Imagine writing, directing, and producing an original play—all in just eight hours. That’s exactly what Ladue Horton Watkins High School now senior Ella Braig set out to do when she founded the 8 Hour Play Festival last year. What started as an ambitious idea quickly became a groundbreaking event, showcasing the creativity and dedication of LHWHS’ student artists.

In 2024, during her junior year of high school, Ella and her schoolmates showcased Ladue’s first 8 Hour Play Festival, where students put on four original plays and one musical. Not only were they student-written, but they were also produced, directed, performed by, and technically designed entirely by high schoolers. 

During the festival, Ella wrote and directed her own play, One Thousand Ships, which was named a semifinalist in The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival. Ella oversaw the other directors’ projects and ensured they received the necessary support throughout the day. 

This year, the 8 Hour Play Festival returns to Ladue for a second year, expanded to include a student board of directors, over 25 student participants, and LHWHS teacher Mr. Bill Edwards serving as faculty advisor to the festival. 

“The festival is important because it introduces students to the idea of playwriting, an area that is not commonly explored within a high school theatre department, and it brings people together who might not otherwise participate in theatre,” said Ella. 

Ella credits the strong academic foundation she has received at Ladue Schools for fostering her love of writing, and she plans to build on this as she attends the University of Iowa, where she will study English and theatre next fall. 

With this year’s festival expected to be even bigger, Ella’s legacy in Ladue Schools is already shaping the next generation of young playwrights.

To see photos from the festival, follow @8hourplayfestival on Instagram.

Event Details

When: March 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: LHWHS Black Box Theatre
Admission: Free (donations to the LHWHS Theatre Department welcome)