If you are looking for an affordable night out in Chickasha this week, USAO has a good one. The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is presenting its Festival of One Act Plays from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26, with four free performances in the Davis Hall Little Theatre.

According to USAO's official Festival of One Act Plays announcement, the festival showcases six short plays directed, performed, and produced by students, alumni, and faculty. If you like keeping a few options handy for the weekend, you can also browse the full Chickasha.com event calendar for more upcoming Chickasha events.

Performance schedule at a glance

The festival is split into two programs, each with an evening performance and a matinee.

• Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. - Final Placement, The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, and Tender Offer
• Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. - The Bear (a tragedy), The Man Who Couldn't Dance, and Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp.
• Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. - repeat of the Thursday program
• Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m. - repeat of the Friday program

All performances are scheduled for the Davis Hall Little Theatre on the USAO campus at 1727 W. Alabama in Chickasha.

What to expect from the shows

This is one of those campus events that gives local audiences a close look at student work without asking them to spend much beyond gas money and maybe supper afterward. USAO says the festival is part of a capstone project for students who have completed advanced directing coursework, so audiences get a mix of performance, stagecraft, and creative problem-solving all in one weekend.

The Thursday and Saturday program includes Final Placement, a play set in Tulsa that looks at Oklahoma's foster care system, along with Tennessee Williams' The Lady of Larkspur Lotion and Wendy Wasserstein's Tender Offer. The Friday and Sunday program leans more toward comedy and experimental work, though USAO notes that Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp. includes themes of trauma and violence and is recommended for mature audiences.

Parking and getting around campus

USAO's campus parking policy for visitors says visitor parking is available in marked visitor spaces, including on the Oval in front of Troutt Hall and near Nash Library. Plan on a short walk to Davis Hall, and give yourself a few extra minutes if you have not been to campus lately.

If you want to get your bearings before you arrive, the official USAO campus map for Chickasha visitors is worth a quick look.

Who this is best for

• USAO students, faculty, alumni, and Drover families
• Local theatre fans who want a low-cost evening close to home
• Parents of older teens interested in performance and production work
• Visitors from nearby towns looking for something different than the usual dinner-and-drive routine

Local notes

• Admission is free, which makes this a good budget-friendly option for families and couples.
• Because the theatre is on campus, it helps to arrive a little early instead of cutting it close.
• Friday and Sunday's program includes material recommended for mature audiences.
• If you want to add supper before or after the show, find places to eat in Chickasha before or after a USAO performance.

FAQ

How much are tickets for the USAO Festival of One Act Plays?

USAO says the event is free and open to the public.

Where is the festival being held?

Performances are scheduled for the Davis Hall Little Theatre on the USAO campus at 1727 W. Alabama, Chickasha, OK 73018.

Are all four performances the same?

No. Thursday and Saturday share one three-play program, while Friday and Sunday share a different three-play program.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Much of it should work for general audiences, but USAO specifically says Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp. is recommended for mature audiences because it contains themes of trauma and violence.