In preparation for this month\u2019s inaugural play festival, LEAD Productions put out a call last October asking playwrights from around the country to submit their best, short, original plays in any genre, with the exception of musical and children\u2019s theater, for a chance at one of the festival\u2019s ten spots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to create something that would connect Asheville on a national level theatrically while giving actors and directors from several companies and communities the opportunity to collaborate with really strong new material,\u201d says Richard Handy, the event\u2019s founder.<\/p>\n
The results?<\/p>\n
Through a rigorous selection process, winners were chosen last month from the 221 script submissions. To promote inclusivity, LEAD also invited potential directors to apply for the positions. These directors, with two plays each, are Kira Bursky, Adrian Suskauer, Dustin Whitehead, Dani Keil, and Antanas Vainius. Open auditions for parts took place last month as well.<\/p>\n
In Sherry Naren\u2019s play, Employee Assistance<\/i>, a program at the Court of the Queen of Hearts has sent the White Rabbit to get help in dealing with his habitual lateness. In a play by Evan Bauglfman, Our Species is Screwed<\/i>, two unicorns named Charlie and Ed are left off Noah\u2019s Ark while engaged in a round of Scrabble.<\/p>\n
Catch these characters and more at the Asheville National 10-Minute Play Festival April 7\u20139, at White Horse Black Mountain, 105 Montreat Road. Curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. each night.<\/p>\n