It was six years ago that Renee Jordan first got her taste of the 24 Hour Theatre at Pensacola Little Theatre.
“It was chaotic and wonderful,” she said. “I was an actor and my character had a British accent. It was intense. It’s like theater on speed.”
The pressure cooker atmosphere didn’t scare Jordan away. In fact, she’s now the main coordinator for the semi-annual event.
“They call me the overlord,” she said.
For 24 Hour Theatre, a few dozen people come together to produce several short, original plays. When you factor in sleep—even though it comes in small amounts—it all comes together in less than 24 hours.
“We start with six writers and six directors,” Jordan said. “Most of the writers are connected with the West Florida Literary Federation, and I usually try to include about two or three veteran writers who have done 24 Hour Theatre before.”
The fun begins on Friday, March 20 with open auditions, which typically play off like an episode of “The Voice.” Acting hopefuls come in, get a quick headshot and do a cold read.
“We usually have about 35 to 40 people show up,” Jordan said. “Some of the directors and writers will fight over who they want, which is really funny to watch. But we always aim to cast everyone that shows up.”
All ages, talents, skills are welcome, although minors need to have parental supervision.
“We’ve had some come in as young as 7, which is fun because it gives writers more to play with. My 15-year-old daughter has done it too,” Jordan said. “We want a variety of people.”
The 24 Hour Theatre is a good, albeit, short introduction to the stage and with only one showtime, it’s not a huge commitment.
“It’s good for people who have thought about acting, but never did it. Maybe they did a play in high school,” Jordan said. “It’s a great way to get new people into the door.”
The production is also a chance for first-time directors to get a feel for that role. After Jordan’s first experience with 24 Hour Theatre, she was chosen to direct the next year, which was a whole new way of looking at the stage.
“Directors have to dictate what lights to use and what costumes to get,” she said. “It’s a great way to get a directing credit to your resume and it says a lot about anyone who’s willing to do it.”
Once actors are chosen and go home, the crunch time begins. Writers have just a handful of hours to finish a script before the actors come back the next morning to learn their lines before they perform inside the PLT courtroom.
“By 7:30 the next night it’s show time—the one and only time,” Jordan said.
Scripts are usually only a few pages and with so many actors, there typically aren’t a lot of lines to learn for each individual.
“The beautiful thing about it is that since these are all original plays nobody knows if you mess up,” she added.
Every year Jordan said she is impressed with the scripts she sees produced. Many are silly comedies, but there have been a few thrillers and mysteries. And because it is a Studio 400 Production, there are very few guidelines or script limitations, which leaves a lot of room for creativity.
“It’s the coolest thing. The characters are written specifically for you. Some of the most seasoned actors don’t ever get that treatment, ” she said. “It blows my mind each time. Luckily, we do recordings of each of the plays, which is something everyone can take home.”
Many PLT regulars came from the 24 Hour experience. Jordan said she normally sees about three to eight actors come back to audition for PLT stage productions.
“That always makes me happy, because this is the best theater home to make,” Jordan said. “An applause can be addiction. And I always try to keep this event fun. I tell everyone ‘If you’re not having fun, come find me and I’ll fix it.’”
While Jordan says the 24 Hour Theatre is a “high like no other” she does eventually come down after the chaos.
“Watching the shows in the back riser, I get my second wind,” she said. “But by Sunday, I’m a coma.”
As seen in Independent News
Articles by Jennie McKeon 