Undergraduate theater company prepares for first event of semester

University Players, IU’s only undergraduate theater company, is having its first 24-Hour Play Fest Aug. 30 and 31 in Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center to bring together old and new members and get them excited about theater.

University Players formed in 1997 and is completely student-run. Throughout the year, student members are given the chance to direct, work behind-the-scenes and act in plays.

This event is a chance for the old members to get to know the new.

Upon arrival, attendees will divide into random teams, quickly get acquainted and then start improvising a short play.

Twenty-four hours is the time limit.

However, event managers have planned to throw challenges at the actors, so those 24 hours won’t be too easy.

In order to participate, students must sign up on the University Players call-board in the Theater Building.

After that, participants just have to show up ready-to-go at 5 p.m. Friday, stay until midnight and show up ready for more at noon Saturday.

And for those that are better at appreciating theater than reciting lines and taking direction, participants will perform their short plays at 8 p.m. Saturday in the studio theater.

University Players will also have a callout meeting Sept. 5, at which time students can officially sign up to be a member.

­— Amanda Arnold