University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

The Shelter Plays are Aug. 7-9 in University Park

The Shelter Plays are what Senior Lecturer in English Kathy Coudle-King calls “Boutique Theatre.”

Just like boutique retailers, Boutique Theatre will cater to small audiences. In this case, 20 patrons per shelter will watch a 10-minute play written by a regional playwright. After the performance, they will move (with their own chair) to the next shelter and watch a different play, and then to the third shelter.  There will be a brief intermission at the 1-hour mark when patrons can use the public restrooms, listen to live music performed by Mark Diers & Daughter, or purchase an item from a food truck parked near the warming house.  Audiences will reconvene for the second act of three plays.

Twenty-one area actors, five directors, and five playwrights have put the performance together as a way to raise needed funds for the Fire Hall Theatre and the Empire Arts Center.

Tickets are $12, plus tax and handling fee, purchased online .

“We are trying to avoid as much physical contact with the audience as possible, and since we are only selling 60 total tickets per Shelter Plays, we strongly encourage people to purchase online,” said Coudle-King.

Audiences attending should bring a chair or blanket, and are encouraged to wear a mask.  Groups attending together can sit with one another, but others will be distanced 6′ from other patrons.

What can you expect: The plays run the gamut from sci-fi to drama with a little something for everyone.

Rain:  Performances will go on in a light rain, but if it is storming, patrons will receive a refund, minus cost of handling fee.

Questions? katking33@gmail.com.