Putting on a 24 hour show is always a crazy fun time. It is not a show that lasts 24 hours, but rather a show that is written, rehearsed, and teched all within 24 hours. Here are some guidelines on how to run a 24 hour show. Note that literally anything goes, and you are free to ignore anything in this document; this is meant mostly as a summary of what we have found works well.
Before the Day
There is some (but not much) prep work that should happen before the 24 hours begin. Mostly it's just picking a title for the show and advertising that we're doing it.
Picking a Title
The show starts with a title. It is very important that no one discusses any plot or ideas for a given title until the 24 hours and writing officially begin (otherwise it won't all happen strictly within 24 hours). If plot, characters, or anything else is discussed with regards one potential title, that title cannot be used.
Classic past titles are "Ophelia Bedelia", "If You Give Macbeth a Muffin", "Murder and Kissing", and more! The easiest way to gather titles is to have a long email chain where members/Dartes can suggest them. Afterwards, the Ensemble should vote on which title to use. This voting can happen in any way, though usually 2 or 3 rounds of voting is helpful to narrow the (probably very long) list of titles. For 24 hour shows during REX, we sometimes let freshmen vote on titles at the Activities Midway; this serves both to advertise the show to them and to let them have some say in what they want to see. The title voting can be open until the beginning of the 24 hours, or you could close it and announce the winning title earlier.
Publicizing
Emails should be sent to all the dorms a couple days before the show advertising that we're doing a 24 hour show. The spam doesn't have to include the title of the show, especially if you don't know it yet! Since it's sort of an unusual sort of production, the following text (or something similar) is helpful to include in the email:
You should also email ensemble, ensemble-dartes, and ensemble-friends with an email inviting them to participate in the show.
On the Day
There is, of course, more to do on the day of the show. Here goes!
Overall Schedule
The general schedule is as follows (for this example, the show is on Day 2 at 8pm, with writing beginning at Day 1 at 8pm):
- Day 1 at 8 pm: Kick-off meeting! Everyone involved in the show is required to attend (this is to avoid actors dropping out or something like that). See the description below for what goes on at this meeting.
- Day 1 at 8 pm – Day 2 at 8 am: Writers write the play!
- Day 2 at 8 am – Day 2 at 8pm: Actors and Director rehearse! Any tech that might happen should happen in this time.
- Day 2 at 8 pm: THE FINAL SHOW!
Jobs During the Show
There are several things to be done. One person taking on more than one job (especially writing plus a day-time job) is heavily discouraged because sleep is important.
Actor - actors act in the show (gasp!). They should expect to be rehearsing from 8am to 8pm on Day 2, act in the show at 8pm on Day 2, and come to the kick-off meeting on Day 1. They will need to memorize the lines/blocking/etc., though they can specify whether they want a large or smaller role.
Writer - writers write the show (gasp!). They go to the kick-off meeting at 8pm on Day 1, then write until 8am on Day 2. They should write the script based on the title, and should make sure the number of actors they have can play all the roles they write into the script. Unless the director tells them to, they probably shouldn't cast the show.
Director - the director directs the show (gasp!). They should expect to be rehearsing from 8am to 8pm on Day 2, and come to the kick-off meeting on Day 1. They're in charge of the actors during the day of rehearsing, and should cast the show at the start of rehearsals.
Techie - techies do tech (gasp!); however, usually there is little tech during 24 hour shows. Most often there is one "helper" who sits at a light switch to control lights and helps find props that the director needs. If someone wants to do more intense tech (e.g. some lighting design), they are free to! In that situation, communication about the level of tech should happen before the 24 hours begin.
Publicity - It is often helpful to have one person dedicated to publicizing the show. They should do the things described in the "Publicity" section below.
Kick-off Meeting
Everyone involved in the show is required to be at the kick-off meeting. At this meeting, you should announce the title (if you haven't already)! At this point the 24 hours have begun, so people are allowed to discuss the plot and characters of the play as desired. You should have everyone declare what they are doing for the show (act, write, tech, etc.), and you should chose a director. It's also helpful to gather actor information for the writers: what genders they're willing to kiss, what size role they're willing to play, and any special skills they have. Also be sure to collect the contact information of everyone there.
At the end of the meeting, let the writers begin. You can send the contact info as well as a live doc of the script being written to all involved in the play.
Publicity
It's really helpful if someone (or a couple people) takes on the role of publicity. This person makes a funny/simply/shitty poster and hangs them up as much as possible. There should also be at least 3 dorm-spam emails (at least in my opinion - one in the morning, afternoon, and about an hour before the show) sent out to get people to come. Programs should also be made if possible, listing the actors, writers, techies, and director.
Tech
Unless someone wants to do tech, it is very minimal. People find costumes in their wardrobes, their dorms, and the Ensemble Office. Props are acquired in a similar way. It isn't uncommon to have props sketchily made out of cardboard. For lights, we can have someone sit at a light switch. For sound, we can use a laptop, with speakers if they can be found. Basically, make it work and don't worry too much about it being professional-looking.
Final Show
You have the actors, the play, and the programs. All you need to do is add audience and have a fabulous time! Good luck :D