Outta Theatre to perform fourth-wall-breaking play

Ty Kohler, Allied News, Grove City, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 23—GROVE CITY — The fourth wall is an element of plays and other media that prevents the actors from recognizing the audience. They pretend to be in their own world and are told the audience isn't there.

This week at the Outta Theatre, the fourth wall does not exist as they put on an original play titled "The Zamok Castle." The play follows two college students who enter a castle in Russia and get lost, and a wild adventure ensues.

The play was written by Angie Settlemire, who runs the theater. She has written over 22 original plays and will have her first one officially published this year. Settlemire originally wrote the play around eight years ago for a small cast, but now has spent hours updating it for a cast of 23 and for the immersive experience.

The cast is full of students ages 9 to 18. The theater itself is designed to help students who have an interest in performing find a home.

"We always say that if a kid wants to give it a chance, there is a place for them here," Settlemire said. "I love letting the kids have the freedom to change their characters. I love letting them shine and seeing them gain more confidence as they learn."

The interactive element of the play adds a new twist of breaking the fourth wall. Characters will be walking around the audience as they are seated at their tables. They may talk to or interact with people rather than simply being on a stage.

"Everyone in the audience will get a front-row experience at some point during the production," Settlemire said. "If you came and watched all the showings, you would get a different experience with different angles each time depending on where you sit."

The show will be performed four times over three days: 7 p.m. on both April 25 and 26, as well as 2 and 6 p.m. on April 27. The play will last roughly 90 to 120 minutes, with an intermission. The building is at {span}145 S. Broad St in Grove City.{/span}

A dessert of cookies, brownies and water will be included with the ticket at the intermission.

Tickets cost $10 and be found at www.tickettailor.com/events/outtatheatre/1220848#. Seats are limited so tickets may sell out fast. Any tickets not sold before will be available at the front door on performance day. The Outta Theatre Facebook page regularly posts updates on how many tickets are still available.

Ty Kohler can be contacted at tkohler@alliednews.com.