Now in its third year, the Dean College student run theatre organization, The Guild, proudly hosts the Max Peters 24‑Hour Play Festival, a thrilling theatrical challenge where student writers, directors, performers, and crew members create fully realized short plays in just 24 hours. This beloved event also serves a deeper purpose: honoring the life and legacy of Malachi “Max” M. Peters ’20.
Saturday, January 24 • 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) • Guidrey Center, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center
Admission to this event is pay-as-you-can at the door, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Malachi “Max” M. Peters ’20 Scholarship.
Malachi “Max” M. Peters ’20 was a theatre major at Dean College whose love for the performing arts radiated through everything he did. Warm‑hearted, creative, and full of life, Max was cherished by his classmates as well as by the faculty and staff who had the privilege of teaching and working alongside him.
During his time at Dean, Max flourished both socially and academically, finding a home within the theatre program and forming meaningful connections that shaped his college experience. His enthusiasm for collaboration, performance, and community made him an unforgettable part of the Dean family.
To honor his vibrant spirit and the positive experience he had at Dean, Leslie and Ted Peters established the Malachi “Max” M. Peters ’20 Scholarship in his memory. T
The scholarship honors Max’s legacy and love for theatre, supports promising theatre majors at Dean, and ensures future students can experience the same positive, transformative environment Max enjoyed. Proceeds from the 24‑Hour Play Festival directly contribute to this fund, helping young artists follow their dreams.
The festival, presented by Dean College's student-run organization, The Guild: New Theatre Works, begins with a prompt that student teams receive on Friday evening. Over the next 24 hours, they:
- Write 5 original 10–15 minute plays
- Assign writers, directors, and cast members
- Rehearse scenes
- Finalize minimal technical and staging elements
- Perform the plays before a live audience on Saturday night
The energy is electric, the collaboration is genuine, and the creativity is limitless. It’s a celebration of everything Dean’s theatre program stands for, and everything Max loved.
Alumni attendance strengthens the Dean community and helps sustain a scholarship that changes lives. By joining us, you:
- Honor the memory of a fellow alumnus
- Support current students as they take creative risks
- Help provide financial support for emerging theatre artists
- Keep the spirit of the performing arts thriving at Dean
Your presence makes a meaningful impact.