HAMILTON-GIBSON TO HOST PENNSYLVANIA THEATRE FESTIVAL
LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE
With the opening of the Deane Center’s Black Box Theatre, Hamilton-Gibson Productions is pleased to be able to host the PACTFest, the annual festival of plays conducted by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Theatres. On March 16-18 community theatre groups from all over Pennsylvania will be in Wellsboro to put on a variety of plays, attend workshops, and network with theatre colleagues. They’ll also have time to enjoy Wellsboro’s hospitality, friendly shopping, good food, and affordable lodging.
The PACTFest/Original Works 2012 contest is open to all community theatres, playwrights, college/university theatres, and youth theatres, as long as no participant is a member of Actors Equity or receives more than 25% of their living wage as an actor. Each production must observe a strict time limit of 80 minutes for setting up the stage, performing the play, and striking the set. This means going from bare stage to bare stage all within 80 minutes.
Although Hamilton-Gibson will not be entering a play in the Festival, local playwrights interested in producing their own plays may wish to be in contact with Hamilton-Gibson for other details and the application procedure. Official application must be made through the PACTFest/Original Works 2012 website. Even though the deadline for entering a play is February 28th, it is important to let HG or PACT know your intention as soon as possible. Do not wait for the deadline. See contact information below.
An added benefit of hosting the PACTFest is that local theatre-goers will be able to attend the productions alongside the casts, crews, and directors bringing plays to Wellsboro. Tickets may be reserved in advance or purchased at the door for the performance sessions on Friday and Saturday. Check the HG website for prices and times. Besides featuring plays that have been published or produced elsewhere, this year’s PACTFest includes original plays that will be adjudicated and considered for further competition at the Eastern States Festival of Original Works in Wilkes-Barre in April.
Application forms are available on the PACTFest website (www.pactheatres.org) They may also be requested by phone at 570.724.2079 or by email at hamgib@gmail.com or pactfest@earthlink.net.
