VERY STILL AND HARD TO SEE Comes to Shepherd University

Shepherd University's Department of Contemporary and Art & Theater presents Steve Yockey's very still & hard to see. The production, directed by Contemporary American Theater Festival General Manager Joshua Midgett, will take place November 3-4 and 9-11 at 7:30p in the Marinoff Theater. Tickets will be available at the theater one hour before the show and are $10 for the general public, $5 for Shepherd faculty/staff and non-Shepherd University students, and free for Shepherd University students.

very still & hard to see tells the story of a cursed hotel that unearths worlds populated by the desperate, the unlucky, and the monstrous. This haunting short play cycle mixes comedic absurdity with raw heartbreak, reminding the audience the fuzzy line between good and evil can be a single choice.

very still & hard to see is the inaugural production of Shepherd University's new Contemporary Theater Studies major. Abby Rice, one of the program's first majors, plays the central spirit of Obake. "I was very drawn to the script after reading it. It's a story that needs to be told. We have to be aware of our actions and the consequences of those actions. Good or bad. This play really highlights that idea." Rice was intrigued by the character Obake when she read the script. "She's creepy and spooky. She controls everything and she doesn't even have to lift a finger. Perfect for Halloween," she adds.

Steve Yockey, an internationally produced playwright, joined the cast for rehearsal. "Working with Steve, the playwright, informed some major character decisions," Rice shares. "It was so cool to have Steve join us. It's really a once in a lifetime opportunity to have as a college student."

Midgett, very still & hard to see's director, finds this process to be an "exhilarating challenge" as he works "with students with such a range of theatrical experience. Some of the performers have been on stage since 3rd grade and others are making their debut alongside Shepherd's Contemporary Theater Studies program."

"Since this is the first production with the new theater major, we wanted to give the students a larger than life experience," Midgett continues. "The costumes, sets, and lights certainly do that. The performers work with technical elements designed by working professionals, adding to the authenticity of their educational experience."

very still & hard to see will take place on the campus of Shepherd University at the Marinoff Theater, 62 West Campus Drive. Performances will take place Nov 3-4 and 9-11 at 7:30pm, with a Pay What You Can Preview on November 2 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $5-$10 and will be available at the door one hour before the show. Email info@catf.org for more information.

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