The last time I wrote a play, it took me more than a year to write, edit and rewrite before I thought it was at least in good enough shape to show an audience. Then, I handed the script to a director, we talked about it for a couple of weeks, and then he talked about it with set, lighting and costume designers for another couple of weeks. It took another week or so to cast the show and then about five weeks of rehearsals.

On opening night the director and I looked at each other, frowning. “I wish we had another week,” he said.

So it’s with great respect (and terror) that I recommend visiting Greenville’s Little Theatre Jan. 28 for its 3rd Annual 24 Hour Play Festival.

The festival actually begins the night before, on Jan. 27, when a group of playwrights begin work on brand new plays. The next morning, the playwrights hand off their scripts to a director and cast, who rehearse the play that day for a (perhaps nail-biting) performance that night.

In order to make sure that the playwrights are not smuggling in old ideas and passing them off as brand new plays, the wordsmiths are asked to incorporate features selected by special Greenville Little Theatre guests.

It’s amazing how rehearsed and polished some of these short plays can get in a day; sometimes the ticking clock pushes the artists past their own self-censorship and worry to make bold, exciting choices that they would never make with the luxury of time. What’s more, the plays tend to be unique and eclectic, combining comedy and tragedy for a great and varied evening of theater.

For more information on the festival and for ticket information, click here.