University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department presents First Bite New Play Series 

MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts presents two play readings as part of the First Bite New Play Series.

The scripts, which are written and directed by theatre arts Master of Fine Arts students, will be read in free webinars. Kellie Stonebrook is producing the series, and Andrew Okerson is the technical coordinator.

“Working on a new play is a thrilling, fluid process,” said Robert Caisley, chair of the Theatre Arts Department and head of dramatic writing. “Unlike time-tested classics, these works are still finding their shape. By joining us for this initial developmental stage, our students and audiences alike share a rare opportunity to witness how a play evolves between page and performance. Audience feedback is vital to that journey.”

“Slingtown,” written by Abigail Thomson and directed by Daniel Lee White, tells the story of a pinball prodigy fighting for the right to play the game.

In 1970s Twin Springs, Indiana, pinball is outlawed — until one teenage prodigy dares to challenge the system. Caught between a mayor, a shady pinball underworld and a town on the brink, John Patrick O’Sullivan must play the game of his life to save his family, his love and the future of pinball itself.

“It’s really exciting to see this play come to life,” Thomson said. “I hope the audience enjoys watching the reading as much as I enjoyed writing the play.”

“Polyhedral,” written by d.s.Levy and directed by Alana Rader, tells the story of a game night gone wrong.

When a dungeon master goes missing, a group of friends is pulled from fantasy into a very real crisis. Set during a Dungeons and Dragons night, “Polyhedral” is a moving exploration of friendship, mental health and what happens when someone you love is in danger — and you’re not there to help. It’s a poignant story of connection, crisis and the power of showing up.

“Stories, especially plays, are meant to be shared and I am excited to finally share this one with an audience,” Levy said. “I hope it encourages more people to tell their friends how much they love them."

Readings of “Slingtown” are 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Readings of “Polyhedral” are 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

All readings take place via Zoom. To learn more and register for the readings, visit linktr.ee/uidahotheatre.

Media contact

Alisa Volz
Communication specialist
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-6465
avolz@uidaho.edu