Plays are notoriously hard to create, write, and produce. No one knows this better than Liberty’s drama department. 

On Saturday, September 24, Liberty’s Patriot Players participated in the 48-hour play, where they produced six plays in less than 48 hours. Around 35 students were involved in the process as actors, stage managers, playwrights, or directors.

“This year we had some of the highest participation we’ve ever had,” senior Thespian Society President Emelia Hartford said. 

The process starts when student writers are given a prompt and 24 hours to write a comprehensive ten-minute play. After hours of non-stop writing, they submit their script to the drama department head, Dr. Micheal Butterworth, for approval at 9 am Saturday morning.

Directors and stage managers then get their scripts and communicate with the actors. This part of the process involves directors establishing blocking for the stage and deciding on the lighting and props.

“I agreed to be a director, even though I didn’t really know what that would entail,” sophomore Joceyln Hood said. “I had to solve a lot of problems and be creative. I found it really fun!”

Actors participating in the event get the script and are given one day to memorize, rehearse, and perform in front of a crowd in the Liberty Blackbox.

“It was a challenge to get there at 10 am on a Saturday and then rehearse our way to a semi-memorized ten-minute play by 7 p.m.,” sophomore Charlie Newton, one of the actors, said.

Different play topics ranged from vampire houseboats, glittery report cards, mysterious labs, and even funerals. One play even had original songs sung by the actors. The songs were written by freshman Aashna Sikka.

“I didn’t think I would be in a musical. Even though I had a small role, it was hard to learn,” senior Allie Van Parys said.

Each play had a completely randomized cast, except for the musical. Butterworth chose specific actors who could sing or had experience in theater to perform.

“I worked with people I’ve never had a chance to get to meet before, and now I’m friends with them,” Van Parys said. “It was a challenge, but I enjoyed it.”

Overall, the 48-Hour Play was a success.

“Everyone in drama is super fun, super goofy, super energetic,” Hartford said. “You get into a room with people who are unafraid to be creative.”