24 Hour Plays on Broadway

The creative process of 24 Hour Plays on Broadway begins at 10:00 P.M. the night before the show, when a group of six writers, six directors, 24 actors and production staff gather at the American Airlines Theater. After everyone has been briefed, the writers’ stay up all night to each compose a ten-minute play. At 7:00 A.M. the following morning, the directors return, read the plays, and choose their favorites to direct. The casts meet for the first time at 8 am and quickly get to work rehearsing. Tech rehearsal runs from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. and doors open at 7:45 P.M. At 8:00 P.M., ink barely dry, the new plays are performed for a live audience.

Participating actors include Emmy Award winner Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Berkley (Hurly Burly) Saturday Night Live’s Rachel Dratch, Oscar nominee Rosie Perez (Frankie & Johnny), and two-time Tony Award nominee Patrick Wilson (Oklahoma!, The Full Monty).