Noosa Arts Theatre One Act Play Festival

The 3 finalists in the Noosa Arts Theatre National One-Act Playwriting Competition for 2011 will premiere on stage at the very popular, annual One-Act Play Festival in June. The competition, which has been running for over 30 years, fosters new playwrights and is being generously sponsored again this year by Macquarie Private Wealth. This year the competition received 87 entries from all corners of Australia and beyond, including 2 from the United States. The always popular 2011 One-Act play Festival is coming up next month at Noosa Arts theatre, presenting 3 fabulous short plays, for a night of short, sharp and varied entertainment of humour and drama. Star Crossed, a drama by Jenny Bullimore from Victoria, directed by Johanna Wallace, starring Matt Ingold and Rebecca Plint. This gentle drama explores a social dilemma when a teacher and student develop a relationship that is not seen by all, as appropriate. Nothing is a clever little comedy by Mark Langham from NSW, directed by Jane Rivers starring Frank Wilkie, Meegan Maguire and Michael Morgan. Three close friends “waste” a day in a mate’s garage, dealing with the small and not so small issues in their lives. Must we achieve everything in our lifetime, or can we be fulfilled, by just being ordinary? And will the lawn ever get mowed? The Knock on The Door by last year’s winner, Bruce Olive from Buderim, directed by Liza Park, stars Jenni McCaul, Sharon Ward, and newcomers Michael Parlato and Tom Morgan. In 1915 Gladys and Harold wait for news of their 18 year-old son at Gallipoli. Nearly one hundred years later, Cate waits patiently in the same suburban house for the return of her husband from fighting in Afghanistan. Through these parallel lives, this play explores how Australians, particularly women, have attempted to cope with the anxiety of loved ones fighting overseas. The winner of Best Play, and prizemoney of $2500 donated by Macquarie Private Wealth, will be presented following the final performance, along with the winner of the Audience Choice Award, which wins a publishing contract with Maverick Musicals & Plays. Performances: June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17* at 7.30pm. Matinees: June 12 and 18* at 2pm. Cost: Adults, $26 Conc $22, Groups 10+ $20 BOOK NOW! Call 5449 9343 or book online at: www.noosaartstheatre.org.au * These performances are presented as part of the Noosa Longweekend and will cost $30. Bookings available now only from The J. Call 5455 4455, or book online at www.thej.com.au The One-Act Play Festival, presented in conjunction with the Noosa Longweekend, will also feature a Playwriting Masterclass for budding playwrights with one of Australia’s top playwrights Michael Futcher. This workshop has been assisted by the Sunshine Coast Council Grants Program.