Trevor Schmidt, artistic director of Northern Light Theatre, has one very sage piece of advice for actors participating in Catalyst Theatre’s Over the Edge With 4 Play.
“Always wear clean underwear. You never know what will happen,” chuckles Lana Michelle Hughes, managing and communications associate at Catalyst Theatre.
Hughes was paraphrasing, but you get the message. 4 Play is so helter-skelter that costume shenanigans and falling sets bring out some of the best laughs.
“I can say with all honesty, I never know what will happen,” Hughes said.
Over the Edge With 4 Play is one of Edmonton’s most popular theatre fundraisers that attracts the hottest stars.
Four playwrights are given three hours to write a 10-minute script. Each script is directed by one of four directors. And each director can cast up to four actors in his presentation.
The four plays must be written, designed, directed and rehearsed in less than 12 hours. Highlights from previous years have included spontaneous raps, stripping cops, a silent production with diamond thieves, guest appearances by politicians and beat poetry.
“One year we had a fake angel choir. Another year someone built a giant barn in the lobby and we had to cut it in half and resurrect it on stage.”
The playwrights stepping out of the woodwork are Morinville’s Marty Chan, Ellen Chorley, Darrin Hagen and Beth Graham. They will be given a specific line of words that must be included in the play. Otherwise it's open season.
The four directors who have taken on the challenge of shaping the script include Tracy Caroll, Brenley Charkow, Dave Horak and Glenda Stirling. And the actors challenged with acting out the roles are Rebecca Merkley, Ben Stevens, Davina Stewart and St. Albert Children’s Theatre alumnus Garett Ross.
And as for Trevor Schmidt, a long-time participant, he will be this year’s crackling Master of Ceremonies.
Hughes also encourages readers to win free tickets by sending in a snappy line or an interesting prop to be used by all the playwrights. The winner receives two free tickets. Entries can be sent to [email protected]
Over the Edge is Friday, April 6 at the ATB Financial Arts Barns. Doors at 9 p.m. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 780-420-1757 or at www.tixonthesquare.ca.
