The Blue Hawk Theatre Guild at Dickinson State University invites the community to
experience a bold, fast-paced, and interactive theatrical event with its upcoming
production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, created by Greg Allen, running April 23-25 at 7 p.m., and April 26 at 3 p.m., in
the Backstage Theatre at Dorothy Stickney Auditorium.
Originally developed by The Neo-Futurists, this innovative production features 30
short plays performed in just 60 minutes, with the order determined entirely by the
audience. Each attendee receives a “menu” of plays and helps shape the performance
in real time, ensuring that no two shows are ever the same.
“This is theatre at its most alive,” said Sarah Crossingham, assistant professor and theatre advisor at Dickinson State University. “The audience is not just watching the show; they are helping create it. It is unpredictable, energetic, and completely different every single night.”
From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in the experience. Audience members are welcomed at the door and invited to choose how they want to engage, whether as active participants or observers. The performance begins with emcee Ellie Redig, a Belfield High School graduate, who sets the tone for the evening before handing control of the show over to the audience.
Once the clock starts, the cast races to perform as many plays as possible before time runs out. The result is a high-energy mix of comedy, commentary and creativity, often compared to a series of rapid-fire Saturday Night Live-style sketches.
Adding to the excitement, the production includes a unique twist. If a performance sells out, the audience will be treated to pizza delivered during the show by local business Phat Fish Brewing, with the goal of arrival before the 60-minute clock expires.
“It is chaotic in the best way,” Crossingham said. “There is a real sense of urgency with the clock, and that energy carries through the entire performance. You feel like anything could happen, because it often does.”
The cast features a mix of experienced performers and emerging talent, including Kat Messmer, James Penny and Alex Redwood, who are also known for their work with the Badlands Opera Project, alongside Jackson Halvorson, Ethan Mauri, Jorja Messmer and Josh Martinez.
Performances are limited to just 70 seats per show, creating an intimate and engaging environment. Tickets are $10 and available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to content and themes, the production is recommended for audiences ages 13 and older.
“This production is about breaking the traditional boundaries of theatre,” Crossingham said. “It invites the audience into the process and reminds us that live performance is meant to be shared, spontaneous, and a little bit unpredictable.”
For those looking for a night of theatre that is fast, funny and completely unique, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind offers an experience unlike anything else on stage.