Barn Theatre Hosting Playwright Contest

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Aspiring playwrights, directors and theatrical designers will soon have an opportunity to showcase their talents at the Barn Theatre. The Barn Theatre is currently accepting original one act plays as part of its "Solstice Showcase One Act & Dance Festival". The plays will be judged and the best submissions will be produced during the Barn’s One Act & Dance Festival to be held June 14-16.

Producing original one act plays from both local and out-of-town playwrights is just one aspect of the Barn Theatre's Solstice Showcase.

"Our goal with our 'Summer Solstice' showcase weekend is three fold," Omar Kozarsky, the producer for this upcoming Barn Theatre special event, said.  "We hope to give local playwrights the opportunity to see one of their original works performed onstage. At the same time, the festival gives the chance for new directors and designers to show their stuff. Directing, designing sets or lights for a special event is usually the first step toward directing a main stage production at the Barn. Finally, we hope to offer a new and exciting theater experience to our loyal audiences at a very affordable price during these tough economic times."

Kozarsky went on to mention that this season's festival may also include a dance piece, which proved to be very popular when the event was last produced.

The Barn Theatre has been a proving ground for many local artists and has given their audiences the opportunity to see many rising stars before they make it big professionally. Jane Krakowski (of NBC's "30 Rock" and Tony Award winner for "Nine" on Broadway), Laura Benanti (of NBC’s “Go On” and Tony Award winner for "Gypsy"), Vincent Curatola (HBO's "The Sopranos") and Constantine Maroulis ("American Idol" semi-finalist and Tony Award nominee for "Rock of Ages") and have all graced the Barn's stage, just to name a few.

The Barn Theatre President, Todd Mills, is enthusiastic about the event.

"As a totally volunteer run organization, we always welcome new faces to help lend a hand and have a great time in the process. The Barn especially encourages the younger members of our community to get involved with the arts. My father and past Barn President, Jay Mills, got me involved with the Barn when I was young. And to this day, we both continue to volunteer and support the Barn," said Mills.

The Barn Theatre is currently accepting submissions of new and original one act plays from playwrights as well as applications from directors and theatrical designers wishing to work at the Barn. The deadline for play submissions is February 28, 2013. Full details about the event can be found on the Barn Theatre web site.