What has ghosts, surprises, criminal tools, nurses and a swan driving a golf cart?
Weathervane’s annual 8×10 TheatreFest, of course. The 7th annual celebration of 10-minute plays received 142 submissions from all over the United States and six countries, including Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The final eight scripts for the 2017 8×10 TheatreFest have been selected to be performed on the Weathervane stage July 13 through 16. The plays include:
- “Ghost of a Chance” by Tamara Benson of Strasburg, Ohio
Directed by Brian Westerley and Harriet DeVeto - “Good Surprises” by Elizabeth Mowers of Mogadore, Ohio
Directed by Bill Morgan and Samantha Gates - “Good Things” by Peter J Stavros of Louisville, Ky.
Directed by Meg Hopp - “Magical Thinking” by Joel Alden of Richmond, Calif.
Directed by Joshua Larkin - “Psych Nick” by Scott Lummer of Santa Rosa, Calif.
Directed by Kyla Williger - “The Blue Album” by Scott Mullen of North Hollywood, Calif.
Directed by Scott K. Davis - “The Emperor’s New Car” by Barry Wood of Navenby, Licolnshire, UK
Directed by Jay Sigler - “The Unfortunate Teller” by Jeff Dunne of Eldersburg, Md.
Directed by April Deming
“Our 8×10 TheatreFest gives us the opportunity to create something new,” said Melanie Pepe, Weathervane’s Artistic Director. “Audiences who come to see these plays will experience eight, 10-minute plays that no one has ever staged before — that no one has seen before. This this year’s plays are incredibly eclectic. This festival tells stories that will intrigue, inspire and entertain.”
One twist in Weathervane’s contest is the use of a special prop, which must be featured in each of the entries. This year’s prop was a deck of Tarot cards. The prop is picked by the previous year’s audience.
All eight finalist plays will be presented at each of the festival’s four performances: Thursday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m. Weathervane Playhouse is located at 1301 Weathervane Lane in the Merriman Valley.
Audiences will vote to select the first-, second- and third-place winners of the festival. They also will have the opportunity to help select the 2018 festival’s inspirational prop. Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased by calling the box office at (330) 836-2626 or going to www.weathervaneplayhouse.com
The Sunday matinee will be followed by a reception and the announcement of the winners.
Weathervane Playhouse provides high-quality live theater with volunteer artists, designers, and technicians under professional direction, delivers education and training in theater arts and appreciation, and engages and entertains its audience to enrich the quality of life in Northeast Ohio.
