The ETSU Patchwork Players, a student-led theatre group formed outside of the Theatre Department, has made a new revision to their annual 24-hour play festival.
Kailey Kyle, president of the Patchwork Players, said that this year’s play festival will now feature more than one group. The decision was formed after an increase in the number of members compared to past years.
“We have grown a lot, and we’re very thankful for that. It got to the point that whenever we were discussing this year’s festival, we were like everyone would get a lot more of it if we performed in smaller groups instead of trying to squeeze 15 actors in a 10-minute show,” said Kyle.
Kyle said that in previous years, when they performed as one group, not every performer would have the chance to do what they wanted to or had the opportunity to have a big performance. She said that by opening the festival for more groups allows performers to bring their own ideas to life.
“We sent out a Google form to the theatre department allowing people to RSVP for the festival by telling us their name, pronouns and what they’re interested in doing,” said Kyle. “We have opportunities to act, direct, write or to be involved in the technical theatre side of things.
The festival is a creative outlet for students by allowing them to explore the different kinds of genres in theatre. Kyle said in years past there have been murder mysteries, such as a parody of “Clue” called “Hint,” and a parody of the TV show “Lost” titled “Year 2000.” Based on the interest shown, Kyle said that there are more serious pieces this year some focused on Appalachian folklore.
“It’s a great creative outlet, because there are no limitations within the play that you can write,” said Kyle. “It sounds like you have so little time, but really once you get in there and start working, you can get a final product that you’re very happy with.”
The groups will meet and be assigned on Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Campus Center Building and will begin brainstorming with an improvisational performance break in the middle. All groups will then meet on Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Campus Center Building room 205 to perform their 10-to-15-minute plays.
The final performance is open to the public at free admission with donations being taken to support their travel to the Southeast Theatre Conference.
For more information, visit their social media @etsupatchwork on Instagram and @patchworkplayersetsu on TikTok or email etsupatchworkplayers@gmail.com.
