AIKEN, SC (11/21/2018) The University Theatre Players presents Experimental Relief Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 2, at 2 p.m., in the Etherredge Center on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus.
General Admission is $5. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 803-641-3305. This event is for mature audiences, as it contains strong language and subject matter.
The performance includes a series of 10-minute plays written and directed by USC Aiken students.
"[Directing is] an amazing opportunity to bring a peer's hard work to life on stage," said Savannah Faulkner, one of the student-directors who graduates in December.
"It's such a fulfilling experience to stage and direct a show that has never been directed before."
Experimental Relief provides a range of comedy and drama for audience members. Plots include a variety of issues, from infidelity to pranks gone too far.
Senior fine arts major Andrew Spencer is directing Lifeboat, written by senior fine arts major De'On Turner. Sometimes pranks can go too far, but can it ruin a marriage?
Roy Watkins, a senior fine arts major, is directing The Magic Touch, written by senior history major student Mo Pruiett. What happens when a girl believes that she could kill anyone by a simple touch and resorts to wearing gloves all her life?
Senior Fine Arts major Carlee McClary is directing Creative Distance, written by senior Selin Wayne, who is majoring in communication. When two strangers with different sexualities meet outside a gay club they realize that they may have more in common than they think.
December graduate Meg O'Donnell is directing Beer Girl, written by Walter Wykes, a professional playwright. An alcoholic decided he's found the girl of his dreams; the only thing is, she's made completely out of beer cans.
Faulkner is directing World's Greatest Worst Show, written by senior fine arts major Andrew Spencer. An untalented emcee tries his best to host a theatrical show, but the stage manager has had enough.
University Theatre Players routinely perform and direct their own plays.
"[It's] a surreal feeling to witness all of my hard work and creativity being illustrated by some talented actors and directed by one of my peers," according to Turner.
"That feeling is one of the biggest motivators for me to continue to write new shows."
Experimental Relief will be performed at USC Aiken's Etherredge Center in the O'Connell Theatre Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 2, at 2pm., in the Etherredge Center on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus.
General Admission is $5. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 803-641-3305. This event is for mature audiences, as it contains strong language and subject matter.