Noosa Arts Theatre Calls Out for One Act Play Entries

Noosa Arts Theatre in Queensland is calling for playwrights to submit an entry into their highly regarded and well-known One-Act Playwriting competition. Now in its 47^th year, this prestigious competition attracts submissions from Australia and overseas.   It is not only the prize money which attracts, but the fact that each of the three finalist plays is performed over a two week festival by a highly regarded acting and directing fraternity.

How is it judged? Six readers thoroughly read all submissions, then determine a shortlist which then goes to a panel of three industry professional judges in Australia.  They determine 1^st prize $5000 (Nimmo Family Trust), 2^nd prize $3000 (Edyth Brook Cooper Trust) and 3^rd prize $1000 (Susan Dearnley).   Those prizes plus the Audience Choice Award of $500 (Nancy Cato Family), $500 Best Ensemble Award (Liza Park) and best acting and directing awards are announced at the conclusion of the festival.

Audiences love heading to the festival because the three finalist plays are staged at every performance.  Each one comprises only one act around 30 minutes long and can be comedy, drama, tragedy or mystery.  The variety is endless.  Each play is different and each year is different. 

You may be thinking, “how can I compete against international writers?”  Well this year all three prize winners were from Australia, which vindicates the strength of theatre in this country.   This competition has encouraged and nurtured many new playwrights over the years who have gone on to prosperous lives in the theatre. 

So if you are a playwright, or maybe fancy yourself as one, jump onto the Noosa Arts Theatre website, www.noosaartstheatre.org.au and under the Playwriting tab you will find all the information you need, plus many helpful suggestions and videos  to guide you on writing a play to suit community theatre.