Playwrights, directors and actors from across the Hunter and further afield will get a chance to test their creative mettle later this month in a new theatre competition at Warners Bay.
The Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival, held at Warners Bay Theatre over two evenings on 24 and 25 February, will showcase short, sharp and original plays that each lasts less than 30 minutes.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the festival would feature 10 short plays in total.
“The One Act Play Festival aims to share original stories written and submitted by local, national and international playwrights,” she said.
“In their own unique ways, each will explore a range of themes, from life and health to relationships and the environment.”
Festival Producer Niz Jabour said a panel of expert judges, along with each evening’s audience, would help determine the winner.
“This is a collaboration between actors and writers to make a play together,” he said.
“It’s open genre so some of the performances are melodrama, some are poetry or readings, some might be dance or silent movement and others will be spoken word.”
Actor Rachael Mae Cook is among the local creatives set to feature in the festival, starring as the solo performer in It is ok to ask – about a woman who ends up in a wheelchair after an accident.
Cook said she wanted her performance, and the short play’s content, to be an inspiration for audiences.
“A tragedy did happen to her out of her control, but she’s made the best of it, and that’s a motivating and inspiring story to tell – to take your life and make the best of what you’ve got,” she said.
The festival features a $2500 prize pool, with awards for best actor, best play and best script.
Tickets are $30 for one evening or $50 for a two-night pass, with discounts for Lake Mac Arts members.
The One Act Play Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
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