(CHESTER, Mass.) – “High Dive,” a one-woman comedy by Leslie Ayvazian that relies on audience participation, will get a special three-night run from July 22 through July 24 at Chester Theatre Company as part of  its 25th anniversary celebration. The production stars Jennifer Rohn in her sixth CTC appearance.

In “High Dive,” comic misadventures pile up as Leslie, perched on a high dive platform, flashes back to the succession of farcical disasters that culminates in her present predicament. “High Dive” is a one-woman show with a very large cast. The other actors? The audience, who are invited to read lines from the script, and thereby experience the point of the play – the willingness to take risks and dive in.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to involve our audience in our 25th Anniversary celebration than with ‘High Dive’, Leslie Ayvazian’s remarkably brave, innovative and fun theatre piece,” said CTC artistic director Byam Stevens. “Brave, because it takes incredible courage for an actor to work with 35 strangers every night. Innovative, because of it possesses a unique structure with its scripted lines for audience members. Fun, well, because it’s fun.”

Audience members who want to take part should come 15-20 minutes early to be “cast” by Jennifer Rohn. They’ll be given sides (their lines) and direction.

‘High Dive’ will be directed by former CTC Associate Artistic Director James Warwick. Warwick recently returned to Western Massachusetts after heading the Los Angeles Campus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The July 23rd performance will be followed by a champagne reception in recognition of CTC’s 25th anniversary. The July 24^th performance is CTC’s donor appreciation night; tickets will only be available to “Friends of CTC.”

 

 

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