The Department of Theatre conducted its second 24 HR Musical Sunday evening, preparing, practicing and performing High School Musical over a single 24-hour period and raising more than $600 for Living Water International.
Living Water International is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and money to help end the water crisis in third-world countries.
Nikki Wilson, event director, said the purpose of the 24 HR Musical was to inform people about this program in a fun way, through theatre.
Those involved in the performance had 24 hours to practice the script, work on their lines, rehearse choreography and work out costumes. Limited rehearsal time meant little to no sleep for those performing.
24 Hour Musical participants pose for picture.
The event was put on by Alpha Psi Omega, a national theatre honor society made up of theatre majors and minors.
This was the second year the organization has conducted a 24 HR Musical. Wilson, senior advertising and public relations major from Houston, said because of the 24-hour time restriction, the costumes are minimal and the actors typically have scripts in their hands, but the show is put together as best it can be.
“It is a really exciting time to be in that 24 hours, mostly because the rehearsal process is so quick,” Wilson said. “Everyone really has to jump on board and get excited, but it is so worth it in the end.”
Wilson said rehearsals began at 6 p.m. Saturday evening and continued through the night and into the morning. The official performance started at 6 p.m. Sunday in Culp Theatre.
The event pulled in a big crowd at the Williams Performing Arts Center. Guests filled theatre seating as well as the additional seating brought in for the event with people sitting in the audience walkways as well.
“We almost doubled our estimated attendance, so we feel like the event was a success,” said Joel Edwards, senior theatre major from Tyler.
Edwards said the leadership team of the musical took certain steps this year to eliminate complications for next year. He said he hopes next year’s 24 HR Musical can be a more established event and the most successful one yet.
“Our goal next year with 24 HR is to continue growing the project and continuing to teach the participants that theatre is not something we do for ourselves Â- iÂt’s something we do to serve others,” Edwards said.
