One Act Play Festival – NOVEMBER 6-16

November 6-16, 2025

Show A
Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 3 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 3 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Show B
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 3 pm
Best of Show
Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours

Show A

Directed by River Spade:

Backyard Stonehenge
by Jacquelyn Priskorn

TJ and Kendra are grappling with tension in their relationship. TJ attempts to surprise Kendra by creating a Stonehenge-like structure in their backyard using stones borrowed from their neighbor. As they confront their strained relationship, guilt, and disappointment, will they ultimately find solace in working together to complete the stone circle? 

Tiffanie Boone – Kendra
Gina Purri*– TJ
Amanda McLoughlin– Neighbor

Catatonia…or, Waiting for Gato by Matt Wade

Waiting for Godot but with cats! Two cats, Crash and Ace, ponder the meaning of life and their absurd situation. This quirky comedy is filled with cat puns, existential musings, a surprising time-traveling twist, and the existential themes of waiting and uncertainty.

Kai Strange – Crash
Annika Knudson– Ace
Goober Berdine*– Milton

Tree #2 by R.A. Pauli

Charlie, an overly enthusiastic actor in a community theater production, obsessively interrogates the director about the character’s motivation, much to the director’s exasperation. The play is a witty take on the absurdity of taking a minor role too seriously. 

Shayne Gardner* – Director
Allie Maree – Charlie

Directed by Liz Martino:

A Sign You Were Alive by Rebecca Kane

Set in a suburban home during a mysterious pandemic, James tries to care for his sick daughter, Chelsea, by providing unconventional nourishment and protecting her from the outside world. The play delves into themes of love, fear, and the struggle to maintain normalcy in the face of the extraordinary.

Annika Knudson – Chelsea
Shayne Gardner*– Renee
Clay Gaitskill – James

Show B

Directed by Dakota Mann:

I’d Rather Die Than Go Back To Christmastown by Abby Auman

Filled with sharp humor, this satire takes a playful jab at the clichés of holiday romances, making it an audience favorite. A high-powered businesswoman fears falling into the typical holiday movie trope of abandoning her career for love in a small town. Her assistant helps her devise a plan to avoid this fate by becoming the “villain” of her own story. 

Olivia Stuller* – Businesswoman
Elijah York* – Assistant
Denise Lockett – Mom
Tate Albert – Dad

Riding Lessons by Brett Hursey

Meet Clark, who is accompanied by an imaginary clown that only a few can see. Meet Edie, a woman with her own challenges.  Through Clark and Edie’s conversation, this humorous and heartfelt play explores loneliness, mental health, and finding acceptance in one’s quirks. 

Leah Webster*– Edie
Gina Purri*– Clark
Kai Strange– Clown

Thanks for the Mammaries by Bailey Jordan Garcia

A poignant comedy that explores themes of gender identity, body dysphoria, and the journey toward self-acceptance. Despite the humorous tone, the play tackles serious issues, ending on a note of mutual understanding and a farewell to a past self and a new life.

Denise Lockett – Don
Natalie Broadway – Marty
Kai Strange – Bailey

Directed by Bess Park:

My Name is Jane by Phil Darg

This drama follows Jane, a woman in her late 30s who desperately wants to become a mother. Hoping to become a social media influencer, she documents her journey through infertility treatments and pregnancy. The play delves into the emotional and legal challenges she faces, especially in light of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. As Jane navigates her path to pregnancy, the play explores themes of personal struggle, societal expectations, and the impact of shifting legal landscapes.

Leah Webster*– Jane
Lucien Hinton* – Darrell
Natalie Broadway – Sandra/Escort
Sarah Leatham* – Dr. Alvarez
Lex Culotta – Clerk/Patient
Kip Brown – Male Doctor

*Making their Hendersonville Theatre debut

Step into the spotlight of creativity at Hendersonville Theatre’s inaugural One Act Play Festival! This two week extravaganza celebrates the art of storytelling through a dynamic lineup of short plays, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres—from laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas. Featuring original works by both regional and national playwrights, directed and performed by incredible local talent, the festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of theatre.

The festival begins with an open call for submissions from across the country. After a meticulous selection process, a team of readers will handpicked a stellar lineup of plays that will make their world premiere on our stage. Divided into two sections, Show A and Show B, these short gems are performed in rotation, offering audiences a diverse and impactful theatrical experience.

One-act plays are renowned for their intensity and focus, delivering powerful narratives in a condensed format. This unique approach demands precision and creativity from performers, resulting in captivating and memorable performances. For artists, the festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their versatility and innovation, fostering growth in acting, directing, and technical execution.

Beyond the stage, the One Act Play Festival creates a vibrant community for theatre enthusiasts. It’s a space where performers, directors, and audiences come together to exchange ideas, celebrate new works, and build connections. Adding to the excitement, audience members will play an active role in the festival by voting for the Best of Show, culminating in a thrilling competition to crown the audience favorite.

Join us at Hendersonville Theatre for an evening of exceptional storytelling, spirited performances, and a shared love for the craft of theatre. Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement, engagement, and inspiration of the One Act Play Festival!

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