Student-written plays come to Glenbard West stage

Once a year, students at Glenbard West High School get the chance to craft what goes on stage from beginning to end.

This year's offering of student-written and produced plays focus on the world after high school, and the microcosm of life within the Glen Ellyn train station.

Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at the Glen Ellyn school. Shows usually are packed, teacher Mike Fox said. Because tickets are not pre-sold, it helps to get there early.

Senior Brittany Baurle wrote "Prestigitos University," which looks at two students starting their college careers. Both are excited and nervous.

They soon learn, though, that issues from high school don't simply disappear when students move to college.

The second play, "The Freakin' Fish Party," written by senior Rob Gorman, is set entirely within the Glen Ellyn train station. As anyone who rides a train knows, a variety of different characters must inhabit an enclosed space together despite their differences.

The situation in this case is made even more challenging when a there's a hostage crisis at the station where they're all waiting for a train.

Both plays are directed by student teacher Dan Napper. Devin Kelley serves as the stage manager.

If you go

What: Two student-written plays

Where: Glenbard West Black Box Studio, Room 302, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday

Cost: $3; no presales

Info: (630) 469-8600

'Prestigitos University' cast:

Hona Backstrom, Alex Cooper, Kathy Dorn, Eric Pitts and Olivia Rearick

'Freaking Fish Party' cast:

Emily Crowe, Andrew Erwin, Scott Frejlich, Rob Gorman, Maria Klingele, Shaun Mbateng, Steven Menachof, Tommy Nalan, Sean Riordan, Kim Stafford, Roxanne West, Michael Young and Brian Zindler