Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2015

VENUES

Weeks 1-4 of Short+Sweet Sydney 2015 will be hosted at THE NEW THEATRE, Newtown - 542 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

Week 5 through to the Finals Series will be held at FUSEBOX of The Factory - 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville NSW 2204

TOP 80

Week 1 | 7-11 Jan

Week 2 | 14-18 Jan

Week 3 | 21-25 Jan

Week 4 | 28 Jan - 1 Feb

Performances at the New Theatre, Newtown

Wednesday-Saturday 7:30pm | Sunday 5:30pm

Week 5 | 4-8 Feb

Week 6 | 11-15 Feb

Week 7 | 18-22 Feb

Week 8 | 25 Feb - 1 Mar

Performances at the Fusebox, Factory Theatre, Marrickville

Wednesday-Thursday 7:30pm | Friday-Saturday 6:30pm | Sunday 5:30pm

WILDCARDS

Week 1 | 10-12 Jan

Week 2 | 17-19 Jan

Week 3 | 24-26 Jan

Week 4 | 31 Jan - 1 Feb

1. SOMETHING TO TELL YOU

When it comes to family, sharing secrets isn’t always easy. The most important thing is to be courageous; sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and just ‘put it out there’. So, shall we make a toast?

Writer: Ashleigh Stathakis

Director: Victoria Vinson

Cast: Susan Geldart (Brenda), Isabella Rodriguez (Claire), David Hines (Robert) 

2. THE PHOTOGRAPH

The joy of youthful enthusiasm fades with the passage of time, destroying friendships.  Yet mate ship might prevail in the end.  Will more time mend the wounds?

Writer: Carol Dance

Director: Carol Dance

Cast: Dana Heatley (Madam Mediator), David Hov (Justin), Luca Bale (Samuel) 

3. DATE NIGHT

Rosie and Tom have been married for 20 years. It's a very special date night. Great wine and amazing food. What could possibly go wrong!

Writer: Sonal Moore

Director: Sonal Moore

ITC: Aardvark Productions

Cast: Wendy Morton (Rosie), Alan Long (Tom)

4. WISH **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

As her final wish from the Make A Wish Foundation, Stephanie, a terminally ill teenager, meets her childhood hero, actor Jack Grant. But the moment Stephanie has dreamed about isn’t exactly as she imagined it would be.

Writer: Bokkie Robertson

Director: Rebecca Wright

Cast: Christian Heath (Jack Grant), Ally Morgan (Stephanie Anderson)

5. CHOOSE

No actors. One volunteer. One voice over. A choose your own adventure!

Writer: Sam Jenkins

Director: Sam Jenkins

ITC: Sam Jenkins

Cast: : Sam Jenkins (The Narrator)

6. THE HUMAN RACE

Human conception, birth, life and death in 10 minutes. 'The Human Race' deals with what it means to be human and the rituals that make us who we are. Only one thing is certain: the race is on and we don't have long.

Writer: Mark Sims

Director: Mark Sims

ITC: The Meerkat Collective

Cast: Marty Rhone (Narrator), Heath Sims (Irwin), Liz Wilkinson (Female Egg/Love Interest), David Bruce (Man/Father), Jacqui Greenfield (Woman/Mother), Luke Beattie (Sperm/Extra), John Tsioulos (Sperm/Extra), Sinui Horus Pavino (Sperm/Extra), Jessica Hanlon (Sperm/Extra), Timothy McArtney (Composer)

7. WHERFORE ART THOU OH WRITING INSPIRATION **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if I act as a fool, shall inspiration not come?

Writer: Jeffrey Hampson

Director: Courtney Powell

ITC: Centrique Theatre

Cast: Jeffrey Hampson (William Shakespeare)

8. AFTERWARDS

Five women will take the audience on a moving journey by sharing their experiences of their abuse in the hopes of helping others do the same. (TRIGGER WARNING: Rape, Suicide.)

Writer:  Alex Broun

Director: Natasha McDonald

Cast: Nicole Harwood (Meg), Natasha McDonald (Sissy), Ashley Shaw (Caroline), Imogen Furniss (Kendra), Charlotte Baker (Jenny)

9. IT’S A BUMPY RIDE

Emma, a young professional boards a plane to attend her mother's wedding in FIJI. The young man who sits next to her is not what you want next to you for four hours especially when you find out who he is.

Writer: Kellie Eatock

Director: Felix Carlyle

Cast: Luke Berman (Guy), Hannah McLean (Emma) 

10. DERRICK THE FAT MAN

The President of a futuristic world has introduced an Act to eliminate obese people. Brothers Derrick and Saul race against time to reach their ideal weight. Will they become casualties of this new law?

Writer: Brett Joachim

Director: Brett Joachim

ITC: Mercury Twin Productions

Cast: David Wiernik (Derrick), Danny Nercessian (Saul), June Holmes (Mum), Sarah Foukas (Reporter/Army Man) 

1. THE LEAST IMPOSSIBLE THING THAT HAPPENED THIS EVENING

James, 16, really likes Kellie. Like, LIKE, likes Kellie. Unfortunately, he is no longer in control. In the following conversation, between the confused teenager, the Creator of the Universe and heart-broken Cupid, dark secrets are revealed about what love is.

Writer: Matthew Friedman

Director: Matthew Friedman

ITC: The Drama Queens

Cast: Matthew Friedman (James)

2. INSERT NAME HERE

A married couple, finding ways to cope with an event that has changed their lives, struggle to find the right name.

Writer: Dan Bateman (Original Story) &

Ms Alle Segretti (Adaptation)

Director: Ms Alle Segretti

Cast: Alexandra Rigby, Haki Crisden

3. PRESTO

Career options are kind of limited when you're a rabbit. For one hopeful young rabbit, discovering moments before the curtains rise that magic is just smoke and mirrors means it's time to consider other options.

Writer: Michael McRae

Director: Henrietta Stathopoulos

With: Mattison Tabone as Stage Manager

Cast: Mario Fouad (Magician), Cynthia Florek (Stage Manager), Patrice Rielly (Magician’s Assistant),  Mandy Sugar (Rabbit), Emma Webb (Monkey) 

4. CHAT TO DEATH

Chatting on line can be fun but sometimes can have deadly consequences. 

Writer: Robert Renshaw

Director: Melinda Latsos

ITC: Actors Anonymous Inc.

Cast: Robert Rosina (Male), Natasha McDonald (Sally)

5. SO SAYS THE SEA **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

After being dumped, Dee and her best friend Poppy head to the sea. But they aren't the only ones escaping the past. They run into two British boys, Tom and Lucas, and a fateful kiss changes relationships and lives forever.

Writer: Rachel Welch

Director: James Hartley

ITC: Upper Crass Theatre Company

Cast: Maddy Stedman (Poppy), Aleks Mikic (Lucas), Petrie Porter (Dee), Alex Cubis (Tom)

6. SCREAMERS! **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

If a quick look back at our recent political history is terrifying, then a quick look forward into our social future surely is enough to make you wanna scream! This camp and crazy mash up of Mad Max & Wiz of Oz is designed to help you let off some steam and laugh about it all!

Writer: Gavin Vance

Director: Gavin Vance

ITC: Red Roar

Cast: Joseph Chetty (Dorothy), Jackie Vance (Aunty Entity),

Taras Jones (Harpist), Jacques Thong (Costumier), Dan Jones (Dorothy's Shoes) 

7. CHANCE YOU CAN DANCE

Four quirky characters enter a dance contest. Will they overcome their fears and embrace their unique dance methods to create a beautiful unified mess of expressive dance? There's definitely a chance!

Devised: Jo Ford

Developed: The Cast

Director: Jo Ford

ITC: shutup

Cast: Drew Holmes (Host/Judge), Jo Ford (Fluer), Hilary Park (Tin Tin), Stephanie Priest (Harmony), Lukas Quinn (Glen) 

8. 36 TRAITS OF MATCHMAKING

The play poses a dilemma for an Indian son who has moved to Australia and unable to commit to an Indian girl that his mother has arranged for him to marry by matching their horoscopes. To Father’s surprise there’s an Aussie girl sharing the place with his son!

Writer: Neena Badhwar

Director: Aishveryaa Nidhi

ITC: Abhinay School of Performing Arts

With: Sanjay Patel, Shourya Nidhi

Cast: Khushaal Vyas (Rahul), Jessica Lowe (Samantha), Aishveryaa Nidhi (Mother), Nisar Sirguroh (Father)

9. ENCOUNTER

How close is too close? That's too close. Stop it. Please stop that.

Writer: Renee Boyer-Willisson

Director: Evin Donohoe

Cast: Diley Alanca (Chris), Lyndsey Fay Macnaught (Alex)

10. BUSINESS MEETING

A surrealist comedy about office life, because office life is a surrealist comedy.

Writer: Ryan Pemberton

Director: Ryan Pemberton

ITC: Short+Sweet Canberra Winner

Cast: Brendan Kelly (Stan), Tom Shortt (Shan), Mitch Gosling (Denton)

Scott Bowcher (Violin), Dylan Hekimian (Guitar), Russell Nash (Maracas), Colin Giles (Tequila) 

1. GOING VIRAL

Two parents in conversation with their child: What is Facebook? Well it’s something that may have been more popular when you were little. You mean everyone can see all these photos of me? Nooo. Well... yes.

Writer: Brandon Crose

Director: Christine Wykes

Cast: Max Mulvenney (child), Tom Rose, Katherine Babatzanis

2. REGRET

Brian is 42 and ready for love. He travels far to find a wife. But on his way to happiness, he makes a choice that he will learn to regret.

Writer: Joy Roberts

Director: Glen Pead

ITC: Improvising Change

Cast: James Belfrage (Brian), Katharine Marie Richardson (Oksana), Joanna Kedziora (Luba/Katie)

3. TRANSACTIONS **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

A lonely man is visiting a prostitute. He's trying to buy the life he's dreaming of; she's tired of playing the strange role he wants. Tonight he can only afford ten minutes, and it's not going to go as planned.

Writer: Scott McAteer

Director: Ingrid Ganley

ITC: Hobart Quartet | Short+Sweet Hobart Winner

Cast: Ivano Del Pio, Karissa Lane  

4. ROUGHING IT

A couple go camping at their honeymoon spot to bring the flame back. However, can they get over the hurts, the pain they caused to each other and themselves?

Writer: Kylie Rackham

Director: Jovana Miletic

Composer: Roman Pechersky

Photographer: Nic Dracoulis

Cast: Alex Brown (Dave)

5. SPIDEY GLASS

Riches, success, adoration, love. Bestowed upon the superhero, adorned by the film star for merely waltzing into the room. But for the common man, obtaining these becomes a mortal struggle. All the more so, when all he has, what... booze?

Writer: Alex Langenfeld

Director: Daniel Cohn

Cast: Christian Heath (Josh), Kate Williams   

6. GOD: THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

Pandemics, climate change, terrorism and countless wars (not to mention Justin Bieber!) have not impressed God's employer, Universes Incorporated. Something must be done quick smart if God wants to avoid a work-for-the-dole program. This is God's Judgment day, corporate HR style!

Writer: Allan West

Director: Simon Doctor

Cast: Benjamin Bonar (Jason), Leyla Hart-Svensson (Ms Parkes), Edith Hueck (God), Nick Wright (Mr Maxwell)      

7. MORTGAGE

When Tim, an "equine bio-waste transportation engineer", and his wife Sandy meet Max, a mortgage broker who de-sexes farm animals in his office on weekends, they end up with problems worse than a second coming of the global financial crisis.

Writer: Aaron Nilan

Director: Toast D'Bechamel

ITC: Actors Anonymous

Cast: Alastair Buchanan (Max), Jaymie Knight (Tim), Justine Keim (Sandy), Kat Morel (Girl with cat) 

8. EVELYN

Evelyn has been in a domestically violent relationship for nearly all of her marriage. But when her husband dies at home of a heart attack, she is reluctant to let his body leave the house without a proper goodbye; especially when that bastard God got in before her.

Writer: Brett Heath

Director: Brett Heath

ITC: The Lo-La Co.

9. DANCING ON A BLUE COMET

An aspiring comic book writer and established comic book editor meet and connect over dreams lost and found, economics, the various strengths and limitations of being a superhero and the chance of a brighter future.

Writer: Phillip Gallop

Director: Phillip Gallop

ITC: Lazy Eye Productions

Cast: Phillip Gallop (Cormac), Roslyn Hicks (Ashling)

10. HEART WRENCHED

A prince comes to the rescue of his captured princess.. but does she really want to be rescued?

Writer: Isaac Owen

Director: Julian Ramundi

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Rosemary Ghazi (Princess), Sam Jenkins (Prince), Luke Jovanovic (Villain), Teresa Zaidan (Director)

1. THE LAST THREE BLONDES

What would happen if Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace and Princess Di met now?

Writer: Phillip McDonald

Director: Ruth Fingret

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Debbie Neilson (Marilyn Munroe), Michela Carattini (Princess Grace Kelly), Justine Scali (Princess Diana), Dudley Levell

2. MEMBERS ONLY

Never forget your passwords and access codes!! Commit them to memory as you will need them all your life - and death! Why didn’t Karen take heed of this advice?

Writer: Jane Cafarella

Director: Mark Gerard Nagle

Cast: Bodelle De Ronde (Karen), Amelia Morris (Concierge), Joanna Kedziora (Gabriele)

3. 30ILY EVER AFTER

Marry your best friend, if you hit 30, and you're still single? Cate and Jack made such a pact (legally binding, obviously) when they were just 15. Will they follow through, or is 15 years of promise making not enough collateral for a successful marriage? Happy ever after, indeed.

Writer: Courtney Powell

Director: Jeffrey Hampson

Cast: Courtney Powell (Cate), Jeffrey Hampson (Jack )

4. THE WATER’S EDGE

Isabelle suffers from early on-set dementia and drifts between moments of lucidity and a dream-like state, believing herself to be dating a soldier in the 1940s. Her husband indulges Isabelle’s fantasies whilst struggling to piece together his own crumbling reality. Writer: Michael Lill

Director: Anna Potter

Cast: Alizon Vosburgh, Neil Modra

5. AN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN

Roger is dedicated to the arts, gardening and the finer things in life. He's a true living treasure. He's now featuring in the pilot of a new television series "English Living Treasures".

Writer: Jovana Miletic

Director: Stephen Carnell

ITC: Actors Anonymous Inc

Cast: David Attrill (Roger)

6. THE BRIDGE **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

Penny has put a lot of thought into her suicide.  She has even memorized the lines to a pertinent Coleridge poem.  Or so she thought.  An unexpected encounter with Roger, who knows his Coleridge well and always travels with a snack, gives them both time to think before they jump.

Writer: Jessica E Anderson

Director: Sharlene Zeederberg

Cast: Peter Condon (Roger), Katharine Babatzanis

7. PERFECT PROFILES

Technology connects us, but do we really feel in a virtual world?  Glowing portals calculate our profiles and filter our attempts to truly belong with another.  What happens to our profiles when we dare to dance in shared light?

Choreographer: Elizabeth McMahon

Director: Elizabeth McMahon

ITC: Bodyflight

Dancers: Elizabeth McMahon, Ash Robinson

Composers: Eraldo Bernocchi, Harold Budd. Music for Fragments from the Inside "Five" 

8. FAMILY DINNER

In the Adelmann household, family dinner has become an enduring ritual. Tonight, four very different perspectives on life will collide at the table, but this time someone will be pushed too far.

Writer: Heidi Silberman

Director: Nick Field

Cast: Edith Hueck (Skye), George Trippis (Rafe), Antonia Zappia (Louisa)

9. I DO?

What happens when a bride is dressed and ready to walk down the aisle on the happiest day of her life and although it’s all she ever wanted, will she finally say “I do”?

Writer: Joanna Murray Smith

Director: Samantha Bauer

ITC: The Drama Queens

Cast: Sharon Bar-On

10. ANOTHER DAY OUT WITH THE MATES **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

“Another Day Out With The Mates” is a sequel. The story follows eight criminals who are in weekend detention along with yet again another new shy field officer. Find out what mischief odd characters get up to this time!

Writer: Marcia Neilson

Director: Debbie Neilson

Cast: Richard Littlehales (Winterbottem), Victor Moore (Crabtree), Luke Reeves (Horne), Kerry Russell (Wepu), Alannah Robertson (Officer Snodgrass), Pauline Gardner (Sister Absist), David Berry (Condon), Glenn Wanstall (Cockburn), James Walkom (Swindle), Les Davidson (Brownscombe), Amylea Griffin (Officer Huntsmen)

1. LOCKOUT: THE MUSICAL

Six people arrive late at a theatre, and must spend the first 10 minutes of the show waiting in the foyer. Some will see the lockout as an opportunity, some as a curse. Some will do anything to get in!

Writer: Alena Titterton

Director: Alena Titterton

ITC: Berzurka Productions

Musical Arrangement & Recording: Tauese Tofa & Steve Body, Reveal Music

Choreographers: Mark Hill, Samantha Leigh Dodemaide

Producers: Michael Dowling, Alena Titterton

Cast: Michael Dowling (George), Elly Hiraani Clapin (Jemima), David Hov (Theo), Raphael Hudson (Usher), Carmen Lysiak (Susan), Graham Stoney (Tom), Alena Titterton (Annie)
lockoutthemusical.com

2. THE AUDITION

Auditioning for a role Meg desperately wants, she stumbles her way through an embarrassingly, poorly delivered monologue.  With so much at stake, can Meg pull herself together in time to impress the director?

Writer: Samira Wyld

Director: Samira Wyld

ITC: Wyldlake Productions

Cast: Susan Stenlake, Chris Kellett

3. A PINCH OF FATE, A SHOT OF DESTINY

A businesswoman reaches down to pick up a coin she dropped into the street just as a speeding car comes right at her. What happens next even surprises the angel of death.

Writer: Mark Sasse

Director: Tara Gallop-Brennan

Cast: Hilary Park (Narrator), Eden Scott (Rebecca), Matthew Archer (Mitch),

4. CHARMING

Jennifer thinks she may finally have found her Prince Charming! He's sweet and funny, he might even be a good kisser,  but is he really meant for her?

Writer: Mark Harvey Levine

Director: Sue Chapman

ITC: Blacktown Theatre Company

Cast: Nicole Smith (Jennifer), Daniel Boole (Matthew)

5. TAGGED **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

No secrets are safe from social media.

Writer: Russell Bell

Director: Steven Tait

Cast: Jack Douglas (Man), Ally O'Brien (Woman), Mark Longhurst (Waiter) 

6. FRIENDS REQUEST

Two lovely fanatics will take a quick few moments of your time to share a wondrous new religion changing people's lives. Will you be next?!

Writer: Jessica Fallico

Director: Sahn Millington

ITC: Trio

Cast: Errenn Ball (Advocate 1), Shannon Mills (Advocate 2)

7. CAPTAIN EVERYTHING

He's all kinds of superheroes rolled into one. You couldn't put him in a box, right?

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Georgina Carr & Quinn Griggs

ITC: Short+Sweet Hobart

Cast: Noah Casey

*This play is not eligible for votes*

8. NO MAN’S LAND

Based on a true story a ceasefire was organised to bury the dead lost in No Man’s Land - between Turkish and Allied trenches at Gallipoli, May 1915. During the burial detail men from opposing sides met on neutral ground.

Writer: Kaz Getts

Director: Warren Bradey and Kaz Getts

ITC: RAPA

Cast: Ali Aitken (Goddess Hera/Mum), Holly Royce (Goddess Aphrodite/Anya), Henry Coleman (Australian Soldier at Gallipoli) 

9. THE DEAD EX

What do you do when your ex-girlfriend keeps turning up uninvited?

Writer: Vee Malner

Director: Tom Richards

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: James Cameron, Lisa Hanssens, Liz Hovey

10. MANSTRUATING **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

Relationships - they are a merry dance.  There's give and take, but sometimes you need to think outside the box when your feelings are on the line.

Writer: Adam Szudrich

Director: Grant Wilson

Cast: Emma Playfair (woman), David Owens

1. SOLAR

Who knows how to fix the dwindling habitat thanks to global warming to the Polar Bear? Danny Everest does.

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Lyn Chick

Cast: Ebony Halliday (Polar), Jordan Sykes (Danny Everest)

*Not eligible for votes*

2. A BITTER PILL

Rebecca is a drug-addict and prostitute who is abannonded by all her ‘friends’ when she gets sick. A harrowing, true story of a young woman’s last days.

Writer: Garreth Cruikshank

Director: Garreth Cruikshank

ITC: Kameleon Productions

Cast: Louise Gowing

3. A CASE OF ACUTE ANGINA

A light hearted, slightly absurd take on the breakdown of communication that occurs during the process of ageing. When hearing loss becomes a problem for the elderly should they consult  a cardiologist, an audiologist, a gynecologist or a dentist?

Writer: Lyndall Johnson

Director: Lyndall Johnson

ITC: Little Black Cat Productions

Cast: Sebastian Wang (Alva Goodall), Alison Albany (Ambulance Officer)

4. SPEAKING FREELY **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

Young veterinarian Kelly is looking for love, but as her blind date with Blake unfolds she realises this isn’t going to be the magical night she had hoped for. Think you’ve been on the worst date before? Think again.

Writer: Jack Kelly

Director: Serhat Caradee

Cast: Hunter Mcmahon (Blake), Krystle Hill (Kelly), Sebastian Angborn (Blake C), Amanda Collins (Kelly C)

5. FINDING LOVE@.COM

Finding love across the world is hard... unless you have match.com

Writer: Cary Pepper

Director: Deanna CoCo

Cast: Freya Jokela, James Stubbs Grigoriou

6. BRAINSTRUST

Our PM is  in need of a distraction to take the heat off the budget..will his brainstrust suceed

Writer: Craig Delahoy

Director: Larry Kelly

Cast: James Parbery (PM), Brooke Doherty (Constanace), Luke Brattoni( Digby)

7. THE GARAGE SALE

It's a long day when you hold a garage sale and nobody's interested.

Writer: Wendy Crew

Director: Wendy Crew

ITC: The Performance Crew

Cast: Lisa Hanssens (Seller) 

8. A BUG’S RIGHTS **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

A cantankerous judge meets his match when a crack addicted lawyer pushes for a universal declaration of insect rights. But neither of them could anticipate the lawyer's client; the provocative and radical Jorge the beetle.

Writer: James Hartley

Director: James Shepherd

ITC: Upper Crass Theatre Company

Cast: Tom Green (The Lawyer), James Hartley (The Judge), Bendeguz Devenyi-Botos (The Bug)

9. ENCHANTED

Neighbours disagree over their differing ways to relax. When does chanting become enchanting?

Writer: Judy Couttie

Director: Belinda Elchaar

Artistic Consultant: Crissy de Silva

ITC: Vedanta

Cast: Aaron Scully, Louise Wildman, Belinda Elchaar, Marima Whitton, Felicity Jean

1. MANY APPS MAKE LIGHT LIVING

Two people meet at a bus stop.  One is immersed in her mobile, the other is attracted to her.  But can he get past the barrier of the apps on her phone and have they more in common than either of them realizes?  And can they survive the perils of having coffee on the other side of a busy road?

Writer: Robert Ballinger

Director: Robert Ballinger

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Cayde Fowler, Cocheene Smith 

2. SCRATCH **Invited to the People's Choice Showcase!**

A black comedy about the bleak future of contemporary cinema. When a suspicious, black Chrysler pulls up out the front of his house, couch potato, James, figures he owes money to the wrong people. The truth is far more severe.

Writer: Tom Green

Director: Tom Green

ITC: Thieving Monkey Theatre Company

Cast: James Shepherd (The Boss), Jed Clarke (James), Richie P. (Johnny), Shaun A. Robinson (Bob)

3. DOIN’ IT BIRDY STYLE

If not for sex ,plants would not bloom ,birds would not sing and hearts would not beat so fast.-Olivia Judson

Writer: Stuart Boyce

Director: Terry Meller

Cast: Nib, Clara Jeanne

4. INTERVIEW ROOM 2

A week after a robbery at a mafia card game, a mysterious witness comes forward with some disturbing evidence. With her blood-red lipstick, she is under the spotlight. So why is it only the cops sweating?

Writer: PAULENE TURNER

Director: PAULENE TURNER

ITC: MUSKETEER PRODUCTIONS

Cast: MARGARETA MOIR, PAUL BYRNE, SHELLEY BOOTH

5. DANCE PARTNERS

The things we do, tell and dream of when looking for love – A young woman relates her epic journey to connect, seduce and play while dancing… in the rain.

Writer: Sarah Pritchard

Director: Cecile Payet

Cast: Kat Hoyos (Miss 20 Something), Cyrus Henry (Some Young Guy)

6. CROSSWORDS

A husband and wife speak candidly about their relationship, trying to find comprimise and common ground.  This of course all happens while Raymond (the husband), does the daIly crossword from the toilet.

Writer: Bob Guy

Director: Edward Plowright

Cast: Elisa Menniti  (Mandy), Raymond (Tom Archibald)

7. TRUTH OR DARE **Invited to the Gala Finals!**

3 bored friends play a harmless game.

Writer: Rhys Cohen

Director: Bendeguz Divenyi-Botos and Rhys Cohen

ITC: Bendeguz Industries

Cast: Patrick Richards, Georgie Veneziani, Morgan Davis

8. NOT AGAIN

A bloodied nose, and the timely arrival of a good Samaritan - it couldn't be simpler . . . or could it?

Writer: Brian Haydon

Director: Lorelei Tait

ITC: Crash Test Drama Bundanoon

Cast: Thomas-Andrew Baxter (Steve), Miranda Lean (Judy), David O'Halloran (Col)

9. LIFE IS SWEET

A girl’s love of chocolate puts her in a perilous situation.

Writer: Trish Koutrodimos

Director: Wayne Mitchell

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Raechel Carlsen, Cayde Fowler, Badai Flynn

VENUE - The Fusebox, Factory Theatre, Marrickville

PERFORMANCE DATES - 25 Feb-1 March

Wednesday-Thursday 7:30pm, Friday-Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 5:30pm
BUY TICKETS

1. STAR POWER

A human discovers just how much a bit of star power can change not only his life but the fate of the whole world.

Writer: Ted Wenskus

Director: Renee Brack

Cast: Dudley Levell, Mark Fowler, Sebastian Wang

2. RAGHEAD

On paper Sarah and Nick seem perfect for each other. Sarah’s confident, funny, smart, Nick is a great listener and a very compassionate person. But their first date goes horribly wrong when Sarah arrives in a veil.

Writer: Tom Coash

Director: Rebecca Wright

Cast: Luke Berman, Bobbie-Jean Henning

3. ASLEEP AND HIM

Samm and Teddy are on a camping trip and all is well and good until Samm realizes she is dreaming. She must now confront the guy of her dreams and hold on to him before she wakes.

Writer: Sarah Howell

Director: Sarah Howell

ITC: Short+Sweet Kuala Lumpur

Cast: Theresa Wee-Yenko (Samm), Kamil Haque

4. THEY’RE NOT NORMAL

A sibling rivalry involving Raquel Welch and rabbits, the CIA and submarines.

Writer: Graham Yates

Director: Uma Kali Shakti

ITC: Grinning Shark Productions

Cast: Sandra Campbell (Her), Graham Yates (Him), Brad Yee (Mr Smith)

5. THE AUDIENCE

A thought-provoking reflection on visibility and the nature of the stage.

Writer: Grant Woolley

Director: Mark Fowler

Cast: Jeannie Melinz (Sandra), Valentino Arico (Marcus)

6. SNAIL MAIL

Ray & John met by chance. Time and distance brought their friendship closer. What follows is an adventure around the world and deep into the human heart.

Writer: Peter Bloem

Director: Luke Berman

ITC: Black Box Theatre

Cast: Bobby Babin (Ray), James Belfrage (John)

7. NO ROOM AT THE INN

No Room at the Inn takes place in the living room of a share house inhabited by a brother and sister, the brothers boyfriend and this creepy guy who thinks he is Gollum from lord of the rings. We see this band of misfits fight over equality, bathroom etiquette and who gets to come to christmas dinner.

Writer: Kirsty Budding

Director: Samuel Lucas Allen

ITC: Budding Theater

Cast: William Short (James), Julian Hall (James), Izzy Stevens (Hellen), Oliver Morassut (Gollum), Patrick Varming

8. MILTON

I'm twenty-eight, single, and to date have killed nine people - kind of.. So says Luke to Dr Abrahams, a celebrated psychiatrist, whose attempts to help him will lead to the conjuring of a deadly alter ego.

Writer: Robert Armstrong

Director: Rosemary Ghazi

Cast: Michael Smith (Luke), James Parbery (Dr Abrahams), Glenn Wanstall

9. UNFORGETTABLE

Inspired by real-life stories, “Unforgettable”  is a funny, bold and moving look into dementia and the lives of Flo and Cecil - two 80-something year old pensioners with many a song to sing and a lifetime of stories to tell. Join them as they talk family, memory, love and life in the nursing home.

Writer: Stephanie Priest and Drew Holmes

Director: Stephanie Pries and Drew Holmes. Co-directed by Chloe Perrett.

ITC: Shady Palms Productions

Cast: Stephanie Priest (Flo), Drew Holmes (Cecil)

1. THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF LAUNDRY

It's laundry night in Newtown and Sam's got a load of darks. He wants to be left alone but tonight... Betty has other plans: she wants to make small talk. That makes Sam angry... and she won't like him when he's angry.

Writer: Michael Ripley

Director: Samuel Sida

Cast: Aska Karem (Betty), Robert Deacon (Sam)

2. IN A MOMENT

When a tax accountant braves the outside world beyond her office, she is confronted by the reality of Sam, living life on the streets. Is Sam a noble bum preaching freedom or just another homeless cockroach magnet? In a moment, everything changes.

Writer: Tammy Tresillian

Director: Melissa Maclean

Cast: Michael Gencher (Sam), Talin Agon (Laura)

3. THE DUTIFUL DAUGHTER

As two sisters return from burying their mother, this psychological thriller asks just which one of them is 'the dutiful daughter'?

Writer: Suzy Wilds

Director: Angeline Andrews

Cast: Sarah North (Deb),

Laura Galbraith (Gail)

4. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Marie is hosting the weekly family get together, but she's struggling to fit it into her busy schedule. Will she get the apartment clean in time? Or worse, will she have time to hide the pack of shop bought biscotti?

Writer: Elisa Cristallo

Director: Kirsty McGowan

ITC: Crystalline Productions

Cast: Elisa Cristallo (Marie)

5. HUMPTIE DE UMPTIE

What really happened to Humpty Dumpty? This social conscience character driven play uses Nursery Rhymes Characters to explore ‘what is mental illness’? Is it created by a chemical imbalance, life trauma, or a by-product of society labeling everyone who is different and eccentric as a ‘fruit cake’ and imposing ‘norms’?

Writer: Ridwan Hassim

Director: Ridwan Hassim

ITC: Abhinay School of Performing Arts

Cast: Barry Walsh (Humptie de Umptie), Emily Ward (Little Lamb), Leyla Iman (Old Mother Hubbard), Ridwan Hassim, Tsu Shan Chambers, Uma Kali Shakti

6. ALTERNATE SERVE **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

Are we entitled to complain about the food at a charity dinner - and is the waiter to blame?

Writer: Paul Madden

Director: Michael Whalley

Cast: Craig Hall (Waiter), Simon London (Brett)

7. LIPSTICK AND MIRRORS

A girl seeks approval from the universe to move on with her life after the tragic disappearance of the older sister Chloe. Writer: Beverley Lello

Director: Megan Robinson

Cast: Katrina Papadopouloa (Girl)

8. POOH POOH LIKE CHOO CHOO

Reece thinks he has found the perfect home. And so begins an epic battle with Choo Choo, a dog whose main method of combat is through relieving his bowels/bladder wherever he sees fit. Only one of them can reign supreme!

Writer: Jeremy Mohamed

Director: Jeremy Mohamed

ITC:  Cosmic Perspectives

Cast: Jeremy Mohamed (Choo Choo), Leilani Loau (Isabelle), Andrew Dwyer (Reece)

9. DAYS O’FOUR LIVES

The dramatic lives of four people entwined with secets, love and the unity of family.

Writer: Natalie Banach

Director: Natalie Banach

ITC: Crash Test Drama Cronulla

Cast: Angela Gibson (Hopeful), James Smithers (Ridgeedidge), Brad Yee (Dr Beau Tox) 

10. THE HUMAN DILEMMA

In the future androids rule the world. Bleep has come home to confront his parents and learn his origin. The girls in school aren't interested in him, he doesn’t seem to appreciate certain adult books, yes, there’s something that doesn't quite compute for poor Bleep.

Writer: Earl T. Roske

Director: Marley Erueti

Cast: Richard Littlehales (Bleep), John Barkley (Stanbuilt), Corinne Sennitt (Chromita)

1. IN BED TONIGHT WITH STAN AND MILLIE

A little phone call, with big consequences.

Writer: Wayne Guy

Director: Zoe Tomaras

Cast: Victoria Little (Millie), Jack Bunting (Stan) 

2. ICE AGE

Two girls, aged 8 and 10, imagine what life would be like in the Ice Age in an attempt to escape the reality that a man with sinister intentions will soon arrive.

Writer: Sue Clennell

Director: David Hov

Cast: Siobhan Ryan (Rachel), Claire Guiffre (Wendy)

3. PEE BUDDIES **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

A desperate man enlists the help of a co-worker to conquer his embarrassing fear.

Writer: Shane Murphy

Director: Jon Emmett

Cast: Reece Lyndon (Don), Scott Dias (Glenn), Jon Emmett (Co-Worker)   

4. VOICING UP THE MARRIAGE

Rule one: Don't bring work home with you. Rule two: Voice your feelings, it is cleansing! Sometimes. A story about a married couple and their individual but remarkably similar career aspirations. Writer: Dr D. Bruno Starrs

Director: Jade Alex

ITC: Actors Anonymous Inc.

Cast: Emma Medbury, Stephen Bracken

5. PEACE AND POUT

It's Friday night and small recovery group gather to share their addiction. Attended by Lucy the peer leader, Katie the group veteran & Jessy the newbie. It all goes as usual until a new member interrupts, putting in jeopardy the group's recovery. Writer: Carolina Diaz

Director: Carolina Diaz and Abby Hosie

ITC: Morula Theatre Company

Cast: Melissa Kathryn Rose, Ash Macdougall, Abby Hosie

6. TAKE TWO

A couple discovers that reconciliation can be tricky--especially when a pre-nup is involved.

Writer: Chris Shaw Swanson

Director: Marcelle Wever

Cast: Laura Goddard, Jonathon Emmett

7. TOBA TEK SINGH

A few years after India’s independence, following the decisions taken by both countries’ governments, Muslim lunatics are being sent to Pakistan and Hindu lunatics to India. Tobatek Singh, a Sikh lunatic will soon be sent to India. This is his story.

Writer: Shruti Ghosh (Adaption) Saadt Hassan Manto (Original Piece)

Director: Shruti Ghosh

ITC: NAUTANKI THEATRE INC

Cast: Shruti Ghosh, Neel Banerjee

8. THE GREAT ADVERNTURE

A reflection on the First World War based on the real life recollection and diaries of Australian First World War Soldiers. Lest we forget.

Writer: Damian Madden

Director: Xenia Bevitori

Set Design: Curb Collective

Cast: William Mellor

9. FOOD PORN ’77

Food porn ‘77 explores society’s increasingly heavy reliance on the virtual world for social interactions and relationships.

Writer: Pooja Nellore

Director: Dale William Morgan

Costumes: Patrick Anderson, Without Question Clothing Company

ITC: Sydney Theatre School

Cast: Adam Golledge (ROBMYHEART24), Alys Gwillim (Justine), Jake Ludlow (MARK_PAPI)

10. THE LITERARY MONOGAMIST

Lizzie and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice deal with a particularly troubling reader with the help of a cavalcade of fictional guest stars.

Writer: John Lombard

Director: Brittany Ayden

Cast: Mandy Sugar (Darcy), Emma Webb (Elizabeth), Patrice Rielly (Jesus), James Irvine (Kirk), Cynthia Florek (Spock)   

1. SELLING MARS

How much is Mars worth to you? No not the chocolate bar, the PLANET?! What would you be prepared to do to acquire it?

Writer: Claire Oberdorfer, Jarrah Russel, Luka Anderson

Director: Richard Short

ITC: Sydney Story Factory

Dramaturg and Assistant Director: Uma Kali Shakti

Costume Designer: Jessica Hannah

Cast: Jarrah Russel (George), Luka Anderson (Meerkat), Claire Oberdorfer (Kate)

2. A GOOD DEED FOR MR STINKY

Emma has just lost her life in a car accident, but finds it impossible to move on, and is trapped in the park where the accident happened. She is Invisible to everyone except Dan, a homeless man whose existence is denied by society. Chance or fate? Can two invisible people help each other discover what it takes to move on?

Writer: Judith Anne Duncan

Director: Sheenal Srivastava

Cast: Lachlan McWilliam (Dan Mills), Sophia Robinson (Emma Carsen)

3. THE JOB INTERVIEW

A job-seeker gets so disgruntled with an obnoxious Employment Agent that he decides to meet him in disguise and turn the tables on his power game.

Writer: Xeno Nemos

Director: Gina Cohen

ITC: Natural Born

Cast: David Tieck, Jeremy Godwin (Jeremy), Chiara Gizzi (Mandy)

4. UNSPOKEN

'Unspoken' touches on those conversations that we don't have, the masks we wear and the idea that you never really know what's going on for someone.

Writer: Nicole Pesa

Director: Nicole Pesa

ITC: Nicole Pesa

Cast: Dennis Sykes (Sam), Natasha Frangoff (Ricky)

With: Composer - Leonie Belshaw

5. BUS STOP

Two young girls have been waiting for a long time at a bus stop. Since they’ve run out of jokes , they start making fun of an old Indian man for their amusement. However, this amusement leads to a unexpected drama.

Writer: Arvind Shukla

Director: Arvind Shukla

ITC: Abhinay School of performing arts Choreographer: Richa Joshi

Cast: Annais Gallo, Pari Parandoush, Arvind Shukla, Diana Nikitenko, Nikita Nikitenko, Elizaveta Nikitenko

6. SHIRLEY VS. THE SQUIRRELS **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

In an ongoing battle for her prize-winning garden, Shirley attempts to enlist the help of her daughter and son-in-law to protect and defend her crops from those shifty, yet at times cute, bastards called squirrels.

Writer: Camilla Maxwell

Director: Kel Vance

Cast: Debbie Tilley (Shirley), Margareta Moir (Chloe), George Trippis (Jonathan)

7. LEO RISING

A jilted bride faces up to her groom and embarks on a journey of self discovery! Writer: Angie Farrow

Director: Chrissy de Silva

Artistic Consultant: Belinda Elchhar

Cast: Donna Randall (Sharlene, jilted bride), David Shaw (derelict street busker) , Chrissy de Silva (silent role - substitue for Sammy/absent groom)

8. A LITTLE SUGAR

Robert is senior advisor to Minister for Planning. He makes a series of choices that lead him to a place he doesn't want to be. As things heat up, Robert pulls out his father's old blues record collection and things get very strange...

Writer: Lisa Kelaher

Director: Lisa Kelaher

ITC: Backstage Pass

Cast: Dean Vince, Helena Sawires

9. CAMPFIRE STORIES

Some mates, Matthew, Woody, Kim and Ned, are out camping and decide to pass around some old stories. Sounds like a joke right? Seems like some of these guys might have different ideas about what a good punchline is.

Writer: Keith Davidson

Director: Brandon Lacey

With: Lizzie Lockett (Makeup Artist), Natasha Lacey (Prop Specialist)

Cast: Caspar Hardaker (Woody), Daniel Pollock (Matthew), Jim McInnes, Mark Herrison

1. THE SIXTH TIME’S THE CHARM

Two long time best friends explore online dating yet again. Will their friendship survive Sarah's sixth attempt at finding Mr. Right?

Writer: Deanna Ableser

Director: Simon Lee

Cast: Nerida Bronwen, Bailey Thompson

2. WRECKAGE

Two people. One is waiting. One is going, gone... But where. But how.

Writer: Rosemary Johns

Director: Julia McNamara

Cast: Lucy Chen (B), Hannah Quinn (A)

3. WHERE WERE YOU?

As two people stand on the edge of a new era, they discover there's always more than one way to look at the world.

Writer: Martin Cooper

Director: Martin Cooper

ITC: Fast+Fresh Sydney | Chevalier College

Cast: James Sherley (Chris), Michael Ackroyd (George), Jacob Sgouros (Andrew) 

4. POSITION VACANT

Dylan needs a summer job and is nervous about his interview with retail chain "Mildred Scarfe". He knows he should relax, after all he's got plenty of experience and it's only a job interview.  What's the worst that could happen?

Writer: Bryan Pike

Director: Glenn Wanstall

Cast: Luke Reeves (Dylan), Liz Hovey (Julie), Miriam Capper (Karen), Valentino Arico (Gary), Debbie Nielson

5. I SEE YOU

Mark and Charlotte had a fight at dinner. But will Charlotte get the chance to say what she needs to say? For Kevin. #WWKD

Writer: Amy Maddison

Director: Julie Zimmerman

Rehearsal Space: PM-Partners

Artwork: The Dapper Brothers

Cast: Jessica Saras (Charlotte), Thomas Atkins (Mark)

6. GOOGLE’S – FIX THE WORLD PROJECT

In the year 2019, Google controls enough of the data and the money to rule the world.

Writer: Felix Carlyle

Director: Michael McCrann

7. BRENDAN

This play is about how an autistic man is viewed by a family member compared to a non-family member. It also explores how an autistic man might respond to either person.

Writer: Bass Hathaway

Director: Bass Hathaway

ITC: One Man Crew Productions

Cast: Emma Zaia (Mandy), Mark Herisson, Bruno Attanasio

8. THEY MEAN EVERYTHING TO ME

A worn-out mother makes a desperate plea for her children and is forced to make a terrible decision

Writer: Peter Tucker

Director: Nat Barry Backhouse

Cast: Natalie Freeman (Evie), Tim Ressos (Terry)

9. AA

A large group of individuals are brought together to discuss why their eccentric personalities are not suitable for the corporate world.

Writers: A.Fisher, M.Pilling, J.Spindlow, P.Flores, G.Wilson, C.Wilson, T.Ford, T.Salama Fox, R.Sacedon & A.Scully

Director: Aaron Scully

ITC: The Hills Drama School

Cast: Alec Fisher (Cowboy), Jason Spindlow (Impressionist), Chris Wilson (Mime Artist), Ash Kumar (Villain), Tina Salma Fox (Method), Sarah Swann (Musical Theatre), Emma Hughes (Classical), Peachy Flores (Kids Entertainer), Randa Sacedon (Action Hero)

10. LOST PROPERTY **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

The clothes don't make the man...unless you're Superman and you've had your costume stolen in the locker room of a Sydney train station. To what extremes will the dashing defender go to save his threads and his dignity?

Writer: Robert Luxford

Director: Grace O'Connell

Cast: Nick Wright (Superman), Jenae O'Connor (Clerk)

1. WANDA AND LEE

Lee confides to her friend Wanda about another break up and Wanda takes the opportunity to educate her about men.

Writer: Cooee Capella

Director: Vee Malnar

ITC: Rock Chikz

Cast: Anita Lenzo (Wanda), Melissa Myles (Lee), Glenn Groves (Paul)

2. HAROLD EVENTUALLY RECONCILES WITH HIS SISTER IN ONE SECOND

A deconstructed conversation between siblings after the death of their mother.

Writer: Jason Pizzarello

Director:Erin Brookhouse

Cast: Jacqueline Marriott (Julie), Caspar Hardaker (Harold)

3. THE BODY

An elderly couple are ready and eager to throw a party for their younger friend and her new partner. Everything is set perfectly, except for the dead body under the table.

Writer: Chris Naylor

Director: Luke Holmes

ITC: The Body Productions

Cast: Frank S Davidson (James), Sandra Campbell (Cheryl), Rebecca Cuttance (Alice), Hayden Splitt (Gerald) 

4. RESERVATIONS

Edgar and Mae live a life of routine built on love and simpatico. But when Edgar breaks from their long-standing pattern, a moment is rekindled and irrevocably changed forever.

Writer: Jeffrey Fischer-Smith

Director: Matthew Spasaro

Cast: Graham Egan (Edgar), Wendy Knight (Mae)

5. THE MEANING OF LIVING

Dr Mosely, a forensic pathologist for 18 years so he knows all about death, but does he know about life?

Writer: Nikita Jones

Director: John Tsioulos

Cast: Stephen Allnutt (Dr Walker), Don Lacey (MItchell Walker), Robert McFarlane (Dead Guy)

6. THE CATCH

Writer: Ron Jones

Director: Gillian Brennan

ITC: Crash Test Drama Bundanoon

Cast: Nicole Freeman, Anton Baggerman, Pat Brennan

7. DARLING DAUGHTER DAISY **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

Since Daisy’s dad left her and her mum for White Box Lady, it’s been tough. How’s a little girl to cope with such emotional turmoil? Cue Maisie, a great friend with no strings attached... Well, sort of.

Writer: Debbie Neilson

Director: Luke Reeves

ITC: One Carriage Productions

Cast: Debbie Neilson (Daisy)

8. THE UMBILICAL LASSO

A long ago fostered out mid 20's son reunites with his mother, but their family's past complicates their reunion.

Writer: Simon Tonkin

Director: Simon Tonkin

ITC: Everysecondweekend  Productions

Cast: Bilal Masood (Nat) , Vicki Tonkin (Angela)

9. AGGIE

Aggie want’s Sev, Joe wants Aggie, Sev just wants his poptarts! Adapted from Chekov's short story "Agatha" under the guidance of Hilary Bell, "Aggie" is a modern day farce about love, fidelity, fear of commitment, and delicious treats.

Writer: Nicola James

Director: Nicola James

ITC: Golden Jam Productions

Cast: Natalie Freeman (Aggie), Joseph Louis Westwood (Sev), Jacob Thomas (Joe) 

1. SITUATIONS VACANT

Paul Persevere finds himself struggling with unemployment after being sacked from a band.  A Musical of Rock ‘n’ Roll proportions.

Writer: Wayne Mitchell

Director: Wayne Mitchell

ITC: Wayne Mitchell Productions

Composers: James Young, Wayne Mitchell

Choreographer: Valentina Penkova

Cast: Nathan Morton (Paul Persevere), Sally Williams (Rose), Mark Chetcuti (Ajax), David Wiernik (Baz), Abigail Honey (Cindy), Christine Wong (Elizabeth), Jon Maratheftis (Guitarist), Bruce Alcorn (Bass player), Manon Gunderson-Briggs (Djembe player), Bruce Vial (Drummer)

2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WAITING?

A young husband learns of his wife's death at the hospital. In retrospect we look back on the couples every day life, struggle and emotional connection.

Writer: Bianca Reynolds

Director: Karol Binkowski

Cast: James Walkman, Michelle Reed, Karol Binkowski

3. DOWN HERE

Two men. Two shovels. One story.

Writer: Luke Pooley and Alec Fischer

Director: Deanna Ezrol

ITC: The Wild Ones

Cast: Luke Pooley (Old Miner), Alec Fisher (Young Miner)

4. PUT THAT COFFEE DOWN

Sally thinks that offering a delicious cup of coffee to her housemates is a friendly gesture. Oh, how wrong can she be...

Writer: Toast D'Bechamel

Director: Glenn Groves

Cast: Kim-Cuong Do (Ava), Jessica Gray (Hunter), David Bond (Martinez), Jo Elizabeth Finnis (Sally)

5. GNOME MATTER WHAT **Invited to the Wildcards Finals**

A love triangle about 3 garden gnomes that magically come to life! A romantic comedy about the trials and tribulations of being a garden gnome statue and wanting love as well as other things!

Writer: Donatella Parise

Director: Robert Teicher

Cast: Xenia Bevitori, Nicolas Francois, Jim McInnes

6. CELIA

Rod is a man who has always prided himself on having all the control; a winner.  But over night all his power has been taken from him and he must dance to someone else’s tune.

Writer: Pheona Mulligan

Director: Courtney Farrow

ITC: Stealth Productions

Cast: Rod Cohen, Celia Cohen

7. DRIPS

Two characters sit on the edge of the ocean, waiting, watching, until a message in a bottle washes ashore.

Writer: Dane McFarlane

Director: Dane McFarlane

ITC: Crash Test Drama Bundanoon

Cast: Martin Gallagher (H), Sigrid Helland (S)

8. UNFORGETTABLE

A man who is not Klaus Kinski plays chess while a blind date goes about as well as can be expected when two people have nothing in common

Writer: Jonathan Edgington

Director: Peter Hayes

Cast: Belinda Small, Peter Condon, Colin Adams 

9. EVERY STAIN HAS A STORY

Did you know that every stain has a story? Well they do. Every stain has to come from somewhere. Join us as we discuss the origin of a few stains, from the happiest day on earth, for some.

Writer: Harriet Elvin

Director: Jessica Hanlon

Cast: Robert Deacon (Dry Cleaner), Liz Harper (Sarah), Peter Andrews (Tim), Robert Grey (Simon), 

1. ALL CLEAR

This piece follows the journey of three bank robbers and their impending arrests, examining the reasons behind the choice some people make to risk everything and disregard the law.

Writers: Omri Levy, Daniela Stein and Natasha Reuben

Director: Samantha Bauer

ITC: The Drama Queens

Cast: Omri Levy, Daniela Stein, Natasha Reuben 

2. FEATHER

Sharon is over it! Single parenting, struggling with bills and a job she hates force her to watch life slip away. Ann feels like life is over before she's had a chance to live. Can a feather offer a solution?

Writer: Pamela Western

Director: Lisa Thatcher

Cast: Kate O'Keeffe (Sharon), Amelia Cuninghame (Ann)

3. SUFFOCATION

Writer: Amber Bolton & Kate Hall

Director: James Eugene

Producer: Deanna Ezrol

Cast: Amber Bolton & Kate Hall

4. AMERICAN STUPID

Writer: Marjorie Licett Zuniga

Director: Marjorie Licett Zuniga

ITC: TrinityMarjProductions

5. MAJOR SAWQUATCH AND THE HOUSE OF WAX

It’s a question of growth. Or, should I say, an overgrowth. When Jane visits a waxing salon for the very first time she encounters the owner, Major Sawquatch with some quite unexpected results

Writer: Sarah Pember

Director: Dudley Levell

Cast: Sue Broberg (Major Sawquatch), Clare Tamas (Jane), Olivia Gorman (Renee)

6. GRACE

Three ordinary women tell their three extraordinary lives.

Writer: Alex Broun

Director: Ruth Fingret

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Clare Langsford (Marilyn Monroe), Alice Furze (Princess Grace), Billie Rose (Princess Di)

7. AUDIENCE THERAPY

In this form of 'therapy', the audience is asked for their advice and suggestions - much like we all give friends when they share problems!. Tonight, Roger submits himself the the talents of Sidebar, the showman therapist.

Writer: Mark Smith

Director: Mark Smith

Cast: Graham Stoney (Sidebar), Monica Moroney (Antoinette), Wassim Hawat (Jordan), David Berry (Harrison), Mark Smith (Roger)

8. STRIKE

At rise, an empty space. A moment of silence, then humming is heard offstage. An actress and an actor find themselves in a love story...or an existential musing on the nature of plays, that's up to you!

Writer: Aoise Stratford

Director: Jo Finnis

Cast: Olivia Gorman, Chris Heaslip

9. BOAT PEOPLE

The more things change...: A reminder of events during the London Blitz, a few days after 17 September , 1940

Writer: GEOFFREY MCCUBBIN

Director: GEOFFREY MCCUBBIN

ITC: Crash Test Drama Bundanoon

Cast: DAVID MCCUBBIN (ALAN), ANNIE MCCUBBIN (HEATHER), FRAN BOSLY-CRAFT (JEAN), ROBERT MEREDITH (HAROLD)

10. WINTER RETREAT **Invited to the Wildcards Finals!**

"Winter Retreat" is the heartwarming story of Jessica and Jim, who meet at a Meditation Retreat far from their home, both trying desperately to get past a significant tragedy. An unlikely friendship is formed when Jessica and Jim discover that perhaps they can hold that forgiveness space for each other until they are ready to let go of their hurt and move on.

Writer: Abigail Somma

Director: Anne Brito

Cast: Nell Nakkan, Edric Hong 

VENUE - The Fusebox, Factory Theatre, Marrickville

PERFORMANCE DATES - 28 Feb-2 March

Saturday 2:30pm, Sunday 1pm, Monday 7:30pm
BUY TICKETS

1. ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

After time travelling 10 years into the future, A scientist and his assistant discover smart phones have transformed everyone on Earth into brain dead zombies.

Writer: Michael Towers

Director: Mark Sims

Cast: Mark Sims (Scientist), Luke Beattie (Assistant), Denning Isles (Businessman), Kate Michelle Grove (Tracey), Heath Sims (Jackson), Annais Gallo (Jillian), Sinui Horus Pavino (Professor Isenberg)

2. DOGS AND CATS LIVING TOGETHER

Lucky got lucky and is desperate to share the moment with his best mate Kitty. Writer: Lynn-Steven Johanson

Director: Karen Tsai

Directing Mentor: Ms Alle Segretti

Cast: Ms Alle Segretti (Lucky),

Clara Jeanne (Kitty)

3. HELP ME BABE, I’M STUCK IN A TIME LOOP

Brad enters the worst birthday of his life again and again.

Writer: Nick Subjak

Director: Tim van Zuylen

Cast: Felix Johnson, Brooke Allan

4. FAREWELL

Get on the boat.

Writer: Natacha Astuto

Directors: Victoria Hopkins and Cedric Laubscher

Cast: Victoria Hopkins (Woman)

5. RE-LIVE

Death comes to us all, and can be traumatic, so wouldn’t you want a friend - divine or otherwise - to help you through it? But what if being dead is the easiest option?

Writers: Martin Teasdale

Director: Simon Doctor

Cast: Alexis Hammerton (The Woman), Felix Johnson (Jeremy)

6. TWISTED TONGUES

Engrossed in competitive gossip, a twisted conversation circles a trio of friends around lunch. Some may want to bite their tongues!

Writer: Angeline Andrews

Director: Mandy Sugar

Cast: Petrice Graham (Claire), Justine Keim (Dora), Louisa Bochner

7. DRIVEN MAD

Is anything better than a “Family Road-Trip?”  Yes, pretty much everything is better than a “Family Road-Trip”. The funny thing... It’s always about the journey, never about the destination. Some things just can’t be found using a GPS!

Writer: Richard Graham

Director: Rachael WIlliams

Cast: Michael Gencher, Katie Fairbrother, Amy Newell, Thomas Burt 

8. I WISH MY MUM HAD TWO BROKEN LEGS

A young girl's perspective on growing up with a mum who has Depression

Writer: Cara Jeffrey

Director: Natasha Hanlon

9. A CHINESE GIRL WALKED INTO A CAFÉ…

She walked into the cafe. Is she Chinese? Is she Asian? Is she an foreign intelligence agent doing deep-cover work for ASIO?

Writer: TOAST D'Bechamel

Director: TOAST D'Bechamel

ITC: Crash Test Drama Sydney

Cast: Rosemary Ghazi (Jennifer), Reich Webber-Montenegro (Lexi), Isaac Owen (Customer) 

For the full results and details visit https://shortandsweetsydney.wordpress.com/results

WEEK 1 

TOP 80

Judges’ Choice

3rd place – Afterwards

2nd place – Wherefore Art Thou Oh Writing Inspiration

1st place – Wish

People’s Choice

3rd place – Something To Tell You

2nd place – Wherefore Art Thou Oh Writing Inspiration

1st place – Wish

Wish is the first play to be invited to the 2015 Gala Finals
Wherefore Art Thou Oh Writing Inspiration has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase

WILDCARDS

Judges’ Choice

3^rd place – Welcome To The Family

2^nd place – Lipstick and Mirrors

1^st place – Alternate Serve

Alternate Serve will be performed at the Wildcards Finals!

Screamers! is the second play to be invited to the 2015 Gala Finals
So Says The Sea has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase

Pee Buddies wins a spot in the Wildcards Finals to be held at the Fusebox 7-8 March!

God: The Performance Review has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase

Pee Buddies wins a spot in the Wildcards Finals to be held at the Fusebox 7-8 March!

The Bridge is invited to the 2015 Gala Finals, The Judges' Choice tie was decided by the audience votes.
Another Day Out With The Mates has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase

Lost Property wins a spot in the Wildcards Finals

Manstruating is invited to the 2015 Gala Finals!
Tagged has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase

Lost Property wins a spot in the Wildcards Finals

Speaking Freely is invited to the 2015 Gala Finals!
A Bug's Rights has been invited to the People’s Choice Showcase!

Gnome Matter What wins a spot in the Wildcards Finals!