One-act in 30 years

By Michelle Blackwell

Celebrating its 30th anniversary on the Calgary theatre scene this year, the Pumphouse Theatre will kick off 2002 with its ever-popular One-Act Play Festival.

"The big thing, to me, about the festival," says Joyce Doolittle, company founder and this year’s adjudicator, "is that it’s a wonderful showcase for young companies and young performers and directors who are trying to get started."

The annual festival gives both new and established theatre companies the unique opportunity to perform their work in a competitive environment. At the same time, they
will receive feedback both privately from the adjudicator and publicly from their audiences. It also gives up-and-coming companies more exposure to new and interested
audiences.

This year, 11 groups are participating, performing pieces that range in length from 10 to 60 minutes over the course of four nights.

The theatre companies involved make up a diverse array of talent, including Open Sole Productions, The Liffey Players and the University of Calgary’s own Hidden Insanity and Nickle and Dime.

As for the plays themselves, Doolittle, who reads the scripts in advance, was pleasantly surprised at the range and diversity of the subject matter.

"There’s a good variety in style," she says. "There are quite a few comedies and some more serious dramas, but I think they all have something to offer and are all entertaining."

The majority of the plays featured have been previously performed in Calgary through companies like StoryBook Theatre-who are also performing-although this year, a few of the competitors have chosen to perform original scripts.

In past years, the One-Act Play Festival has enjoyed fantastic attendance and this year, the Pumphouse hopes to continue the tradition.

"The audience is composed partly of people who are fans of participating companies who may know somebody in the cast or crew," says Doolittle. "The other part of it is people who are interested in the theatre in general, people who are regular theatregoers.

With over 30 years in the theatre business, Doolittle is well equipped for her job as adjudicator.

"I’ve had a lifetime in the theatre. I was a university Drama professor for 24 years, I’ve directed many plays in town and I’m still acting in plays here. I just hope I bring my experience to the festival."

When adjudicating and evaluating the 11 performances, Doolittle knows exactly what she’s looking for on stage.

"I’m looking for truthfulness and imagination, but the most important thing is how well the performers and the director fulfill the aims of the script."

Let the festivities begin.