Flathead Theatre celebrates 10th year of "FXT"
The Flathead High Theatre Department will present “FXT 10: Flathead Experimental Theatre” at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13-14 and 4 p.m. on Jan. 15 in the David M. Hashley Theatre.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, “Flathead Experimental Theatre” was started in 2004 by Greg Adkins and his Acting 3 class. This unique form of theater provides an opportunity for student playwrights to see their work performed on stage. It is written, directed and performed by students. It's a project where new ideas and student creativity can be explored onstage.
Spearheaded by the Acting 3 Class: Directing and Design and with plays written by ‘Asta Bowen’s creative writing class, “FXT 10” is truly a student-centered project. Acting 3 advisor and director of FHS Theatre Wendy Putzler oversees the process, but all the designing, writing, acting and directing is student-produced. The technical duties are also performed by the students, including the lighting and set design and construction.
This year’s presentation of “FXT” is a unique compilation of one-act plays that include 11 original plays.
“Each play asks the audience not to take their struggles in life too seriously,” said Putzler. “The ability to laugh at one's own faults can go a long way.”
The plays include: “Let Heidi Help,” “Amish Paradise,” “Life in a Moment,” “Prehistoric Love,” “Captain Morrison,” “The Great Escape,” “Goodbye Brielle,” “One Tree OC Beach,” “Pathos,” “Mr. Heustis” and “Community College: The Musical.”
In honor of the 10th anniversary of ‘Flathead Experimental Theatre,’ the students have decided to honor the tradition and history of “FXT” by reviving and performing four plays produced in previous “FXT” productions — “One Tree O.C. Beach,” “Community College: The Musical,” “The Great Escape” and “Life in a Moment.”
“’Flathead Experimental Theatre 10’ will be remembered for its commemoration of 1- years of thrilling theatre,” Putzler said. “The mix of lively, sensational humor and thoughtful, sentimental drama celebrates our productions of the past and invites us to come back for more!”
Playwrights for “FXT” are Jesse Brenneman, Bethany Denton, Ty Wycoff, Jason Brown, Mackenzie Williams, Jhalen Salazar, Katie Keller, Becca Marshall, Ciana McConnell, Brittany Kretske, and Clark Seaman. The plays are directed by members of the Acting 3 class: Alexandra Zografos, Beki Hafemeyer, Katie Keller, Mackenzie Williams, Brooke Wahlert, Dana Pfeifer, Jenna McGuire, Kyle Wood, Ashli Petek, Kristen Ross and Rebecca Miletich.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens, and can be purchased at the Flathead High School main office and Photo Video Plus.