Join us on Saturday, August 24
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us at the “2024 PlayMakers Convention” Season Kickoff event for a fun afternoon! Be a part of the excitement as we launch our stellar 2024/25 Season. Take part in a playful debate, enjoy live entertainment, and food trucks, and connect with our community partners. Get involved in engaging campaign activities as you vote for the season’s best concession item while delving into our theme of the American dream.
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: PlayMakers Convention Debate! Featuring musical performances by Dawn Landes. Join us for a playful debate with PlayMakers artists, artisans, and staff, moderated by Producing Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch.
12:00PM – 3:00PM
- Seed Art Share: FREE on-site childcare
- Food Trucks: El Jefecito and JAM Ice Cream
- Larry’s Coffee Tasting
- Voter Registration provided by the League of Women Voters
12:30PM – 3:00PM: Activities outside provided by Chapel Hill Public Library’s Bookmobile.
12:45PM – 1:45PM: Musical performance by Morgan Creek Bluegrass.
1:00PM – 3:00PM:
- Theatrical demonstrations in the lobby
- Stage Combat Demonstrations in the Kenan Theatre
- Show-related activity booths! They’ll hope to earn your vote for best concession item.
1:30PM – 3:00PM: Backstage Tours and Scenic Painting Workshops. Tickets are limited. First come, first serve.
1:30PM – 2:30PM: A special visit from UNC Chapel Hill’s Rameses Jr.!
Live Entertainment
Our Season Kickoff will feature performances from North Carolina bluegrass treasures, Morgan Creek Bluegrass, and Dawn Landes.
Demonstrations, Workshops, and Tours
Have you ever wondered how fighting on stage can look so real without injuring anyone? We’ll have two professionals ready to show you how they do it in a fun Stage Combat Demonstration.
Come early and sign up for a Scenic Painting Workshop where you’ll get to work with our Scenic Charge artists on the set of Crumbs from the Table of Joy. In-person registration is required, this activity is for all ages 10 & up. Latex will be used.
Want to get the inside scoop on how the magic is made? Sign up for a Backstage Tour with one of our PlayMakers artists. Sign-ups are in person, first come first serve.
Community Partners
Our event will feature the League of Women Voters for voter registration and education. This event is sponsored by INDY Week.
Entertainment
A theatre-themed scavenger hunt with Seed Art Share for ages 4 -12, outdoor games provided by the Chapel Hill Library Book Mobile. Plus stage combat demonstrations and theatre displays and workshops.
Food Trucks More!
Enjoy the festivities and grab a bite! We’re featuring local food trucks El Jefecito and JAM Ice Cream.
Meet our Company
In addition to our entertainment and guests, we want to meet with YOU! Come meet the people who make PlayMakers so special, our company!
Meet the Campaigns!
Nate John Mark – PATP/Resident Company Member
Jadah Johnson – PATP/Resident Company Member
Zoe Lord – Company Manager
Aspen Blake Jackson – Resident Stage Manager
Chelsea James – Engagement Associate
Jeffrey Meanza – Associate Artistic Director
Kathryn Hunter-Williams (Resident Company Member)
Andrew Wade (Administrative Assistant)
Weston Barker (Program Specialist)
Reez Bailey – PATP/Resident Company Member
Benjamin Fink – Technical Production Student
Lexi Silva – Dramaturgy Fellow
Mengwe Wapimewah – PATP/Resident Company Member
Marissa Lupkas – Wardrobe Supervisor
Jim Bray – Dramatic Art Professor
Rachel Van Namen – Technical Production Student
Matthew Donahue – PATP/Resident Company Member
Kyle Kostenko – Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Elizabeth Dye – PATP/Resident Company Member