling 401-218-0282.

Pictured: Julia Bartoletti