Watch as the UC Irvine School of the Arts takes on the production of “Airness,” the play that follows a rookie’s foray into the world of competitive air guitar, directed by Eli Simon at the Claire Trevor Theatre

“Before I read this play, I didn’t know the first thing about Air Guitar and was curious to learn about Air Guitar competitions that many people took very seriously. In directing Airness, I have become fascinated by the intersection of acting and air guitar, and how the brilliance of our playwright, Chelsea Marcantel, capitalized on the potential for theatricalizing this unusual form of performance art. Here you meet people that care deeply about their community, and support like minded artists to achieve their dreams on stage.” -Eli Simon, director, UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts production of “Airness”

Performances

Evenings: Feb. 4, 9, 10, at 8 p.m.
Evening: Feb. 8, 11 at 7:30 p.m. (please note: the 11th has been changed from 8 to 7:30 p.m.)
Matinees: Feb. 5, 12 at 2 p.m.

Tickets

General admission: $19
Seniors, Groups 10+, UCI Faculty & Staff: $16
Arts Packages: $15
UCI Students & Children under 17: $12

About “Airness”

Written by , Directed Chelsea Marcantel by Eli Simon

When Nina enters her first air guitar competition, she thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers that there’s more to this art form than playing pretend; it’s about finding yourself in your favorite songs, and performing with raw joy. Will Nina be able to let go and set herself free onstage? Whether you shred or are shredded, Airness is an exuberant comedy about competition, completion, building community and finding the “airness” inside yourself in order to heal your inner demons. Generous support for this production is provided by the Robert and Lorna Cohen Endowment for Excellence in Drama, Theatre Guild, and Claire Trevor Society.