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Current Theater Season

Current Theater Season

Published or Revised January 23, 2025

PJC Drama Department

2024-2025 Season

“Bardic Inspiration- Wherefore there is a Will, there is a Way!”

Download the 2024-2025 Theatre Season

 

Hamlet: A Horatio Story
Fall Production – November 13-17, 2024
Evening shows (Thurs. - Sun.): 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinee: 2:30 p.m.

By William L. Walker Director of Theater at Paris Junior College

In this new adaptation of Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, the narrative unfolds through the discerning eyes of Horatio, Hamlet's steadfast friend. Horatio, portrayed with a subtle depth and quiet strength, navigates the tumultuous landscape of Elsinore with a mix of loyalty and melancholy established in a modern setting then reverting to the historical sense. His perspective lends an introspective and grounded dimension to the unfolding drama. The political intrigue, familial betrayal, and existential quandaries are all filtered through Horatio’s unwavering gaze, providing a stabilizing anchor amidst the chaos. As the only major character to survive, his reflections serve as a poignant testament to the tragic events.

This version emphasizes Horatio's role not merely as an observer but as a custodian of Hamlet’s legacy, his recollections colored by a profound sense of duty and loss. The adaptation, rich in modern and historical visual aesthetics and dialogue, captures the timeless essence of friendship and fidelity, seen through the eyes of one who endures the tempest and remains to tell the tale.

"Hamlet," one of William Shakespeare's most iconic plays, unfolds a tale of political intrigue, familial betrayal, and existential contemplation. Set against the backdrop of the Danish royal court, the play follows Prince Hamlet as he grapples with grief, revenge, and the complexities of human nature.

"Hamlet" promises a captivating exploration of power, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. With its rich language, complex characters, and timeless themes, this Shakespearean masterpiece is sure to enthrall audiences and spark contemplation on the enduring nature of human dilemmas.

William’s Window
Youth Theater Production – March 6-9, 2025
Evening shows (March 6-8): 7:00 p.m. 
Additional Saturday Matinee (March 8): 2:00 p.m.
Sunday Matinee (March 9): 2:00 p.m.

By. Marina Stockdale

Designed to introduce Shakespeare's work, this delightfully buoyant play may be acted by performers of any age. The action begins with a group of children playing. Sandy is reading a book-and enjoying it. Somebody asks, "What are you doing?" She answers: "I'm in the midst of a fog and surrounded by witches." Soon the conversation segues into scenes from Macbeth and four other Shakespearean plays: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Henry IV Part 1 (with Falstaff), and The Taming of the Shrew. 

Meeting Shakespeare's language in small portions, young people—those in the audience as well as those on stage—have little difficulty in accepting and understanding the lines. Introducing Elizabethan language and characters at an early age helps students handle the various types of unfamiliar language and historical figures they will meet in world literature as their education progresses.

“Bardic Inspiration: Wherefore there is a Will, there is a Way!
10th Annual Pyro PlayFest – April 24-27, 2025
Evening shows (April 24-26*): 7:00 p.m. 
Additional Saturday Matinee (April 26): 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinee (April 27): 2:00 p.m.

In the return of the annual PlayFest, we are asking playwrights to submit short 10-minute plays with no more than 6 characters based on Shakespeare or literature in general.  As part of our “Bardic Inspiration” Season, we will bring back our unique theatrical experience where our audiences sit on stage up close and personal with the action.  A thrilling and fun experience for actors and audience alike.

*This year’s PlayFest will have a spicy twist as on the Saturday Evening show (April 26) as we will be performing select shows under the influence of spicy chicken. The audience will have the opportunity to purchase “Bell Tickets” at the door for an additional cost of $5.00 a ticket or a pack of four for $15. These tickets allow the purchaser to “ring the bell” and make the cast of whatever show is being performed eat a piece of spicy chicken and then continue the action. The hilarity ensues! Also, the bell can be rung multiple times during a show. So don’t miss out on this one.

All productions take place on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater on the PJC campus in the Administration Building.

Unless otherwise noted, all PJC Theater productions run Thursday - Sunday. 

  • Doors open Thursday - Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:00 p.m.
  • Doors open Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and show starts at 2:00 p.m.

Directions to Paris Junior College:
 https://www.parisjc.edu/main/directions/

Map of Paris Junior College:
 https://www.parisjc.edu/main/paris-map/

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

  • General Admission: $20
    Or donate a new toy or book to receive ½ price ticket at $10.
  • Senior Adults & High School Students Admission: $10
    Or donate a new toy or book to receive ½ price ticket at $5.
  • PJC Students, Faculty & Staff Admissions: FREE
  • New Works General Admission is $15.

Taking photos or recording video during a show is not allowed by copyright law.

Food and Drink are not allowed in the theater.

Please be aware of any signs posted alerting to warnings for the show you are attending.

All seating is General Seating except during special events that call for assigned seating.

For more information, call 903-782-0488 or email wwalker@parisjc.edu.