Theatre Odyssey’s Ten-Minute Play Festival is this weekend

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, you won’t go wrong by attending Theatre Odyssey’s eighth annual Ten-Minute Play Festival, running March 29 through 31.

I performed in it last year and it was a truly special theatrical experience. The format showcases eight 10-minute plays that were written by Gulf Coast playwrights. A fine collection of actors and directors bring the plays to life---often for the very first time.

What is also unique about this festival is that the plays are not only fully produced; they are, in fact, published. Over the years, the group has premiered over 60 plays. Theatre Odyssey has published two anthology volumes that capture a diverse selection of work from the company’s beginnings in 2006 through the current 2013 season.

And let me just say, this is no small footnote.Catherine Randazzo, Theatre Odyssey president, explains, “One of the goals that Tom Aposporos and Larry Hamm had, as the founders of Theatre Odyssey, was to actually compile all of the shows that have been produced. Then they are not only documented as part of a winning festival, but the playwrights can show to future theaters that their plays have already been produced. There are so many 10-minute play festivals going on now around the country, it gives the playwrights extra opportunity to get their plays seen in more then just one way---in a written format as well.”

To get the plays published requires collaboration between the editor and all the selected playwrights. There is also work done in editing, establishing the copyright, cover design, pricing and promotion. Any profit from the sales directly supports the company.

“It’s really complicated,” Randazzo says, “but these two guys make it look as simple as pie because they are the ones just bringing us the finished product.”

Eight plays will be featured at this year’s festival: four comedies and four dramas chosen from 51 entries. The winning play from Theatre Odyssey’s Student Playwriting Festival will also be performed.

The list of plays and playwrights selected for this year’s festival are: Excursions by Brandon Cohela, Reservations by Dylan Jones, War Hero by Julian Olf, White Castles by Mike Phelan, They’re Gonna Kill Gerite by Connie Schindewolf, Leaving Nic by Connie Schindewolf, A Little Help by Bernie Yanelli and Little Miss Ice Cream Cone by Bernie Yanelli.

A panel of judges selects the best play and this year, for the first time, an “audience favorite” will be selected as well.

The anthologies of past 10-minute plays will available for purchase at the festival. Volume One features plays from 2006 to 2009. Festival attendees will be able to place orders for Volume Two, which will include plays from 2010 through this 2013 season. Both volumes will be sold at a discounted price during the festival.

The production will be held at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, located at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota. Performances for Friday and Saturday night will be presented at 8:00 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturday (new this year) and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Click here to purchase tickets or call 941-799-7224.