Follow the journey of over 50 actors, writers, and directors as they conceive, produce, and perform seven world premier one-act plays in just 24 hours.
In August 2009, Rover Dramawerks hosted its thirteenth One Day Only event in Plano, Texas. Seven writers, seven directors and thirty-four actors, all chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, gather at 9:00 Friday evening at the Courtyard Theater in quaint downtown Plano. By 8:00 Saturday night, seven brand new one act plays are performed for the first and only time.
During the Friday evening introductions, every participant contributes a slip of paper containing a word, a phrase, or a saying. Writers pick a slip randomly from a hat and must write a 10-15 minute play that somehow incorporates that word, phrase, or saying.
The writers struggle through the night to write their creation. Directors then read each new play and vie for the chance to direct their favorite. Once they choose a play, directors have mere minutes to cast the production from snapshots taken of each actor.
Saturday, from 8:00am until 8:00pm show-time, is spent in frenzied rehearsals that take place in backrooms, hallways and lobbies of the theater itself - a day-long crucible of intense effort.
The documentary One Day Only follows these artists during their 24 hour creative juggernaut as the plays evolve from concept to completion. Handheld video taken during the event, on-site impromptu interviews and follow-up interviews are blended seamlessly to tell the story of the participants. Opening night performance video and recaps provide closure to viewer and artist alike.
Experience the drama, the stress, the excitement, and the joy of this One Day Only journey!
