Following on the historical success of last year’s S.P.A.R., the Kings Mountain High School Theatre Department’s “P.R.O.P.S.” advanced theatre class will be presenting its 2010 North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) Play Festival entries October 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 24 at 2:30 p.m. in B.N. Barnes Auditorium on the campus of Kings Mountain High School.  Tickets and season memberships will be available at the box office.  Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and senior citizens.  Renaissance benefits apply and children 5 and under get in for free.  These entries will also be performed at the NCTC Play Festival at the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the Western Carolina University (WCU) campus Friday, October 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. and Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

The first entry to be performed at WCU, The Peace of Mind, was written by KMHS’s own Kyle Griffin.  The second of his original works to be produced by KMHS Theatre, The Peace of Mind follows Michael O’Conner as he deals with the death and lingering memories of his wife, Lindsey, while trying to raise his daughter, April, by himself.  As his longing for Lindsey intensifies, his world starts to crack and his struggle for peace of mind takes him to the very edge of sanity.  Led by P.R.O.P.S. newcomer Andrew Lytle (Michael), the show features both untested and veteran stage talent.  Dylan Painter shows his range as the stalwart and supportive friend, Jeff.  Elizabeth Brucker and Kaylin Rhea expertly bring to life the roles of Lindsey and April, respectively.  The entire cast comes together to weave a story that will be sure to touch you and make you question how far you would go to hold on to the memories of those you love.  

The second P.R.O.P.S. entry in the Festival is The Rules of Comedy by Peter Bloedel.  This rip-roaring romp through the various conventions of comedy is sure delight audiences of every level.  Narrated by Gelila Dimetros and Austin Simmons, The Rules of Comedy puts forth several guidelines for what is or is not funny.  Then, to test the rules the cast applies them to the most famous and tragic scene in the history of English literature, the last scene of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  For those who don’t understand or remember the Bard’s most famous finale, there is a dramaturg on hand to refresh your memories.  With an ending that includes everything from rubber chickens to rotten milk, you will surely agree that the rules of comedy make the end of an already remarkable play more unforgettable than you ever thought possible. 

This year’s P.R.O.P.S. troupe has taken on two shows that are about as diverse as plays can get, and they have done so with professionalism and determination that is the cornerstone of quality theatre.  Come out and enjoy the fruits of their labors October 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 24 at 2:30 p.m.