Last fall, you were dared to go see Wasatch Theatre Company’s Short Shorts Festival, and now it’s time to dare you to submit a script.
In 2002, Wasatch initiated two traditions: a Page-to-Stage Festival and a Short Shorts Festival. At that time, there were few theater companies producing original works, and they were eager for the chance to read new pieces with an audience. During the Page-to-Stage Festival, there are staged readings of several new plays and one is chosen for production in the following season.
“We wanted to make theater accessible to people who may not have had the chance to do it — whether they are audience members, actors or technicians,” said Brian Pilling, one of Wasatch’s board members, of the motivation to start Wasatch Theatre Company.
Wasatch has always been dedicated to educational theater and to producing plays that promote social justice and civic awareness. The company proudly offers a weeklong children’s theater camp in the summer, as well.
The format of Wasatch’s two festivals has gradually changed somewhat, and over the last couple of years they have gotten back into staged readings again and moved toward including the short shorts.
The script from last year’s Page-to-Stage is titled, “Fade,” and will be produced this year. It is a dark and complex story about a man with many different parts of his psyche controlling him.
“There will be playwriting and directing workshops as part of the festival,” said Pilling, who encourages all who are passionate about human rights and theater to get involved.
This year, the festival is requiring a $10 submission fee per entry, the combined total of which will be awarded to the audience-selected winner. The festival will be held at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, a change from last year’s Columbus Center.
Pilling and the other board members hope that some of the shorts submissions will be written about human rights and justice.