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Theatre hosts festival of short plays

Gosford Council will host a week-long festival of short plays at the Peninsula Theatre from July 24 to 28, featuring local actors and directors and showcasing the work of local playwrights.

The Short & Sweet play festival was conceived by Mark Cleary of the Newtown Theatre in Sydney.

"In just six years, it has grown to be the world's biggest such festival, with more than 1500 international entries received annually and seasons featuring more than 100 plays drawing sell-out audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore - with NZ, the US and European versions on the way too," said Laycock St Theatre staff member Ms Terri Graham.

"The brilliant formula of short, tasty 'bites' of theatre is a hit with audiences everywhere because it offers something for everyone... as well as a stage for fresh, new work and the chance for upcoming artists to strut their stuff.

"Artistic director of the season will be local actor, writer and director Steven Hopley, himself an award-winning veteran of Short and Sweet.

"Hopley, of Woy Woy, is not only well known locally for his comedy and classic productions but has had his own short plays performed at the Sydney Opera House and internationally including Paradise, Carpe Decaf and The Aussie Pride BBQ.

"Entries for scripts (for plays lasting no longer than 10 minutes) close on May 18 and may be submitted by any current or former resident of the Central Coast.

"There is no restriction on cast size, theme or style - writers are welcome to unleash their creativity on a story of their choosing."

To submit scripts or to seek further information about Short & Sweet at: www.shortandsweet.org.

Press release, 23 Apr 2007 Terri Graham, Laycock St Theatre