Yakima Valley College’s Playmasters presents its 2024 Festival of New Works – Playmasters Premiere this March featuring original short plays written by YVC students. The event will include two original plays, “Memento Mori,” written by YVC student Matt Blanchard and directed by Alicia Bickley, and “Heaven’s little Gay-ngel,” written by YVC student Brooke Mason and directed by Ray Pritchard.
Performances will be held March 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. in YVC’s Kendall Hall, Building #12, Black Box Theatre. Admission is $5 for the general public and tickets can be purchased at the door; entry is free for YVC students, faculty and staff as well as other high school and college students with a student ID.
“Memento Mori” which playwright Matt Blanchard hopes to expand into a one-act play, is an examination of memory, loss and hope which Blanchard hopes to expand into a one-act play. Directed by Alicia Bickley, director of drama, cast members include YVC students Brooke Mason and Greyson Malsam, community member Matthew Marquez and YVC staff member Carlee Richard.
“Heaven’s little Gay-ngel” tells the story of Aaron, an angel, who is afraid of what will happen to him if his boss, God, finds out that he is gay. Spurring even more controversy, Aaron has fallen in love with the hottest man who just happens to also be a demon. Directed by Ray Pritchard technical director of drama, cast members include YVC students Dalilah Nelson, Jackson Ault and Greyson Malsam.
Bickley who teaches beginning and intermediate acting courses, comments that, “While the annual new works series has always offered YVC drama students an opportunity to grow as playwrights, directors and actors through participating in the process of creating and staging original work, this year’s event will include a new element.”
“So, if you want to find out what the new element is,” laughs Pritchard, who teaches the directing and playwriting courses, “you will have to come see the production.”
The plays may not be suitable for children. YVC’s Black Box Theatre offers an intimate audience experience, with seating for 40.
For more information about the Festival of New Works contact Alicia Bickley at abickley@yvcc.edu or Ray Pritchard at rpritchard@yvcc.edu.