In this episode of the 78644 Podcast, host Steven Collins sits down with Eric Beck, Director of Gaslight-Baker Theatre, to talk about the 24 Hour Play Festival where seven original plays are written, directed, rehearsed, and performed all within a single day. This year’s event featured something new: a play written by a kid and directed by a 9-year-old. 

The episode also highlights a haunting behind-the-scenes short film shot by local filmmaker Brandon Gray in the spirit of David Lynch. It’s a celebration of community creativity, rapid storytelling, and pure theatre magic. From late-night writing sessions to quick-turn performances, this episode captures the energy and spirit of a unique Lockhart tradition.

Guest in This Episode:

Eric Beck - Director of the Gaslight-Baker Theater, discussing the 24 Hour Play Festival

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What’s Inside:

• The complete process of creating seven plays in 24 hours, from draw to stage
• How a 9-year-old directed his peers in an all-kids production
• The evolution of the festival and how it's grown since 2021
• The artistic lens Brandon Gray brought to the festival through film
• The teamwork and joy that fuel this one of a kind theatrical event

Episode Highlights:

[00:28] - What is the 24 Hour Play Festival?

[01:06] - Writers draw actors, write overnight, and send scripts by morning

[02:08] - A kids play directed by a 9-year-old steals the show

[02:54] - The origin and growth of the festival

[03:46] - How the Baker Theatre adopted the format

[04:11] - Props, costumes, and keeping it simple

[04:54] - Thoughts on Brandon Gray capturing the event in David Lynch style

[06:01] - New format helped sharpen the plays

[07:09] - Not a contest: just pure collaboration and support

[07:30] - Short film by Brandon Gray: “True North”

Follow Our Guests:

• Eric Beck: https://www.instagram.com/ersatzdog/ 
• Gaslight-Baker Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/ https://www.facebook.com/GaslightBaker/ / https://mygbt.org/ 
• Brandon Gray: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.gray.984/ https://www.instagram.com/graybeardfilms/

Follow our Host:

Steven Collins: https://www.instagram.com/deadmanonline 

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Wella Foods: https://www.instagram.com/wellafoods/

Thunderbird Bar: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbirdbar/ 

PrintingSolutionstx: https://www.instagram.com/printingsolutionstx/ 

Gaslight-Baker Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/ 

Courthouse Nights: https://www.instagram.com/courthousenights/ 

Crystal Glaze Photography: https://www.instagram.com/crystalglazephotography/ 

Gray Beard Films: https://www.instagram.com/graybeardfilms/ 

Texas Hatters - HishatLady: https://www.instagram.com/hishatlady/ 

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