25 Nov 2021 to 4 Dec 2021
13 Jan 2022 to 12 Mar 2022
9 May 2022 to 26 Jun 2022
When
Sunday, May 16, 2021 to Sunday, August 22, 2021
Where
Short+Sweet Theatre (@Tom Mann)
136 Chalmers Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Australia Connect with this festival
Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2021
*Please note that all dates are subject to change.
ROUND 2 SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Due to the number of 2020 plays that were not able to join us in this years program, we have a limited number of slots for Round 2 submissions in this year's festival program! If you were unable to get your ITC submission in on time or register as a director before the Round 1 Deadline - then NOW IS YOUR CHANCE to be a part of Short+Sweet Sydney 2021! Applications are open now until JUNE 15 for these slots in specific July and August dates. We will also hold additional Round 2 Auditions for actors wuth date and time to be annouced. Actors are welcome to send in Self tapes to beeling@shortandsweet.org
TO REGISTER AS A ROUND 2 DIRECTOR CLICK HERE!
TO REGISTER YOUR ROUND 2 ITC CLICK HERE!
TO SUBMIT FOR OUR ROUND 2 ACTING AUDITIONS CLICK HERE!
The biggest little play festival in the world is now entering its 20th year in its hometown of Sydney and will be returning to the Tom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills from May 10 until August 22!
Helmed by Festival Director, Nick Hardcastle, who has recently returned from Los Angeles where he ran Short+Sweet Hollywood's most exciting, diverse and successful program yet in 2019, this year's festival promises to bring some wonderful new changes while honouring the great spirit, legacy and format that everyone loves about Short+Sweet!
This year is a particularly special year as we finally return to the theatre to turn back on the lights and share our stories after having to cut our 2020 festival 'SHORT', leaving theatres being blacked out due to the Global Pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, we have been encouraging people around the World to use this time to write their great 10 minute story - Finally, here is their chance to share it on our stage, where it belongs!
We will kick off the festival this year with a week of 'hindsight' when we present the best plays from the 5 weeks of the 2020 festival. This will culminate in a special 'Best of the Fest' evening on Sunday May 16.
All remaining plays that were invited in to the 2020 festival and were yet to be presented will be automatically invited to appear this year. Any of the writers, directors and actors that had participated in the first five weeks of the 2020 festival will be welcome to submit another work in the 2021 festival! There will be NO WILDCARDS this year. Everyone who is accepted in the Festival will be programmed in competition and will be guaranteed two evenings and one matinee performance.
Short+Sweet is, at its heart, a community and professional development, cultural event. It is a wonderful opportunity for writers, directors and actors who want to share their voice and talent in a professional environment and venue. Its goal is to become a powerful tool for diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as providing a way to discover new or established local talent by engaging more people in the live theatre experience. The festival multiplies participants' raw and creative energy, with different ensembles, directors and writers exchanging ideas, learning from each other and providing creative inspiration.
With this in mind we are creating a DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
"To ensure that we have the opportunity to see the full breadth of our community here in Sydney represented on stage, I am building a Diversity and Inclusion Programming Team. Everyone on this team will be asked to engage with specific community groups of writers, directors and actors to make sure that those artists have an opportunity to participate in the festival and that their stories can be shared. Whether they be diversely abled, BIPOC, new immigrants, LGBTQ+, have English as a second language or are elderly - I want anyone that might think that there isn't a place for them in the open English language program of Short+Sweet, to know that we have room for them and want them to be seen and heard," says FD Nick Hardcastle.
Our message to you is that this is: ‘Your COMMUNITY, Your STORY, Your VOICE, Your FESTIVAL!'
To find out more or to apply to join our D&I Committee, contact nick.hardcastle@shortandsweet.org
SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS
Short+Sweet presents a unique opportunity to sponsors and partners to reach thousands of people over a extended period. With in theatre activations, on screen loops, outdoor signage, verbal acknowledgements, merchandise, a printed festival brochure, special events, prize giving opportunities and an endless array of bespoke collaborations possible - now is the time to get your brand or company involved with our incredibly engaged community!
To request a sponsorship and partnerships proposal, contact nick.hardcastle@shortandsweet.org
VOLUNTEERS
If you have a passion for the theatre and would like to be a part of our great team then REGISTER HERE! We have roles waiting for you behind the scenes in production, props, front of house, sponsorship and more!!! We’d love to hear from you!
We look forward to welcoming our community back to share Short+Sweet Sydney 2021 with us at the Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers Street Surry Hills.
#shortandsweet #turnonthelights #sssydney2021 #shortsweetfest
Principal Festival Partners 
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Thank you for your interest in performing in the Short+Sweet Theatre Festival Sydney 2021!
We welcome professional and enthusiastic amateurs actors alike. Everyone will be given consideration.
If you are selected as an actor, you will be contacted by the director of one of the plays you have been selected for.
Before registering, please check the key festival... read more
Thank you for your interest in submitting an independent production for Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2021!
ROUND 2 SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL JUNE 15.
Independent Theatre Companies (ITCs) may pitch their ten minute performance using this form. You don't have to be an established organisation - even a loose collection of creatives is fine by us. This form allows you... read more
Thank you for your interest in directing for Short+Sweet Sydney 2021!
ROUND 2 DIRECTOR SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL JUNE 15, 2021!
We welcome directors from all walks of life, from professional directors to enthusiastic first timers. Everyone will be given consideration. You'll be asked to submit a cv or any relevant information to us.
If you are selected as... read more
Thank you for your interest in submitting an independent production for Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2021!
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Independent Theatre Companies (ITCs) may pitch their ten minute performance using this form. You don't have to be an established organisation - even a loose collection of creatives is fine by us. This form allows you to tell us what... read more
Thank you for your interest in directing for Short+Sweet Sydney 2021!
We welcome directors from all walks of life, from professional directors to enthusiastic first timers. Everyone will be given consideration. You'll be asked to submit a cv or any relevant information to us.
If you are selected as a director, you will be sent all the relevant information regarding selecting your... read more
Thank you for your interest in performing in the Short+Sweet Theatre Festival Sydney 2021!
We welcome professional and enthusiastic amateurs actors alike. Everyone will be given consideration.
If you are selected as an actor, you will be contacted by the director of one of the plays you have been selected for.
Before registering, please check the key festival... read more
Join our team and volunteer at Short+Sweet Sydney 2021! Front of House, stage management, hospitality, programming, sponosorships and partnerships - whatever your interest, we'd love to welcome you!
... read more SUBMISSIONS AND REGISTRATIONS
ATTENTION WRITERS AND INDEPENDENT THEATRE COMPANIES (ITC'S)!
WRITER SUBMISSIONS FOR 2021 HAVE NOW CLOSED
An Independent Theatre Company is simply a group of people who have already chosen and cast their 10 minute play and have a director attached. You do not have to be a professional theatrical organisation. A group of friends that want to present a work together is great!
2021 ROUND 2 ITC SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL JUNE 15
ATTENTION DIRECTORS!
Registrations for Short+Sweet festivals are open every year to returning, established and first-time directors. Short+Sweet is the perfect opportunity for actors, writers or anyone to try directing for the first time. Directors are able to choose from all shortlisted scripts for their local festival, and are encouraged to communicate with their Writers throughout the process.
DIRECTOR SUBMISSIONS FOR 2021 ARE OPEN UNTIL JUNE 15!
Successful Round 1 directors will be notified by April 4 and will be sent plays from our shortlist. They must then return to us with their top three preferences by no later than April 11. The highest preference will be allocated wherever possible.
Round 2 Submissions will be notified by June 17, 2021.
Directors cannot act in their own play unless they enter the production as an ITC (Independent Theatre Company) which is where the play, Director and cast are all already attached and submit directly to the Festival Director. Places for ITC's are limited in the festival. Directors are allowed to direct a maximum of one play in Short+Sweet, unless otherwise granted permission by the Festival Director.
ATTENTION ACTORS
Registrations are now closed however for those who have missed the registration window, you are welcome to send us a self tape
Actors wishing to audition can prepare a 2-minute monologue and email the self tape to beeling@shortandsweet.org
Production Team
Mark Cleary | Artistic Director
mark@shortandsweet.org
Nick Hardcastle | S+S Festival Director
nick.hardcastle@shortandsweet.org
Belinda Ling | S+S Festival Producer
Karen Ways | S+S Festival Coordinator
Karen.ways@shortandsweet.org
Alex Broun | S+S Literary Manager
alexbrouninla@gmail.com
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SCHEDULING - *PLEASE NOTE EXTENSION TO DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
WRITERS - Submissions will close for the Sydney 2021 Festival on March 31!
ITC's - Round 2 Submissions close June 15
DIRECTORS notified by June 17
ACTORS audition on April 10/11 (TBC) Self tapes accepted after this date.
This year, plays will be programmed into groups named after one of Sydney's iconic Beaches. BUT ALL PERFORMANCES TAKE PLACE AT THE TOM MANN THEATRE IN SURRY HILLS.
Each group performs on two evenings and one matinee performance. There are no 'Wildcards'. All entries are in competition.
Typical Weekly schedule
Monday Group 1 Tech, 6pm - 11pm
Tuesday Group 2 Tech, 6pm - 11pm
Wednesday both groups dress Group 1 - 7pm, Group 2 - 9pm
Thursday 7:30pm Group 1
Friday 7:30pm Group 2
Saturday 2pm Group 2
Saturday 7:30pm Group 1
Sunday 2pm Group 1
Sunday 6pm Group 2
*WB = 'Week Beginning'
WB May 10 - 2020 Hindsight Week!
Sun May 16 2pm: 2020 Judges Final
Sun May 16 6pm: 'HINDSIGHT 2020Gala Final’.
WEEK BEGINNING MAY 17 - 2021 COMPETITION BEGINS
1. WB May 17
Monday BONDI Tech,
Tuesday MANLY Tech,
Wednesday both groups dress: BONDI 7pm, MANLY 9pm
Thursday 7:30pm BONDI/MANLY
Friday 7:30pm BONDI/MANLY
Saturday 7:30pm BONDI/MANLY
Sunday 2pm BONDI/MANLY
SHOW PROGRAM
THE RATINGS GAME Written and Directed by Wendy Crewe
MISSING YOU Writen by Simon Tonkin, Directed by Mary Middleton
DIARY OF MARILYN Written and Directed by Debbie Neilson
I WAS FINE UNTIL YOU CAME IN THE ROOM Written by Rich Orloff, Directed by Kym Vaitiekus
THE SEAGULL Writte by Fran Bowick, Directed by Jeff Tabley
LULLABY Written by Joe Bergin, Directed by Veena Sudarshan
TWISTED LADDER Written by Pauline Bleach, Directed by Gabriela Loza
EXPECTATIONS Written by.Jennifer O'Grady , Directed by Harriet McKern
DATING THROUGH THE DECADES Written by Ken Levin, Directed by Gina Cohen
2. WB MAY 24
Monday COOGEE Tech,
Tuesday NEWPORT Tech,
Wednesday both groups dress: COOGEE 7pm, NEWPORT 9pm
Thursday 7:30pm COOGEE/NEWPORT
Friday 7:30pm COOGEE/NEWPORT
Saturday 2pm COOGEE/NEWPORT
Saturday 7:30pm COOGEE/NEWPORT
Sunday 2pm COOGEE/NEWPORT
SHOW PROGRAM
THE WOLF WITHIN Written and Directed by Lisa Kelaher
THE FORGOTTEN PLACE Written by Jeff Locker, Directed by Garreth Cruickshank
EMPTY ESKY Written and Directed by Taufeeq Ahmed
THE CIRCLE Written and Directed by Guy Davies
FIGGY Written by Tom Peach and Directed by Dana Lowe
SWEET, HE Written by Jeff Locker, Directed by Danny Barton
SHOPPING FOR LOVE Written and Directed by Jonathon Solomon
GEMINI- Written by Stephen Larkman, Directed by Kathleen Hrayssi
LIFE FINDS A WAY Written by Pete Greenaway, Directed by Margaret Fitzgerald
SMART GIRLS Written by Amanda Schumacher, Directed by Sascha Green
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PSYCHOPATH Written and Directed by Pat Brennan
WB MAY 31 WEEK OFF
3. WB JUNE 7
Monday BRONTE Tech,
Tuesday FAIRLIGHT Tech,
Wednesday both groups dress: BRONTE 7pm, FAIRLIGHT 9pm
Thursday 7:30pm BRONTE
Friday 7:30pm FAIRLIGHT
Saturday 2pm FAIRLIGHT
Saturday 7:30pm BRONTE
Sunday 2pm BRONTE
Sunday 6pm FAIRLIGHT
SHOW PROGRAM
BRONTE
HOW TO HEAL Written by Natalie Calavas, Directed by Suzy Devery
LIFE LESSONS Written by Steve Wheat, Directed by Sari Simpson
HOW TO WRITE A PRIZEWINNING PLAY IN TEN MINUTES OR LESS Written by Ian Robinson, Directed by Jo Bradley
LA 8AM Written by Mark Harvey Levine, Directed by Angela Blake
ARMCHAIR CRITIC Written by Nicky Denovan, Directed by Felix Carlyle
KINDLING Written and Directed by Tommy James Green
FAIRLIGHT
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Written and Directed by Andrew Thomson
SALSA DANCING Written by Natasha Yim, Directed by Elizabeth Munro
BOGBODIES Written by Annabel Webster, Directed by Guillermo Martin Sepulveda
CLUE IN THE LIBRARY Written by Steven Hayet, Directed by Emma Carolina-Wolf
FRIENDSHIP Written and Directed by Bar Silberstein
YOU WON'T BELIEVE Written and Directed by Frank Leggett
TWO PSYCHICS MEET ON TINDER Written by Adam Szudrich, Directed by Gina Cohen
4. WB JUNE 14
Monday CRONULLA Tech,
Tuesday AVALON Tech,
Wednesday both groups dress: CRONULLA 7pm, AVALON 9pm
Thursday 7:30pm CRONULLA
Friday 7:30pm AVALON
Saturday 2pm AVALON
Saturday 7:30pm CRONULLA
Sunday 2pm CRONULLA
Sunday 6pm AVALON
SHOW PROGRAM
CRONULLA
AFTERWARDS Written by Karl Miller , Directed by Sara Elizabeth Joyce
IN FARCE Written by Steven Bucko, Directed by Alexandra Davies
RIYA Written and Directed by Ruth Fingret
THE GRAVE YARD SHIFT Written by Catherine McKernan Doris, Directed by Zoe Harvey
ONE IS THE ROAD Written by Mark Loewenstern, Directed by Kate Wooden
ACCOUNTANT FROM HELL Written by Barry Wood, Directed by Amelia Gilday
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW Written by Suzanne Hauser, Directed by Thulitha Senevirathne
ALFIE & GRETA Written by David Hopes, Directed by Emily Haydon
AVALON
SWEETHEARTS Written by Sophie Irvine, Directed by Olga Tamara
FALLOUT Written by Greg Gould, Directed by Trudy Ritchie
UNREQUITED Written and Directed by Sarah Quartly
WHAT'S THAT SMELL? Written and Directed by Jyotsna Jyoti
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE Written by Alex Broun, Directed by Tegan Ware
PLANES Written by Wendy Gough Soroka, Directed by Isabel Zakharova
THE METAPHOR Written and Directed by Carol Dance
ICE CREAM Written by Kath Haling, Directed by Tim Mannering
SEE THE BELOW SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FESTIVAL IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT COVID LOCKDOWN.
*PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS SCHEDULE IS ALSO SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN RESPONSE TO ANY FURTHER RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY BE INTRODUCED.
Week Commencing August 30 - CLOVELLY & PALM BEACH:
CLOVELLY
Monday August 30 - Tech rehearsal
Wednesday September 1 - Dress rehearsal (Session 1: 6.30pm to 9pm)
Thursday September 2 - Show 1 (evening) 7:30pm
Saturday September 4 - Show 2 (evening) 8pm
Sunday September 5 - Show 3 (matinee) 2pm
PALM BEACH
Tuesday August 31 - Tech rehearsal
Wednesday September 1 - Dress rehearsal (Session 2: 8.30pm to 11pm)
Friday September 3 DARK
Saturday September 4 - Show 1 (matinee) 1pm
Saturday September 4 - Show 2 (early evening) 5pm
Sunday September 5 - Show 3 (evening) 6pm
Week Commencing September 6 - MALABAR & BALMORAL:
MALABAR
Monday September 6 - Tech rehearsal
Wednesday September 8 - Dress rehearsal (Session 1: 6.30pm to 9pm)
Thursday September 9 - Show 1 (evening) 7:30pm
Saturday September 11 - Show 2 (evening) 7:30pm
Sunday September 12 - Show 3 (matinee) 2pm
BALMORAL
Tuesday September 7 - Tech rehearsal
Wednesday September 8 - Dress rehearsal (Session 2: 8.30pm to 11pm)
Friday September 10 - Show 1 (evening) 7:30pm
Saturday September 11 - Show 2 (matinee) 2pm
Sunday September 12 - Show 3 (evening) 6pm
Week Commencing September 13 - FINALS WEEK & GALA - *DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SHORT+SWEET FILM FESTIVAL Mon September 13 - Thursday September 16.
Friday September 17 7:30pm - Judges Choice Final,
Saturday September 18, 2pm - Crew Cut Final,
Saturday September 18, 7:30pm - People's Choice Final
Sunday September 19, 2pm FINAL
Sunday September 19, 6pm - GALA FINAL and Presentation.
SHOWS BY WEEK. SUNDAY MAY 16. HINDSIGHT 2020 FINALS
SHORT+SWEET SYDNEY HINDSIGHT 2020 FINAL PROGRAM
1. MUM’S THE WORD
“Two singles are brought together for a blind date, thanks to the ongoing efforts of their well-intentioned mothers.”
Written by John & Kay Longhurst
Directed by Steven Tait
CAST
Kate – Ally O’Brien
David – Nathan Moss
2. THE END IS NIGHY
“A struggling actor decides to confront his agent about his lack of work.”
Written by Frances Bowick
Directed by Gina Cohen
Nighy Productions
CAST
Mr Nighy – Steve Tait
Actor – Jeremy Godwin
3. THE TEA PARTY FOR SAD PEOPLE
“Hello and welcome to The Tea Party For Sad People. Coffee?”
Written by Cathy Friend
Directed by Jeremy Lowrencev
Ümbr Productions
CAST
Ziva – Zoe Arden
Joy – Ashleigh Hermann
Jill – Julia Pennisi
Lavender – Joss Chalmers
4. NOW WE ARE TEN
“Abigail has decided to save her sister and to hell with the consequences.”
Written & Directed by
Frank Leggett
CAST
Abigail – Miranda Michalowski
5. SUPERPOSITION*
“Superposition... what the feck is that?!”
Written by Clifford Keen
Directed by Andrew Ramage
& Lana Jean Hill
Druth' Theatre Collective
CAST
Mime #1 – Andrew Ramage
Mime #2 – Lana Jean Hill
6. LOVE ME TINDER
“Is it all just dick pics and hook ups or could one of these profiles be the one?”
Written by Melinda Jensen
Directed by Stephanie Reeves
Act IV Theatre Co
CAST
Woman – Melinda Jensen
Man #12 – Steve Stojcevski
Various Men – Mark Wilson
Various Men – David Hodgkins
7. RENTALS
“Becoming a father changes a man forever.”
Written by Gregory Hardigan
Directed by Frank Leggett
CAST
Dad 1 – Chris Price
Dad 2 – Clayton Moss
Dad 3 – Danny Barton
8. ANTISOCIAL MEDIA
“Sarah is fun, popular and “living her best life” online 24x7. What could possibly go wrong?”
Written by Julie Barnett
Directed by Peter Gizariotis
CAST
Sarah – Cris Bocchi
Facebook – David Loney
Twitter – Peter Gizariotis
9. TRAPPED
“Two friends come together in an emergency only to realise their whole life is being watched from the outside.”
Written by Barry Wood
Directed by Lachlan McWilliam
CAST
Faye – Gemma-May Bowles
Claire – Yvonne Dallman
Zombie – Don Ferguson