Short and sharp

SHORTS on Stage does not relate to dress codes in acting circles, but rather to an exciting new initiative being launched by Noosa Arts Theatre on 28 and 29 May.
A first for Noosa Arts Theatre, Shorts on Stage emerges from a popular subgenre of the One Act Plays popularised by the “Short and Sweet” Festival, a global festival that began as a festival of 10-minute plays in Sydney.
With only three performances Shorts on Stage brings together a melting pot of 30 emerging and recreational actors and nine directors from six theatre companies across the Sunshine Coast.
Production director Jane Rivers said Shorts of Stage forces playwrites to get the story moving quickly and keep the dramatic action tight.
“Audiences can expect to enjoy a broad spectrum of theatre in one sitting, including comedy, drama and ensemble. If one play is less interesting to you, relax for 10 minutes as the next play is never far away,” she said.
Audiences will be entertained with some familiar faces such as Sue Clapham, Sue Sewell, Jenni McCaul and Jane Rivers, along with Noosa Arts’ own Julia Verbught in Mirand’s Dressing Rooms’ production of Alex Broun’s award winning 10,000 Cigarettes, a sweet and sour tale of the complexities of tobacco addiction.
Julia, Jenni and Jane also shine later in the program in a Noosa Arts Theatre production The Role of Della, a riveting and riotous sneak peek at the contemporary audition room.
Little Seed Theatre Company will present three plays, Secret Origin of Mojo Man, the captivating The History of Why the Chicken Crossed the Road and not to be outdone by her students, LSTC principal Johanna Wallace and theatre practitioner Tania Nash appear in Gifted, a comedy based on an over-achieving mother and her talented daughter.
Shorts on Stage concludes with two original and thought provoking plays from Sunshine Coast Repertory Theatre (Maleny), Farmhouse Productions (Cooran).
The audience will also play a crucial role in Shorts on Stage with the invitation to vote for the audience choice award of $500 for “Best Play”.
“Shorts on Stage offers a diverse and eclectic range of plays in a short time frame, delivered at a cracking pace – works of bite-sized theatre,” Ms Rivers said.
There are only three performances – Saturday 28 May at 2pm and then at 7.30pm, and Sunday 29 May at 2pm.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for concession and are available online through www.noosaartstheatre.org.au, or phone 5449 9343 or drop into the box office at the theatre, 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville, between Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 2pm.