STCC Theater Workshop presents 10-minute plays

Springfield, Mass. - Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) theater workshop students will present “Theater Shorts: a collection of seven award winning plays” set to run May 5-7. Under the direction of STCC Professor Phil O’Donoghue, with production design by Professor Greg Trochlil, the lineup features “Winter Games,” by Rachel Bonds; “Crazy Eights,” by David Lindsay-Abaire; “The Blueberry Hill Accord,” by Daryl Watson; “So Tell Me About This Guy,” by Dolores Whiskeyman; “Jerry Springer is God,” by Matt Pelfrey; “Creep,” by James Christy; and “The Battle of Bull Run Always Makes Me Cry,” by Carole Real. Performances will be held in STCC’s Scibelli Hall (Building 2) Theater on Thursday, May 5 at 11 a.m.; Friday, May 6, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

“Theater Shorts” is considered one of the top 10-minute play collections over the last decade. Six of the plays the theater students will perform have won awards at the Humana Festival of New Plays in Louisville, Kentucky and “Crazy Eights” was written by David Lindsay-Abaire, a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright.

Presenting these plays not only showcases some of our best American playwrights, it also showcases the talents of our students. These plays are varied— some are funny, some serious, but all are relevant. It promises to be a fully realized theatrical experience. And, the great thing is, if you don’t like one, just wait ten minutes. Phil O'Donoghue, STCC Professor

“The 10-minute play has become the theatrical equivalent of the short story,” said O’Donoghue. “Presenting these plays not only showcases some of our best American playwrights, it also showcases the talents of our students. These plays are varied— some are funny, some serious, but all are relevant. It promises to be a fully realized theatrical experience. And, the great thing is, if you don’t like one, just wait ten minutes.”

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door or by calling (413) 755-4233 to reserve seats.

The Saturday, May 7 performance will be a benefit to support Voices from Inside (VFI). VFI hosts writing groups for currently, or formerly, incarcerated women. Through creative writing workshops and public readings, participants in the program are empowered to voice their feelings and opinions and share their stories with the world. Based in Western Massachusetts, VFI partners with local correctional and rehabilitation facilities to offer these writing workshops to women. To learn more about VFI visit http://www.voicesfrominside.org.

For more information contact: