This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s April 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
Picture this: you are given the task of crafting an entire production series — all in just 24 hours. That is the challenge awaiting students involved in Plays in a Day, an annual collaborative event between Cinnabar, Ward Melville’s art and literary magazine, and the Ward Melville Players, a student acting group. This fast-paced event will put the imagination and creativity of both writers and performers to the test as they join forces to think, write, rehearse and perform on the clock.
Cinnabar meets before the event to brainstorm prompts. Then, at the beginning of 1st period on the day of the event, Cinnabar members and the Players gather in the LGI to form groups; prompts are then randomly assigned. The writers and actors work together in creative spaces like the LGI and Z-Space to develop original scripts for the 5–10 minute plays. Group members work throughout the day to write and rehearse their creations. Students in Cinnabar are also encouraged to step into acting roles, while Players are encouraged to participate in the writing as well.
After school, students have the opportunity to leave and buy props and costumes or continue rehearsing for the rest of the afternoon. Then, there is a full run of the show at 5 p.m., and, after 12 hours of preparation, the official show begins at 7 p.m. Participants are challenged to rely heavily on their expressive instincts and imagination to successfully bring their stories to life. The audience also receives an exciting glimpse into the spontaneity of live theater.
At last year’s successful event, one group received the prompt “Greek Mythology” and developed a sorority ghost story based on the theme. Another group took inspiration from a sitcom to write their play “Jumping the Shark,” which included intro music and cue cards with audience reactions.
Cinnabar co-president Althea Grubbs-Aubrecht spoke about the upcoming performance. “I think Plays in a Day is a really cool opportunity for collaboration between students who have different creative inclinations. I’m really excited to participate in fostering this sort of artistic cooperation, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final productions,” said Grubbs- Aubrecht.
Hope Hahn, Cinnabar’s other co-president, spoke out about the upcoming show as well, saying, “I am really excited to bridge the gap between Players and Cinnabar, since I am in both clubs. I have always thought of it as an opportunity for like-minded individuals to collaborate in ways they haven’t been able to before.”
Plays in a Day, however, is not just about the performance and final delivery of all that was created. It is about the process, collaboration, perseverance and imagination that goes into the production of this event.
Ms. Marra, the Cinnabar advisor, said, “I love Plays in a Day because it gives you the opportunity to see writing from beginning to end. You start with the idea, you plant the seed and you all contribute.”
Mark your calendars for May 30 if you want to be witness to the theatrical magic of Plays in a Day.
