Theatre gets back to the grassroots in Nanaimo with Blue Peanut Production's 24 hour play writing competition.
The Malaspina University-College production company hosts the second annual competition starting today. Leon Potter organizer and technical director, said 24 hour contests are quite popular around the world and a relaxing, fun way to write a play. To an outsider, it sounds anything but relaxing, but Potter assures it's a great time.
"There's not a lot of pressure," he said. "You don't have months and months of rehearsal and preparation on the show. You go in with nothing. . . and then start bouncing ideas off each other and then suddenly it's finished. It's very grassroots theatre, which is fantastic because a lot of people get wrapped up in budgets. These are a fun way to get a whole bunch of people together, have fun, throw a show and it doesn't matter if it's good."
Teams of up to five people will meet on Sept. 22 at the theatre at the college at 7 p.m. where the rules will be explained and everyone will be given an inspiration package.
This will contain one quote, one sound effect and one prop that has to be used in the play.
Potter said in his experience with similar contests, everybody writes frantically until 5 a.m., spends the next day rehearsing the show, getting props and costumes together and learning lines. On Sunday, the teams will get one hour to work out technical details on stage, such as lighting and sound. The plays, which are up to 15 minutes long, will be presented on Sunday. Potter said throughout the process, the college offers no assistance to participants.
"We supply the prop, sound effect and quote for inspiration," he said. "Anything else is completely 100% up to them."
Last year's event was a huge success, Potter said.
The plays are judged, which is done very casually. While there are prizes awarded to the top plays, that's not what it's all about. With people of all ages and theatre backgrounds entering, it's the accomplishment of taking part in such a hectic weekend that people enjoy. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to take part.
"A lot of people get hung up on writing a play," Potter said. "Here's a situation where it doesn't matter if it's good. Write something down, throw it on stage, throw a prop in there and wave it around, see what happens and there you've got a show. It's a massive accomplishment, because they turn around and go 'wow I just wrote and produced a play in 24 hours.'"
Applications can be filled out at www.bluepeanut.net.
For more information call Potter at 250- 740-6386. The show on Sept. 24 starts at 8 p.m. at the theatre at Malaspina. Call the box office at 740-6100 and tickets are available at the door.