Why Do It

When a team of actors, writers, directors and producers are given just 24 hours to create, rehearse and tech six short original plays, climaxing in an off-book performance to a live theatre audience, the experience is unbelievably stimulating. 

Time and time again, we find that going through the process gives rise to an enormous feeling of accomplishment, stronger creative relationships, and a renewed sense of self-confidence.  Writers overcome writers’ block, actors overcome stage fright, directors gain the confidence to take control of a rehearsal room quickly and assertively, and producers find the ability to hold their nerve in the shortest tech and rehearsal process known to man.

But don’t take our word for it ….

The 24 Hour Plays gives students the chance to step out of their fear and into their greatness
Rosie Perez, actress

Every time I see The 24 Hour Plays, I marvel at the process. Regardless of whether each play was performed in a garage or on a Broadway Stage, or at The Old Vic, each is the culmination of just one day's work. With peer practitioners who only met the day before. In an unfamiliar theatre. With just minutes of tech time. No dress rehearsal. No prompt book. No safety net. The experience is magical.  And I think it reminds you why you fell in love with theatre in the first place
Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theatre

Each time I’m involved in the process, I’m reminded just how insane and incredible collaboration can be, especially when there's too little time to over think anything, and everyone involved is just going with their gut. It's also just plain fun, which sometimes we forget to have, and a great opportunity to try things - characters, questions etc - that might be totally nuts 
Bekah Brunstetter, award-winning playwright

The 24 Hour Plays legacy is a professional lifetime of collaborations between actors, directors, writers and producers who have met on (and survived!) the project
James Grieve, artistic director, Paines Plough

You always see the most incredible personal and professional growth take place in the artists involved.  There's great confidence to be taken from realizing that, if you can do this project, you can do pretty much anything
Rachael Stevens, producer, The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices, 2006-10