Findlay, Ohio, Jan. 29, 2004 — Triage Theatre, one of the fastest growing theatre movements, will be held at The University of Findlay on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. in Egner Theatre.

Typically, theatre performances are the result of many weeks of hard work – casting, rehearsing, technical work, dress rehearsals. In Triage Theatre, all the preparation time is taken away. In fact, every element of the performance, from the script and set to the acting and staging, takes place within 24 hours.

Triage Theatre will begin with an initial meeting on Feb. 6 from 8 to 9 p.m. University groups of eight to 12 people can participate. In addition, individuals or smaller groups can also participate. These people will be placed into groups of eight.

Once the groups are organized, rules will be explained. Each group will then select one or two people to write the play, one person to direct the play and one person to handle the technical aspects of the play. Other members of each group will serve as actors. Theatre faculty members will give the group a theme, and the group will spend the remaining time brainstorming ideas for a play.

From 9 p.m. Feb. 6 to 9 a.m. Feb. 7 the playwrights will write the plays. From 9 to 11 a.m., the directors, technical managers and playwrights will figure out how to stage and produce the shows. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the plays will be staged. Throughout the day, different groups will have 45 minutes to add lights and sound.

After a dinner break, the shows, each between five and 10 minutes, will be staged for the public on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. The shows will be judged, and each group will compete for prize money, comprised of an entry fee paid by all participants.

Triage Theatre has been a growing form of theatre throughout the country. Following the example of eight sold-out seasons by the 24-hour theatre company Horizon Theatre in Atlanta, Ga., more than 100 companies throughout the United States are producing 24- to 48-hour theatre shows each year. In its third year at UF, Triage Theatre is sponsored by Alpha Psi Omega, UF’s honorary theatre fraternity.

Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and senior citizens and are available at the door one half-hour prior to the performance. For more information, call 419-434-4531.