Media contact: Bruce Peterson, (620) 332-5492

Independence Community College is again host to theatrical talent from the community and beyond in the 5th annual "Independence Area 24-Hour Plays" sponsored by the William Inge Center for the Arts, Sat. Jan. 30 in Independence. Curtain time is 8 p.m. and admission is $5 for general and $3 for students. ICC students, faculty and staff attend for free.

The 24-Hour Plays is presented in partnership with the 24 Hour Company of New York. Local thespians create, rehearse, produce and present a handful of brand new short plays with the help of a crew of their colleague writers, actors, technicians and directors, all in one 24-hour period.

Since its inception in 1995 by Christina Fallon, the 24-Hour Plays Company has produced more than 300 new short plays, primarily by academic and professional groups. The Independence Area Community 24 Hour Plays is one of a handful in the nation to spotlight non-student theater enthusiasts, through a few college students will join in as well.

Despite its name, no one actually stays awake for 24 hours. The playwrights are the only persons who are up late night, as they must write a new 10-minute script by 6 a.m. Saturday. The actors spend Saturday rehearsing and memorizing their lines as no improvisation is allowed.

The Inge Center is funded in part by grants from the Kansas Arts Commission, the Hallmark Corporation, the William T. Kemper Foundation/Commerce Bank, the National Endowment for the Arts, the William Inge Festival Foundation and Independence Community College.

For more information on the 24-Hour Plays or additional Inge Center activities, call (800) 842-5492 or the official 24-Hour Plays website at www.24hourplays.com.