With 80 minutes to work with, the theater groups have a lot to do.
Before the clock starts, all the actors and actresses, their props and set designs must be in the 8 foot by 8 foot square. Then they have 80 minutes to set up the stage, put on their production and then return everything – and everybody – to the square before time runs out.
That’s the format for the N.H. Community Theatre Association’s 45th annual one-act play festival. And it just so happens that the festival will be held at none other than the Concord City Auditorium on Saturday.
“It’s very interesting to watch. To watch it go from a pile in a square to a production, back to a pile,” said Allwynne Fine, the house manager for the festival.
It was in Concord a few years ago, but after a stop over in Rochester, the festival, which will feature five theater groups from the southern portion of the state, returns to the Audi.
“They try to vary the location hoping that other theater groups will come,” Fine said.
Doors open at noon with the first production to start at 12:30 p.m. So you need to have your butts in the seat before the clock begins on the first show.
Cost is $20 and that’s for the entire day, which if you stay for all five performances will last till about 8 p.m.
Like we said before, each theater group gets 80 minutes for their production. There will be a slight break as each team takes it’s stuff off stage and the next group gets set up in the square.
After the first three shows, there will be an adjudication time where the three adjudicators (or essentially judges) critique the shows. Then the final two performances will happen, followed by another adjudication.
During the breaks in the action, snacks and the very famous Audi Cookie Bakers will be selling food to keep your belly from rumbling during an important scene.
“All the proceeds from the refreshment table goes to the Audi seat project,” Fine said.
The Community Players of Concord will act as the host for the day and is the first company to take the stage. The Players will perform Dancing Among the Wildflowers, by David Preece, which is a depiction of Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson as they live what is, unbeknownst to them, their last hour together at their Texas ranch.
Following the Community Players will be: Actorsingers (Nashua), Gloria In Excelsior; Windham Actors’ Guild, Most Massive Woman Wins; Nashua Theatre Guild, Used Car For Sale; and Bedford Off Broadway, Derek’s Song.
After all performances are done, the best production will be chosen, as will awards for the best actor and actress, best supporting actor and actress, best stage manager and more.
Tickets are available at the Audi box office on the day of the event.
