Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS- East Texans have the rare opportunity to see premiere performances of three new plays as the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre presents it fifth bienniel New American Play Festival Tuesday, April 25, through Saturday, April 29.

Plays included are "China Dolls" by Jack Heifner, "States of Grace" by James McLure and "Changing" by Gretchen Cryer.

During the 5-day festival, each of the three plays will be presented two different times for an audience and its playwright in the Downstage Theater of the Griffith Fine Arts Building. The emphasis is on the author's words, so students will still be using scripts, and there will be minimal scenery, props and costumes, explained Heifner, playwright-in-residence at SFA and coordinator of the festival.

"These types of readings are used by professional theatres and producers to involve audiences and actors directly in the process of new play development. Plays are meant to be performed, and the best way to see whether a play works or not is to present it in front of a live audience," Heifner said.

The theatre students, too, are benefiting from the festival, according to Heifner. "This is a different type of theatrical experience for them. With only 10 rehearsals for each play, they have to rely on their talent and training to interpret the text."

Heifner's "China Dolls" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, and Friday, April 28. This newest play by the author of "Vanities" is a politically incorrect bedtime story about the crazy world where some adopted children find themselves.

McLure's "States of Grace" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. The play focuses on a troubled young woman, Grace, whose multiple personalities argue onstage as she tries to get a grasp on her own identity. Well-known plays by McLure include "Lone Star" and "Laundry and Bourbon."

"Changing" by Gretchen Cryer will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28. It concerns old friends who get together for a college reunion, only to find that one person has made a drastic change in his life. Cryer is the author of the hit musical "I'm Getting my Act Together and Taking It on the Road."

The festival is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and Department of Theatre and is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford.

Due to adult language and themes, the plays are recommended for adult audiences only.

Tickets to each performance are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Advance ticket purchases are recommended since seating is limited in the Downstage Theater.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or 1-888-240-ARTS.