Telluride Playwrights Fest: “How To Not Get Turned Into A Tree” & More

22 Jul Telluride Playwrights Fest: “How To Not Get Turned Into A Tree” & More

Telluride Playwrights Festival runs Tuesday, July 22 – Sunday, July 27. Passes, $50, on sale now at www.sheridanoperahouse.com.

Now in its ninth year, SPARKy Production’s Telluride Playwrights Festival week showcases classic films in Mountain Village and brings together playwrights, actors, directors, volunteers and interns from all over the country to work on brand new plays. Case in point, “How Not to Get Turned Into a Tree.”

“How Not to Get Turned Into a Tree” is a one-person show by Daniel Glenn, which is featured at the Sheridan Opera House Thursday, July 24, 8 p.m. The play is really a modern-day myth in which, according to Glenn, “climate change, gun control and the Tea Party wreak havoc on the four main characters, but an illicit affair changes them all forever.”

Actress Lori Gardner rehearsing last year’s TPF reading of “The Banana Tree.”

Following Daniel’s show, there will be a scene from an original devised play featuring actors Lori Gardner, Richard Cowden and Glenn. Jennie Franks, director has been working with these three actors on their characters. None of the actors know who the other actors’ characters are. There will be no rehearsal between the actors. The three actors in character will meet for the first time on stage. They will be bringing their characters on stage and finding out about each other the same time the audience will also be learning about them. Afterwards a talk-back about the potential for a play with the actors, director and the audience. This unique performance is a real opportunity to get in on the beginning of a new play that is “Made in Telluride.”

A scene from IMPROV Nite 2013

Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. at the Sheridan Opera House the spotlight is on SPARK IMPROV. On-the spot-improv by veteran improv performers with audience participation. There will also be some theatrical surprises. Another fun, spontaneous evening.