‘Tis the season of pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn, cheap jumpscares and horror movies. As the leaves turn and Halloween rapidly approaches, one must wonder where all of the events are and more importantly, where one can show off their terrific or tried-and-true costumes. The answer lies in one unexpected place — the theater, but not the ones people are accustomed to with glowing silver screens, overpriced popcorn and spilled soda.
Instead, find yourself in Agate Hall watching “Scream” in costume with actors, set designers, stagehands and more. This Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m., The Pocket Playhouse is hosting their Halloween movie night where students can come in costume for the costume contest and watch “Scream.” Former Pocket Playhouse treasurer and current co-chair Henry Mainwaringadmitted he hasn’t seen “Scream” and is “super excited” for the event. So, dress your spookiest and knock the socks off of those judges in your favorite Halloween costume for a little Halloween festivity before enjoying a classic Wes Craven horror film.
If you are looking for something a little more theater-oriented and less spooky, you can also look forward to the Pocket Playhouse’s next production, “The Originalist.” On Nov. 17 and 18 at 6 p.m. in the Agate Hall Auditorium, former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will reckon with the legal prowess of Cat, a newly minted Black lesbian Harvard graduate who is seeking a clerkship with Scalia despite the conservative/liberal divide at play. Be prepared for stunning intellectual spats and harsh words as the two navigate their complicated relationship. Watch as they navigate what it means to defend the truth and sit down with the monsters spreading fear and distrust. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged.
All of these events are built to engage the community with the Pocket Playhouse and theater community. The Pocket Playhouse has its own event coordinator for this sole purpose. When asked what he wishes the audience to gain from this article, Mainwaring said, “Show up to The Pocket — it’s a great place to start your involvement with the university.”
If you’re busy during these two events, don’t fret — more events await in the future. Nearly every Friday at 5 p.m., the Pocket Playhouse has some sort of event going on, whether it is a student-directed show, Open-Mic Nights or other themed events. Or, if you are worried you cannot make it to the movie night in particular, stay tuned — there might be more in the future depending on the success on Oct. 27.
Mainwaring also said to keep an eye out next year for more Halloween events such as another costume contest, movie night and possibly a haunted house. To stay in the loop, follow the Pocket Playhouse’s Instagram page, @pocketplayhouse, or look up the Engage. While normally the Pocket Playhouse resides in Villard Hall, this next year you will find them in the Agate Hall Auditorium exclusively (unless otherwise stated).
