VIU's Malaspina Theatre Looking for Participants for 24-Hour Playwriting Competition

Leon Potter, Chair of VIU's Theatre Department, shows off some items that could end up being part of Malaspina Theatre's inaugural 24-Hour Playwriting Competition.

October 20, 2016 - 9:30am

Competition, which takes place November 18-20, requires teams to come up with a short play over the course of a weekend


Calling all budding playwrights!


The Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is looking for people to enter the theatre’s inaugural 24-Hour Playwriting Competition, happening November 18 - 20.


“We’re looking for absolutely anyone with a desire to try something completely different and fun for a weekend,” says Leon Potter, Chair of VIU’s Theatre Department. “We’re hoping for a range of different groups to participate – VIU students and staff, high school students, arts groups or anyone else in the community who’s interested. Get a team of five people together and come introduce yourselves to the magic of last-minute panic!”


Each team will receive an “inspiration box” on Friday, November 18 containing a sound effect, a quote, a costume and a prop that they must weave into a 15-minute-or-less show. Then, teams write frantically over the next 24 hours to create a play that incorporates all of these items, which will be performed on Sunday, November 20 starting at 8 pm. Each team will have 1 hour of stage time on Sunday to organize technical elements of their shows, including set lighting and sound cues. Teams can bring in outside actors to act out their play.


Potter is looking for teams of up to five people, and there is no sign-up fee to participate. The competition is limited to the first eight teams to sign up, and teams must confirm by November 4.


“Aside from a weekend of your time and a few shreds of dignity, you will find yourselves paid back in some of the greatest memories you could create,” he says. “The final performances will be judged by a panel of people from the arts community, and there will be prizes!”


To sign up or for more information, contact Potter at Leon.Potter@viu.ca.


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MEDIA CONTACT: 


Jenn McGarrigle, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University


P: 250.740.6288 | C: 250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews



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