Maine West theater fest features five unique 1-acts

Maine West High School drama staff and students will celebrate a diversity of playwrights' voices and a diversity of directors as they present their "Fall Festival of Plays," Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 7-9.

Led by Fine Arts teacher Brent Shaphren, Maine West students will present a quintet of one-act plays. Directing for the evening will be three student directors, one alumni director and Mr. Shaphren.

In "The Blueberry Hill Accord," two best friends negotiate a breakup.

"Please Have a Seat and Someone Will Be with You Shortly," addresses the age-old question: Can love be found in a doctor's waiting room?

In "Present Tense," on the eve of prom, Norm's anxious imagination runs wild.

"Home for the Chalidays" shows a dysfunctional family finding the true meaning of the holidays.

Finally, "The Spot" involves the making of a political campaign commercial.

"We have created a special intimate black box performing space, presenting the shows on a thrust stage, so there is a very close connection with the audience," Shaphren said.

The Fall Festival of Plays will be presented at 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 and at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9. Tickets, available at the door, are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

Maine West is at 1755 S. Wolf Road in Des Plaines.