Theater-by-the-Grove, the theatrical performance ensemble at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, is proud to announce the workshop premiere production of John Spellos’ By The Time We Got To Woodstock, which is scheduled to perform in the Waller Hall Theatre on February 26–28 at 7:00 p.m. and March 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Joshua Kelly, Director
John Spellos, Playwright
This poignant comedy was selected after an extensive reading process organized by visiting professor of theatre Joshua Kelly, who will also direct the production. After IUP announced its open submission for unproduced, full-length plays in late October, they received over 430 submissions from several countries, with playwrights ranging in experience from Drama Desk Award nominees and graduates of celebrated programs like Juilliard and Tisch School of the Arts, to hobbyist writers and first-time student playwrights.
“The response was astounding,” Kelly said. “There are so many quality writers working in the theatre at all levels, but competition to get new work seen and produced is incredibly fierce. So many playwrights expressed their sincere gratitude that we are willing to explore new texts.”
By the Time We Got to Woodstock follows the story of a young man whose family cabin is overrun by a motley crew of strangers all trying to get to the fabled music festival, through bad weather and worse luck, before it ends. The play was selected for several reasons: it was written for a cast of college actors fitting the department demographics, it centers on a theme that college artists found interesting and worthy of exploration, and it contains exceptional quality in its dialogue, depth of character, and story.
“It’s remarkable how being lost in the shifting political and cultural climate of 1969 is so identifiable for young adults today,” says Kelly. “While I read it, I forgot that I was following the story of college-aged characters 50 years ago and kept seeing the questions, fears, desires, and conflicts of our own students, even through the delightful tie-dye nostalgia.”
The play was chosen unanimously by the IUP Theatre Faculty and students on the selection committee, after widespread support for the proposition of premiering an unproduced work. This, says Kelly, was huge validation for pitching the project. Students are increasingly interested in new dramas as much as producing already-loved and celebrated plays frequently recognized by audiences.
“Our job isn’t just to teach students how to do their craft, but how to cultivate it,” says Kelly. “They’re going to shape the professional world they’re training for. We must give them opportunities to do new things fueled by their interests so they’ll be prepared for a professional world that is growing in demand for new plays and mission-focused companies. …Woodstock is the perfect chance for them to practice this way of thinking about and producing theatre.”
By the Time We Got to Woodstock contains mild adult themes and is recommended for teenagers to adult audiences. Tickets are available for advance purchase online or by phone through the Lively Arts Office at 724-357-2787, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remaining tickets may be purchased at the door one hour before each performance.