Short Attn. Span Thtr
If you have ADD, you're in luck.
You also may be in luck if you have any interest in lawn fungus, attempted suicide, disgruntled donut shop employees, alcohol-induced blackouts, the letter "W" or the number "7."
This weekend, Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions debuts Vol. 1 of its monthly assortment of live theater, sketch comedy and short films in its Charleston Acting Studio on James Island.
"Short Attn. Span Thtr" is three nights only and just an hour long. It is for older teens, students and young adults.
Seven original sketches will be accompanied by commercials and fake movie trailers. Shows will vary every month with new material.
"We have a projector screen and it can turn into a movie theater at the drop of a hat," said Ryan Ahlert, co-producer of Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions and coordinator of the Charleston Acting Studio.
"So we go from live stage things to stuff on film and then back to the stage. The transition process is very short. There's never a slow moment. There is always something going on. We're still trying to make you laugh, even in the transitions."
He says it's a chance for the community to see fresh theater and fresh talent.
Eventually, he plans on evolving the sketch comedy and short film groups into a separate, late-night production. They would present after the monthly Short Attn. Span Thtr.
"Theater doesn't always have to be two hours of some boring old playwright's material that you've seen over and over and over again. Going to Shakespeare can be so tedious," Ahlert said.
"But this is a fresh form of theater and I want to open people's eyes up and give, mainly James Island, a place that they can come and see something a little bit different, and see something affordable and entertaining in their neighborhood."
In the future, Ahlert hopes to make some pieces more audience participatory. In the intimate theater house, that won't be a problem.
It seats 40 comfortably, 50 with standing room. Upcoming renovations this summer will expand it to about 80 seats.
