Theater is holding contest for short plays

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Theater Project, an award-winning, professional theater in Maplewood, N.J., is now soliciting short plays for “Fast Forward,” its second annual short play competition. The contest is open to adult playwrights in the New Jersey-New York area.

The Theater Project, which also offers a competition for high school playwrights and presentations of original plays by New Jersey authors, sees this as a logical extension of its mission.

“'Think Fast' affords a great opportunity for local playwrights to have their works produced,” says Mark Spina, artistic director of The Theater Project. “An evening of one-acts provides an exciting showcase for a range of characters, topics and plots and will showcase a variety of voices — both established and emerging playwrights. The Theater Project is excited about creating an opportunity for area playwrights, actors and directors.”

Plays can be either dramas or comedies but must be no more than 15 minutes running time. The deadline for submitting plays is Nov. 21.

The selected plays advance through the opening rounds on Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14. Those plays selected by audience vote will advance to the Sunday, Feb. 15, finals and compete for a $500 Critics Choice grand prize. These performances will be open to the public and take place at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood, N.J. Patrons will also participate by voting for an Audience Favorite award.

Complete submission details are available on the company’s web site, TheTheaterProject.org. The competition accepts electronic submissions only at oneactfest@thetheaterproject.org. Include in the subject line: “Submission + the Title of Your Play.”