Female Playwrights Wanted

Is the Canadian theatre industry sexist? For your consideration:

The [report’s] statistics reveal that sexist theatre practice is alive and well in the new century, as men still run the majority of the “big business” theatres, taking full advantage of a large portion of public funds. Women are clearly not well represented in the triumvirate of power – the roles of artistic director, director, and playwright – particularly at the most established theatres.

–From a 2006 survey report on the status of women in English Canadian Theatre by Nightwood theatre (a noted feminist theatre company), PACT, and the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

A compelling discussion to be sure, but meanwhile – over here on the left side of the country – there are ladies galore kicking ass and taking names in the theatroscene, and making lengthy strides in its popularization; ladies like Katrina Dunn, Adrienne Wong, Kim Collier and Marianne Sawchuk, whose Women at Play(s) showcase is heading into its fourth installment.

Established to present stage work by women, about women and for everyone, W@P(s) is soliciting for new material right now. So if there are any ladies looking to balance the scales of the nation’s theatre playground…

Women At Play(s) is currently looking for new original one act plays, unproduced and unpublished, from female playwrights, emerging or established, for it’s fourth festival. This annual event has had very successful runs in the last 3 years with sold out shows and great reviews from audience members and critics.

Women At Play(s) provides a creative outlet for female playwrights, directors and actresses. It was created to give women a voice. It is meant to inspire and showcase artistic achievements in theatrical performance for women.

Women At Play(s) 3 was proud to have all original plays by female playwrights who all happened to be from Vancouver. 6 short one acts were selected from 55 submissions from across Canada and the United States. The plays ranged from dramatic to comedic and had issues dealing with religion, reconcilliation, pregnancy, motherhood, death, & life.

All characters must be female and the plays no longer than 20 minutes in length. It is produced as an Equity Co-op. Women At Play(s) 4 will be performed in early to mid January 2009 in Vancouver, BC, CANADA.

Submissions may be emailed to mariannesawchuk@hotmail.com

Please submit before June 30, 2008.

Thank you,
Marianne Sawchuk
Creator/Artistic Director of Women At Play(s)

Please watch for our website coming soon at: www.womenatplays.com
or check out our Facebook page.