September 2016

THE FESTIVAL of One Act Plays is back in October, in a continuation of The Deloraine Dramatic Society’s illustrious history.

The DDS was formed in 1951, and in 1955 the first Youth Drama Festival was held, which has continued to the present.

Previously known as the Senior, and later the Adult Drama Festival , the inaugural Festival of One Act Plays was performed in 1981.

Traditionally, participants have come from all over Tasmania: Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport, Launceston, Rowella, Scottsdale, Deloraine, Hobart, as well as interstate.  However, in recent years participants have mostly hailed from Hobart.

Festival Director Patricia Woods was asked by the Society to organise the first festival, drawing on her experience with Inter-varsity Drama Festivals when a student at UTAS.

"The main appeal to me of the Inter-varsities was the idea of living theatre for a whole week and being totally absorbed in drama." A week was not feasible for the Deloraine festival, which instead became an immersive weekend. An important component is the social aspect, bringing a party atmosphere to the competition.

The festival has run to a similar format since its inception: Friday performances and adjudication, then a party to which the audience, as well as cast and crew, are invited. A Saturday afternoon session and adjudication, where participants go out to dinner in Deloraine. This is followed by a night session and adjudication, after which everyone is again invited to party.

Awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Production are then announced. The winners toast their success with champagne in the silver goblets included as part of the perpetual trophy.

While the festival has been well attended by out-of-towners, Patricia is hoping for a good turnout from local audiences as well this October. Around 14 plays in total are performed over the course of the festival.

At $5.00 per person per session and an invitation to supper afterwards, it is a wonderful opportunity to see live theatre locally.

This year’s Festival will be held at The Little Theatre on the 14th and 15th of October. Please BYO drinks.

Those wishing to perform must complete their entries by the 30th of September.

For more information, contact Patricia Woods by phone on 0409 568 291. Entries will not be accepted after the closing date.