Union stages One Act Play Festival Oct. 25-27

Rachel Dorroh • October 15, 2024

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre will showcase three short plays in the One Act Play Festival set for October 25-27 in Rector Little Theatre: “Hamlette,” by Allison Williams; “The Trojan Women,” adapted by Jon Jory; and “Mercury is Perpetually in Retrograde So Stop Worrying About It,” by Kara Lee Corthron. Cast and crew feature a range of participants from campus and community, including high school students from Knox Central and Barbourville Independent.

 

“One Act Play Festivals are a great way to allow more people to get involved with a lower commitment,” theatre program director Dr. Jayme Kilburn says. Since she began at Union in January of 2023, Kilburn has been dedicated to offering a range of theatre opportunities open to all.

 

“I also wanted our musical director John Howard to get the opportunity to direct,” she says. “He's been a huge asset to the program so any opportunity to get him more involved is great!”

 

The festival is part of an entire season dedicated to celebrating women protagonists. The season is sponsored by the Barbourville Junior Woman's Study Club and the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Season sponsorship allows UCU Theatre to keep ticket prices low and offer free community workshops such as the recent musical theatre workshop, the ongoing drop-in improv class, and the Playwriting Masterclass with Erica Dickerson-Despenza coming up on October 19.

 

Show Details


“Hamlette,” by Allison Williams

Directed by Jayme Kilburn and Serah Christopher

This twisty, turny adaptation of “Hamlet” is a 25-minute whirlwind! The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet(te) to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet(te) feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet(te).

 

“The Trojan Women,” adapted by Jon Jory

Directed by John Howard, assistant directed by Ruthie Masengale

The Trojan Women follows the fates of Hecuba, Andromache, Cassandra, and the other women of Troy after their city has been destroyed, their husbands killed, and their remaining families about to be taken away to be enslaved. Often considered one of Euripides‘ greatest works, the play's themes consider the toll of war.   

               

“Mercury is Perpetually in Retrograde So Stop Worrying About It,” by Kara Lee Corthron

Directed by Jayme Kilburn and Tyce Hall

Polly’s life is great. Her mother just sent her two tickets to Wicked. What could go wrong? Then her boyfriend breaks up with her. And her best friend does too. And her mother changes her phone number. And that’s just the start.

 

Show Times


Friday, October 25 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 26 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m.

All performances feature all three shows and will be held in Rector Little Theatre, which is accessible through the backdoors of Cowan Chapel on Union’s campus.

 

Tickets


  • Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $5 to $15 at unioncollege.regfox.com/one-act-play-festival
  • Guests may also purchase tickets at the door on a pay-what-you-can basis.

All are welcome, but seating is limited, so advanced reservation is recommended.



Purchase Tickets

For more information about UCU Theatre programming, contact Jayme Kilburn at (606) 546-1445 or jkilburn@unionky.edu.

Poster for the One Act Play Festival features names of plays, writers, and directors; showtimes, a QR code for tickets; logos for sponsors; black line drawings of lead female characters from each play; and a mystical motif of mauve, lavender, and rose bubbles and clouds with white stars and dots.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to share several exciting updates as work gets underway on key campus improvement projects this summer. These initiatives, made possible through successful fundraising efforts, reflect Union’s commitment to creating a welcoming, well-maintained environment for students, visitors, and the broader community.
By Maisie Nelson June 4, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors from Bell County High School who have committed to continue their academic journeys at Union. Together, these students have been awarded over $190,000 in scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and athletic talent.
By Maisie Nelson June 2, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is inviting school-aged children to enjoy free swim days every Saturday in June, beginning June 7 at the Center for Health & Learning’s Stivers Aquatic Center. These open swim opportunities are a way to give back to the community and celebrate the start of summer with local families.
Miller standing beside the sign for Conway Boatman Chapel.
By Rachel Dorroh May 30, 2025
After 21 years as the chaplain of Union Commonwealth University (UCU), the Rev. David Miller is retiring this month. Since his first ministerial appointment in 1984, he has served as the pastor of several Kentucky congregations, has taken on leadership roles in multiple Kentucky organizations, and has led countless campus programs and groups dedicated to student development. He says supporting students to find their personal calling, however, has been the highlight of his career.
By Maisie Nelson May 27, 2025
Union Commonwealth University proudly announces the next ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program continues to highlight exceptional leaders across diverse industries — from public service and business innovation to healthcare, marketing, education, and law.
Leadership Tri-County class of 2025 with Andra Butler and Tori Doyle standing at the far right end.
By David Saylor May 22, 2025
Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick holding a mounted camera.
By David Saylor May 21, 2025
As Union Commonwealth University (UCU) sends off its new 2025 class of graduates, another farewell is underway. After 40 years of teaching, researching, and mentoring — 31 of them at Union — Dr. Christine Marley-Frederick, Professor of Communication, will retire this May. During her time at UCU, Marley-Frederick has had a profound influence on the Union community. She led the communication program through years of growth and change, served a decade as a department chair, became a faculty trustee, produced ten years of yearbooks, won several teaching awards, and even ran a coffee shop in the basement of Centennial.
photo shows coaches painting in the athletic complex
By Maisie Nelson May 19, 2025
Although student-athletes may be away for the summer, Union Commonwealth University’s athletic staff is staying busy—committed to building stronger programs both on and off the field.
By Maisie Nelson May 7, 2025
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Union Commonwealth University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions provided 120 meal vouchers to teachers at Knox Central High School on Wednesday, May 7. The vouchers were redeemable at The Grub Hut food truck, which was set up on-site as a special thank-you to educators for their dedication and impact.
Students studying in Union's library.
By Rachel Dorroh May 6, 2025
The pre-professional program at Union Commonwealth University (UCU) is growing. New partnerships with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and the University of Kentucky (UK) create clear pathways and unique advantages for students wishing to pursue osteopathic medicine, physician assistant studies, and engineering.
More Posts