The Best and the Bard, Sansami’s 2017-2018 theme, will present little-seen plays, holiday humor, sketch comedy, a first-time festival and a Shakespeare production.
Just starting the venture out of high school, Shafer is amazed the way the vision has changed and Sansami has developed as quickly as it has.
“We’re finding a way to do this and be successful,” he said. “I’m excited. I never thought we could do this this soon. A lot of people haven’t seen the things we’re going to present.”
Although not all venues and exact dates are set yet, the shows will be performed in either Urbana, West Liberty or, for the first time, in Springfield.
The season will start Oct. 28-29 at Tigers Lounge at Tiger Hut in West Liberty with Edward Albee’s one-act absurdist drama “Zoo.”
Set in a New York City zoo, it’s a human experience story with two actors. A twist here is the performers will learn each other’s roles to understand them better.
“Sketchness” is a family-friendly sketch comedy event with a holiday season theme. It will be presented at a time and place to be determined in December.
The new year will bring an adult humor showcase, “The Affairs of Men,” Feb. 16-17 at a site to be determined to tie into Valentine’s Day. It will feature short plays, stand up and sketch comedy aimed at an older audience.
The weekend of April 20-22 will be what Shafer calls the biggest risk Sansami has taken. The Emerging Playwrights Festival is accepting 10-15 short plays to raise awareness of upcoming talent and use live judges and give out awards.
Shafer hopes to present this program in Springfield and is seeking a venue to present it at.
Sansami’s longest-running sketch comedy shows – Spotlight, Tonight! And Spotlight, Late Nite! will return in June.
As for the Bard, the season will conclude in July with a main stage production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
Shafer said the vision is to bring a wide variety of theatrical experiences to the area, things people probably haven’t seen or at least not seen done the Sansami way.
“Theater is about testing new ideas. We’re taking a huge leap in faith and hope the audience will respond,” he said.
For more information on Sansami Creative Works or information to submit to the playwright festival, go to www.sansamicw.com.
About the Author