Playing the big stage
P.E.I. Community Theatre Festival looking for submissions for 2019 edition
The P.E.I. Community Theatre Festival is putting out a call to amateur theatre groups to take part the 2019 festival set for Saturday, March 30 – the Island’s annual celebration of World Theatre Day.
The event will be at the Carrefour Theatre in Charlottetown, filling the Saturday afternoon with plays running every 45 minutes, with a social time between performances.
“The Community Theatre Festival is a showcase for true community theatre, a great chance for scores of actors and off-stage production volunteers to perform beyond their usual home audience, to rub shoulders with and learn from one another and get constructive feedback,” said organizers in a press release.
Performers will be given helpful adjudication and presented with participation award mementoes.
The festival has grown in popularity since its resurgence in 2010. Hundreds of people attended at various points throughout the day during the 2018 event, typically staying to watch a handful of performances.
“The P.E.I. Community Theatre Festival reminds me of why I went into theatre in the first place,” said Wade Lynch.
“It is an inclusive, nurturing community experience. To hear stories told, sung and physicalized in English, French, Mi’kmaq and mime is how we build a stronger, welcoming, tolerant, safe and magical community. I can’t wait for next year.”
Organizers are inviting amateur theatre groups to express interest and get working on a play. They are looking for short plays or excerpts, no more than a half-hour, of any kind: comedy, improv, gripping drama, mystery, slice-of-life, political satire, musical, romance, family-friendly or avant-garde/ mature.
They are also open to groups repurposing plays they have previously developed for another event.
Mentoring and guidance are available upon request.
For information or to express interest in participating, contact Kim Johnston at 902-569-8563 or email johnstonk@hotmail.com, Kate Martin at 902-8924384 or eslkatie1@gmail.com, or Rob Thomson 902-628-6778 and robthomson@pei.sympatico.ca.
Groups should signify its intention to participate by Dec. 15, then definite confirmation is needed by Jan. 31.