Great films, ranging from silent films to movie musicals and the Golden Age of Hollywood to today’s summer blockbusters, have brought audiences together for nearly a century of adventure and inspiration.

As the science of filmmaking has changed, so has the art of storytelling. The Gainesville Theatre Alliance will examine how technology and storytelling affect three employees in a rundown movie house with the play “The Flick.”

This contemporary work of theater will be the first Discovery Series production of the 2016-2017 season. The series is a collaboration between University of North Georgia, Brenau University, theater professionals and the Northeast Georgia community and focuses on more experimental, contemporary theater showcased in more intimate settings.

“The Flick” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15-18 at Brenau Downtown Center, 301 Main St. SW, in Gainesville. Patrons may arrive any time after 6:30 p.m. to check-in. Theater doors open at 7:10 p.m.

The play is free and rated R for mature themes.

Written by Annie Baker and winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for drama, “The Flick” follows Avery, Sam and Rose, who are underpaid employees of a suburban movie theater. The struggling cinema houses one of the last remaining 35-millimeter projectors during the age of digital movies. In the empty aisles, the misfits thread the filmstrips and mop the floors as they navigate their comic tiny battles and not-so-tiny heartbreaks.

Directing “The Flick” is guest artist Ryan Conarro, a graduate of New York University with a master’s degree from Goddard College. He has worked with Ping Chong & Co., Alaska’s Perseverance Theatre, Generator Theatre and Theatre Mitu. He also previously worked with GTA students.

The rest of the GTA season may be seen at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org. Call 678-717-3624 for more information.