Indiana State University Newsroom

The ISU theater department will host its annual New Play Festival starting Feb. 16.

The department will stage four new productions and read two additional plays. ISU students wrote the scripts for all of the plays. The plays will feature a variety of subjects including an attempted escape from purgatory and a modern retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice story.

Benjamin Fulk, student producer of the festival, said the festival has a lengthy planning process.

"We've been planning this festival since the end of last school year," Fulk said.

Students developed most of the plays during playwriting classes last fall, according to Fulk.

Student playwright Andrew Todd said he took the playwriting class and loved it. His play, "Orlando's 12," will be performed on Feb. 16.

"I never would've been able to write a play without the collaboration of my peers in the playwriting class," said Todd.

After months of hard work, students will finally see their plays in action at the festival.

"Having one of your own plays performed is always a privilege and an honor," Fulk said. "Seeing your work come to life and be witness to it with a room full of audience members is an experience unlike any other."

Not only did ISU students write the plays, but they will be directing them and acting in them as well. Todd, also be performing in "The Pontificator."

"Everyone has put so much hard work and dedication into each and every one of the shows," Fulk said. "I could not be any prouder."

Due to the length of the plays, only two will be presented each night.

Wednesday, Feb. 16
5 p.m.- "Yard Sale" by Constance Johnson (Reading)
7:30 p.m.- "False Accusations" by James Reid
"Orlando's 12" by Andrew Todd

Thursday, Feb. 17
5 p.m.- "Stop the Clocks" by Charles Adams (Reading)
7:30 p.m.- "The Pontificator" by Justin Renner
"Lighted Streets and Dark Alleys" by Benjamin Fulk

Friday, Feb. 18
7:30 p.m.- "False Accusations" by James Reid
"Orlando's 12" by Andrew Todd

Saturday, Feb. 19
7:30 p.m.- "The Pontificator" by Justin Renner
"Lighted Streets and Dark Alleys" by Benjamin Fulk

Tickets are $7 for the public and free to students with an ISU I.D.

Writer: Britany Dean, Indiana State University, media relations assistant, at 812-237-3773.