A day to play

Local artists, Tania Nash and Toni Wills are conducting a workshop in Eumundi for budding writers and performers aged 13 to 17. ‘Play In A Day’ workshops set the challenge of devising, writing and performing a 10-minute one-act play within a fun-filled 24-hour period.
“The workshops are a way to get teenagers to engage with their own stories and learn skills on how to share those stories as a performance. It’s an opportunity for them to explore the issues relevant to them within the safe space of theatre”, playwright and producer Toni Wills said.
Actor, director and teacher Tania Nash created the program using the ‘intensive model’ to mimic the industry environment of working collaboratively to a performance deadline.
“The intensity of the 24 hours is like watching magic happen. Ideas flying everywhere at first but then settling down into a
solid work pattern with a real purpose. They know their work goes on show at the end and the competitive edge is a driver. Working in the industry is both collaborative and competitive, you have to be good to succeed and you have to work together to have a chance at success, so this is what we try and replicate.”
This series of workshops will feature well-known local writer/performers, Mary Eggleston and Rainee Skinner.
Workshops are $110 per person and are fully catered. Participants stay overnight at the facility and are supervised at all times. At the conclusion of the workshop, parents, friends and members of the public are invited to watch and enjoy the resulting performances. The plays will be judged by an independent adjudicator to determine the Best Play in A Day.
Play in a Day workshops are supported by Horizon Festival and the Regional Arts Development Fund through the Sunshine Coast Council. For further details visit www.playinaday.com.au
The workshop will be held on 2 and 3 September, at the Eumundi School of Arts hall.