Seven original shows, written, directed, produced, and performed, twice, in just twenty-four hours, entirely organized by high school students. 14/48:HS is a theatre festival that pushes participants to create something completely new in a single day. A theme for the festival is chosen Friday evening, then seven writers stay up all night, each writing an original show based on the chosen theme.
The next morning, each show is assigned to a director and a group of actors, who immediately begin rehearsal. Designers begin collecting, or making, any costumes, props, or set pieces needed for each show. Once Tech begins, each show only has 25 minutes to run through the lights and sounds that they want. “Day-of” managers organize volunteers, print programs and advertising, and prepare the shows.
At 7:30pm the first round of performances begin. Then at 10pm there is a second round of performances. Once the final show ends everything is packed up and taken home, the entire process completed in just twenty-four hours. This year’s festival will be on October 8th.
14/48:HS is the student version of the 14/48 Projects. The 14/48 Projects began in Seattle in 1997, and the first ever high school festival took place in October of 2014. 14/48:HS is open to high schoolers all around the greater Seattle area. The mission is to bring together talented students to collaborate in an unusual way. Different disciplines and levels of experience are all thrown together to make something out of nothing in mere hours. 14/48:HS was also named Best Youth Engagement Program by the Teeny Awards in 2015.
The festival is filled with SAAS students. Else Ratzliff ’17, Alex Mihalski ’17, Noah Sarkowsky ’17, and Esme DeCoster ’18 are all board members. And numerous other SAAS students participate as actors, writers, designers, and technicians.
If you’re interested in any aspect of theatre, or just want to support your talented classmates, come to the festival this year!
Date: October 8, 2016
Location: Stage One, North Seattle College
Showtimes: 7:30pm and 10pm
Tickets: reserve tickets through the 14/48:HS website (http://www.1448hs.org/2016-festival/). Tickets are free but donations are greatly appreciated.