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 Seoul Players' 24-Hour Theater is a unique theatrical concept whereby a collection of short
sketches is written, rehearsed and staged by groups of (often) total strangers
within a 24-hour period.
Seoul Players staged their first ever 24-hour theater show in March 2008,
which is believed to be the first time it’s been staged in English in Korea. The
show was a huge success, with a packed house of over 70 patrons appreciating the
very high quality of writing and acting.
Seoul Players plans to include 24-Hour Theater at least once a year in its
repertoire.
back to top ∆ How the 24-Hour Theater works
Friday night
- All interested parties are invited to show up at the starting time
(usually 9pm), and is welcomed by the MC.
- Everyone jots down their names and what they would be interested in
doing (acting, directing, writing). The more different the interests, the
better!
- Each person is then randomly assigned to a team. An ideal team would be
a writer, 2-4 actors, and a director. This all depends upon how many people
show up. Writers can also double up as directors.
- The teams meet briefly to get to know each other. A collection of
"inspiration buckets" are then put out for the writers. Categories can
include first line, setting, prop, genre, action and character quirk.
- The teams are asked to pick from at least 2 buckets. They can choose as
many as they want. The sketches are meant to be about 10 – 15 minutes long.
- The teams leave and the writer goes home to write their piece, usually
taking most of the night!
Saturday Morning
- By 8:00 am on Saturday morning the writer must email the MC and the rest
of the team with the finished script.
- At 9:00 am the teams gather together to check in. The writer does not
need to be
present.
- The MC goes over the rest of the day's activities and scheduling with
the teams.
- Everyone enjoys the coffee and muffins provided by Seoul Players.
Saturday Afternoon
The directors take over at this point. They need to decide a time to work
with the actors (and the writer if necessary) to rehearse. The director is
responsible for scheduling, props, finding a location to work, etc. Seoul
Players also assists with this.
Saturday Night
- Depending on the number of sketches to be staged, a technical rehearsal is
held about 2 hours before show-time.
- At 9:00 pm, the show is run to great acclaim and a party afterwards!
back to top ∆ Press article: You've got 24 hours to write the plot, Jack!
By Lee Eun-joo Staff Reporter
JOONGANG DAILY
March 20, 2008
This weekend anyone can become a director, an actor or a writer. All you need
to spare is 24 hours and bucket-loads of creativity.
Seoul Players, a group of English-speaking thespians residing in Korea, invites
you to its "24-hour Theatre", scheduled for tomorrow at 9 p.m. at The Orange
Tree in Haebangchon, Yongsan District.
The group, founded in 2001, stages two plays each year. They have previously
performed "Hitchcock Blonde" by British playwright Terry Johnson and "Dinner on
the 14th Floor" by Canadian playwright Evan Placey.
After jotting down your name as you enter the venue, you'll be randomly
assigned to a team. Each team has one writer, two to four actors and a director.
You get to choose which role you play, though the number of parts depends on
how many people show up on the night.
The teams spend some time getting to know each other while the writers
conjure up the basic composition of the play.
They decide on the opening line, setting, props and genre ¡ª comedy, romance or
tragedy, for instance.
All the ideas are dropped into an "inspiration bucket" and then the writers
stay up half the night writing. A final version of the story must reach the
organizers of the event by 8 a.m. the next day.
The directors spend the next day rehearsing with the actors at a location of
their choosing.
At 9 p.m. Saturday, it's showtime at The Orange Tree.
"We [Seoul Players] invite you to explore different things," said Pamela Munoz,
one of the organizers.
"We are expecting basically anyone who is interested in theater. It doesn't
matter whether you're a novice or a veteran."
To reach The Orange Tree, go to Noksapyeong Station, line No. 6, exit 2. For
more information, call (010) 2216-7267.
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