Collaboration between JKH and Troupe d’ Jour has culminated into its second year of gathering local and regional talent together to perform six 15-minute plays.
“We sent out a call to playwrights to submit short, 15-minute plays with plots that represent life, ‘just around the corner,’” said Debbie Sutton, Troupe d’ Jour director. “We received 20 submissions; as far away as New Jersey. Six of those were chosen to be presented in the JKH Shorts Festival.”
A group of talented regional directors and actors will present the plays on Sat., March 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sheerar Museum Auditorium. Admission is $12.
Troupe d' Jour is a group of local actors with a mission that is two-fold; to serve the educational and cultural arts needs of our community by performing in dinner theatre to raise funds in order to take curriculum based theatre productions into the schools and to older adult through reminiscence theatre.
“One comment that stood out last year was how everyone felt so good supporting one of Stillwater’s most important non-profits in a creative way,” Sutton said.
“We have a great group of accomplished directors and actors. It is a real community effort, bringing everyone together from OSU students and faculty to local businesses helping promote the Festival to United Way and Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council. It’s wonderful, …how good it makes you feel to help someone else.”
In addition to ticket sales, the clothes-line advertising has been a successful way to spread the word. Businesses must make a donation to Judith Karman Hospice to have the sign and its accompanying boxer shorts removed, and then get to choose the next business to be “briefed.” Businesses so far have included Harley Davidson, Staples, Lowes, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Rocky Mountain Candy Company.
“We hope those boxer shorts find their way all around town,” Sutton said. “We want everyone wondering, where will they turn up next?”
The six plays are being sponsored by local businesses, International Tours, Alan’s Pharmacy, Cat Clinic, Sue Moore and Flourishes.
Another way to make a donation is the “Stuff the Shorts” vote for People’s Choice at the performances. The People’s Choice Award will be announced after the final performance on Sun., March 30.
Tickets for the Shorts Festival are available at Judith Karman Hospice at 915 S. Main and at Karman Korner Resale Shop at 819 S. Main. Those interested in more information or tickets, can call the hospice office at 405-377-8012.
