Jones Indiana State University's Department of Theater lives up to its reputation as a training ground for talented student playwrights and directors with its annual New Play Festival. This year's festival will showcase two plays by undergraduate playwrights, "My Life as a Clown" by Kevin Whitaker, directed by Tiffany Lauridsen and "Stray" by Constance M. Johnson, directed by Eli Van Sickel.

Two Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School graduates, Nick Jones and Savanah Stevens, are involved in Whitaker's play. Jones plays the lead role of Rob, while Stevens is stage manager.

"My Life as a Clown" is a timely satire of race relations in America. The comedy is about Rob, a young man who faces daily discrimination because he was born a clown. Determined to end discrimination against all clowns, he sets off on a journey to Washington to make his voice heard. However, he finds that it is much harder than it sounds and hilarity ensues.

As stage manager, Stevens keeps record of all that happens in the play. She also runs the entire show through rehearsals and performances.

Jones, a 2008 CJSHS graduate, is the son of Troy and Rhonda Jones of Cutler. Stevens, a 2007 CJSHS graduate, is the daughter of Mark and Cecilia Stevens of Burlington.

Three performances are scheduled - Feb. 26, 27 and 28, all at 7:30 p.m. on the ISU campus. General seating tickets are $4 each.