Dramashop's Shorts Festival Showcases Original Scripts

Nick Warren

Dramashop's Shorts Festival features eight succinct scripts from local playwrights both aspiring and established, performed for one weekend only. Pictured here are Karen Biebel (left), Judy Stow, Benjamin Snyder, Justing Karns, and Kerrylee Hinkson, rehearsing Rebecca Styn and Margo Wolfe's piece: The Funeral

Friday, Mar. 25 - 26

In a wholly original production, Dramashop presents 2022's Shorts Festival. Casting a net for local playwrights, both aspiring and established, the theater company put out a call for submissions. They narrowed the list down to eight finalists, all of which will be brought to life on stage for one weekend only.

The majority of the scenes are riotously funny, with some venturing into the wondrously heartfelt (Anna McJunkin's "Biffles"), to the somber and moving (Zach Flock's "A Conversation with a Friend"). Expect many a hilarious turn from the cast, from "Audition" (written by Michael Wachter and Benjamin Snyder) to "Sam and the KraKaren" (penned by Snyder, as part of a longer work in progress).

Other authors include Bre Womble ("The Kinda Okay Psychic"), Adam Rossi ("Grim Reaping"), Rebecca Styn and Margo Wolfe ("The Funeral"), and Char Newport ("The Making of a Cat Lady"). As one can surmise from just the titles alone, many scenes explore the darker side of humor, something that's no wonder considering the events of the last two years.

Separating the group into different rehearsals for each individual scene, five directors split the duties  — Jasse Camacho Vera, B.J. Waide, Marshall Mack, Zachery Hoffman, and Michael Wachter.

The cast includes Karen Biebel, Tim Blair, Eli Coppock, Leslie Ford, Jamie Foster, Monica Harden, Raina Harden, Karalyn Headly, Kerrylee Hinkson, Justin Karns, Benjamin Snyder, Judy Stow, B.J. Waide, and Nick Warren. 

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. // On-demand April 1-15 // Dramashop, 1001 State St., Second Floor // For tickets and more information, go to Dramashop.org