Florida Players announce fall productions

September 26, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Players have announced three upcoming productions for the fall 2007 season. “The Shape of Things” written by Neil Labute debuts on Oct. 4 and continues through Oct. 7 at the Phillips Center Blackbox Theatre. “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” written by Bert V. Royal will be presented Oct. 25-28 at the McGuire Blackbox Theatre. And Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at the Phillips Center Blackbox Theatre will be “The House of Yes,” written by Wendy MacLeod.

“The Shape of Things” is a surprising story of a young, female artist’s remaking of an awkward young man. The play vividly challenges the fragility of friendship, the illusion of love and the conflict between art and morality. “The Shape of Things” will be directed by history major Jennifer Shorstein. The play is suggested for mature audiences only.

“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” is a humorous “unauthorized parody” of the Peanuts kids and America’s favorite blockhead who is now grown up. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that is both haunting and hopeful. This production will be directed by theatre and psychology major Ron Shreve. For mature audiences only.

“The House of Yes” is a black comedy that follows the story of Marty Pascal and his dysfunctional family during the Thanksgiving holiday. The play will be directed by theatre major and Florida Players Production Manager, Michelle Karst. For mature audiences only.

Florida Players is also sponsoring an on-going project, “Open Spaces.” The project focuses on the homeless situation in Gainesville. Currently still in the pre-production stage, more information about the project will be announced at a later date.

Florida Players is a student-run theater company funded by UF Student Government that provides opportunities for students of all majors to explore the world of theater and showcase their talents. The organization strives to supply the university’s artistic student body with ongoing opportunities to expand their knowledge in the field of theatre. Florida Players produces plays and musicals throughout each given school year and bring professional artists to speak to members, the most recent being Tony Award nominee, Manoel Felciano.

Tickets for Florida Players productions are free and available to the public. To reserve tickets for any of the three productions this fall, and for more information on the organization, visit the Florida Players Web site at www.floridaplayers.org.