The 24th annual William Inge Theatre Festival honored playwright Tina (Mabel Davis) Howe (1937-2023).

Description of Events

Tour of Inge's Independence - Guided tour leaves from front of Inge Theatre and Includes the family home of William Inge. Daily. See schedule for various times. Director's Package and Daytime Passes include one tour. Tickets also available at $3 each. Limited seating-register at foyer desk.

Selected Scenes at Inge House - Selected scenes from plays by William Inge and Tina Howe, performed by student and community actors at the historic William Inge Family Home, 514 N. 4th St., Independence. Featuring the winning Inge Scholarship student-directed scenes from the William Inge Center for the Arts/Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival competition, with students from Emporia State University and Texas State University- San Marcos. Director's Package and Daytime Passes include performances. Tickets also available at $5 each. Daily. See schedule for various times. Limited seating-register at foyer desk.

Inge Collection - A collection of Inge memorabilia, including his personal library, artifacts from his life, furniture, papers, and original manuscripts. Periodic presentations by Inge biographer, Ralph Voss. See dally schedules. ICC Library. Free admission. Professional Theatre Workshops and Panels - Workshops conducted by leading theatre professionals on playwriting, acting, directing, play development and more. Daily schedules available at registration table. Director's Package or Daytime Pass required for admission. (Individual tickets not available.) Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Various locations on the ICC campus.

Presentation of the Margaret Goheen Award - Prior to performance Wednesday night. Named for the ICC instructor and Festival founder, the Goheen Award for contribution to theater in Independence will be presented to Lisa Mitchell. Wednesday, 8 p.m., William Inge Theatre. LUNCHEON ON THE GRASS - A concert reading of Tina Howe's new play directed by Carl Forsman. Wednesday, April 20 at 8 p.m. William Inge Theatre, ICC.

Lunch in Inge's Independence - "Break away" and spend some time dining and shopping in downtown Independence at various “Main Street Independence" merchants. List of featured restaurants and retail establishments available at registration. Free shuttle service also available from the Inge Theatre to and from downtown Independence; see registration for shuttle reservation. Thursday, April 21 from Noon - 2 p.m.

A Tribute to Jerome Lawrence - Prior to the performance Thursday night. A short video tribute to the late Jerome Lawrence, directed by Mike Wood. Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. William Inge Theatre, ICC.

THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT IN JAIL - by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. A tribute performance concert reading ln honor of the late playwright, Jerome Lawrence, directed by Will Willoughby. Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. William Inge Theatre, ICC.

A Conversation with Tina Howe - An intimate discussion with Tina Howe. Audience questions and comments encouraged. Director's Package or Daytime Pass required for admission. (Individual tickets not available.) Friday, April 22 at 10:30 a m. William Inge Theatre, ICC.

Moveable Feast- Following a Ceremonial Tree Planting honoring Fred Ebb and Arthur Miller. Enjoy a tasty alfresco lunch on the scenic ICC campus while chatting with festival guests to the accompaniment of live jazz. Included in Director's Package. Individual tickets available at $8 each. Lunch pick-up at the Margaret Goheen Foyer ln The William Inge Theatre, ICC. Friday, April 22 at 12:15 p.m.

Scholar's Conference - Presentation of selected scholarly papers on William Inge and Tina Howe. Conference Director: Dr. Jackson Bryer, The University of Maryland. Director's Package or Daytime Pass required for admission. (Individual tickets not available.) Friday and Saturday. April 22 and 23 from I :45 - 4 p.m. ICC Campus.

"The Art or Dining" Dinner - Pre-show dinner with special guests on Friday inspired by entrees served in Tina Howe's play THE ART OF DINING. With a silent auction of rare theatre memorabilia. Including plays and posters signed by Tina Howe, Annette Bening, Timothy Daly and other celebrities. Available only with Director's or Night Owl packages. Friday, April 22 at 5 p.m. Independence Historical Museum, 8th and Myrtle streets.

Otis Guernsey New Voices Award Play Reading - Concert reading of MAGICIAN'S CHOICE by Otis Guernsey New Voices Playwriting Award winner, Lynne Kaufman. Directed by Michael John Garces. Award presentation prior to the performance. Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m., William Inge Theatre.

Moonglow and Silent Auction - An after-show party featuring live music, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and open bar with a silent auction of rare theatre memorabilia. Including plays and posters signed by Tina Howe, Annette Bening, Timothy Daly and other celebrities. Included in Director's Package. Limited tickets available at $18 each. Friday, April 22 at 9:30 p.m. Independence Historical Museum, 8th and Myrtle Streets.

Picnic at Riverside Park - An afternoon event inspired by William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, PICNIC complete with live entertainment and a pie baking contest. Included in Director's Package. Individual tickets available at $12 Adults, $7 ages 3-11. Under 3 years free. Saturday, April 23 at Noon. Riverside Park, Inside the 4-H Building.

Tribute to Tina Howe - Multi-media presentation featuring live performances, video, slides and special guest stars from stage and film, honoring 2005 Distinguished Achievement in American Theatre Honoree, Tina Howe. Directed and produced by Mike Wood. Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. William Inge Theatre, ICC.