Masque and Gown, Bowdoin's student theatrical organization, is producing its second 24-hour production this weekend. Contrary to what the name implies, the actual show is not a spin-off of the hit Fox series "24"; it will only last 45 minutes to an hour. However, the entire process of writing, rehearsing, and producing the play will occur between 8 p.m. today and 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Masque and Gown president Rachael Leahy '07 described the process of creating the show. "The writers come to the office at 8 p.m. on Friday night and have 12 hours to write. On Saturday, the actors block the show and learn their lines until 4 p.m., when the tech people come in, are given a few props, and set up lights."
Anyone can sign up to write, act, or work with technical aspects of the show as there are no auditions. This year's show involves three writers and seven actors.
One of the purposes of the show is to involve students who aren't normally involved in theater.
According to Leahy, "It's just really fun to see people who don't try out for big shows or who don't come to meetings spend a day doing the 24-hour show."
"For people who want to learn tech, it's a really good way to start learning the basics of lighting and how to get props together," she added.
Masque and Gown has been a student organization at Bowdoin for more than 100 years, but the 24-hour show has only been around since the fall semester. Leahy came up with the idea of doing a 24-hour show when Masque and Gown couldn't put on its traditional dinner theater because of a space conflict.
"We wanted to do another show that would be low-key but fun," said Leahy.
She had wanted to start the project in high school, but found it easier at Bowdoin because of increased interest and space.
The first 24-hour show was about a group of people trapped on a subway car during a power shortage, and the subsequent relationships that formed.
"It worked out really well," said Leahy. "The writers were able to take the actors and write parts for them, so the show really fit together despite only having 12 hours [to produce it]."
Characters included a panic-ridden man, a sex toy salesman, and a worried mother.
The 24-hour show will take place this Saturday at 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Room 108, and will end before the Spring Gala begins. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
"Last time we were filled to capacity," Leahy said. "People were sitting on the floor and standing around the edges of the room."