Seabury Hall’s One-Act Festival returns May 16–17 with student-written plays and performances

Seabury Hall Performing Arts closes its season with the much-anticipated return of “Side Shows: A Festival of One-Act Plays,” now in its 29th year. This showcase of student-written one-act plays will run for one weekend only, with performances on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at the school’s ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center.

Each play—ranging from 6 to 10 minutes—is written and performed by students, offering an energetic and fast-paced night of theater that celebrates creativity, collaboration and youth voices.

“The one-act festival has proven to be an ideal experience for students and audiences,” says Seabury Hall theater director Todd Van Amburgh. “It’s a rollercoaster ride of stories and performances. Because each piece is short, students can take on lead roles without the demanding rehearsal schedules of full-length productions. Plus, we’re able to include over two dozen student performers.”

In addition to acting, students in Andre Morissette’s costume design classes and Peter Della Croce’s theater tech class are deeply involved behind the scenes—designing costumes, sets and projections, and learning firsthand what it takes to bring a production to life.

“Veterans end their high-school careers with this show while others are discovered here,” Van Amburgh said. “It’s a chance for students and directors alike to take creative risks. The One-Act Festival is both a great educational experience and a whole lot of fun.”

Tickets are $5 for all seats. For more information, visit www.seaburyhall.org.