PlayFest! is a ten-day festival (January 14-23, 2005) packed with dynamic and diverse new play programming!  Events include:  Readings, workshops and productions of new plays (all followed by lively post show discussions), email plays, revivals of Fringe Festival favorites, key note addresses and seminars by award winning playwrights, new music, food, drink, and more!

Pictured: Tim Williams and Mindy Anders in last year's Dead Man Flying Our mission is to celebrate and cultivate new plays, nurture new playwrights, attract new local and national audiences, introduce the community to new theatrical voices, and provide a marketplace for local and national theatre professionals. Buy a $5 button and step into the interactive theatrical maelstrom of PlayFest 2005! Several of the areas most dynamic theatre groups (and some from afar!) will join the fray, presenting readings, workshops and productions of brand new full-length plays, musicals, and one-acts (all followed by lively post show discussions). PlayFest 2005 will also feature compelling alternative programming such as Email Plays, Living Newspapers, and playwright panels and seminars. Come early, stay late, have a drink, enjoy Chef Lil's tasty food, and participate in the development of cutting edge new theatre!

PlayFest Splentacular! - Opening Night!
January 14, 2005 at 7:0pm

Trapezium author, Henry Rathvon

Come join us on OPENING NIGHT!  PlayFest 2005 will open rumbustiously with a flamboisterous Splentacular, featuring food and drink from Bubbaloos Bodacious Bar-BQ and the World Premiere of the dastarbolically clever medieval comedy, Trapezium:  A Knightly Farce. Before and after the play, eat, drink, and rub shoulders with knights, wenches and once and future Pulitzer Prize winners!  At 7:00, the evening begins with a deliciousuper catered dinner of barbeque, sides, beer & wine and fun treats. At 8:30, the exciting world premiere production begins. Then join us at10:00pm for a funstrous after party with the cast, desserts, chocolate fountain, and a chance to meet Henry Rathvon, the author -- all for just $55.  All proceeds go to benefit the development of new plays. Space is limited, so call today for tickets.  (407) 447-1700 ex 1.

Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz - January 22

We are pleased to announce that  Nilo Cruz, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2003 for his play Anna in the Tropics will be in attendance at PlayFest.  At 1pm on Saturday January 22 he will be conducting a playwriting seminar, and then at 7:30 that night he will be presiding at the reading of his new play Beauty of the Father.

Theatrical Adaptation Seminar

Festival Artistic Director, Jim Helsinger Ever thought of adapting a novel or historic event into a play? Artistic Director Jim Helsinger is the author of several adaptations, including: Dracula: The Journal of Jonathon Harker, Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus, Joan the Maid, A Christmas Carol in Five Parts and Robinson Crusoe. In his adaptation seminar he breaks down his process, covering such topics as (1) Creating an effective framing device, (2) Transforming narrative into dialogue, and (3) Condensing books into plays. Seminar participants will also have the opportunity ask questions and to discuss their own adaptation ideas.

Chef Lil - Your Dining Option at Playfest!

Our fabulous caterer, Chef Lil, has prepared a fabulous menu for Playfest including:

• Crossaintwiches - Seasoned Roast Beef & Cheddar or Oven-roasted Turkey & Provolone
• Tasty Wraps - Home-style Chicken Salad or 4-Pepper Hummus
• Quiche & Salad - Broccoli Cheddar or Ham & Cheese, Served with either Small Side Salad or Pasta Salad
• Sides -  Side Salad, Pasta Salad, Assorted Chips
• Desserts - Triple-Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Beverages - Assorted Sodas, Bottled Water, Coffee (Regular or Decaf), Hot Tea or Hot Chocolate

Readings, Workshops & World Premieres -
What's the Difference?

• Readings - A public reading of a play with actors reading from scripts. In a nutshell, the actors rehearse the play three times (as the playwright listens and makes changes), then perform the play in a seated reading for a live audience. The actors read from scripts placed on music stands. Afterwards, the audience is invited to share their feedback to the director and playwright, focusing on the development of the play. And it FREE!
• Workshops - Workshops focus on getting the play "on its feet." Actors rehearse for a week and a half, then perform with scripts in hand, rehearsal props, and a minimum of technical design. Again, audience feedback helps shape the play.
• World Premiere Mainstage Productions - are fully produced productions using the best  professional actors, designers, directors and production values available.
• One Acts - are fully produced productions of shorter works.  Productions values are very similar to those at the Orlando International Fringe Festival.  The acting work is at fully rehearsed and produced with costumes and minimal sets.
• Theatre for Young Audiences Readings and Workshops - are geared towards parents, young audiences and the young at heart.  Readings are seated and will use the audience's imagination as they listen to the story.  Workshops are performed with scripts in hand, rehearsal props, and a minimum of technical design
• Special Events - See the schedule below for our special events including seminars, playwright panels, email plays, the PlayFest Lounge and other highlights.

NEW: Click here for New Information on The Email Plays!

LISTING OF SHOWS

We have listed the shows in several ways for your convenience.  For a description of each show in alphabetical order, see the table below. Also:

• Playfest 05 Weekly Calendar.pdf - is a weekly calendar of shows by time and day.

• PlayFest 05 Daily Chart.pdf - is a day by day visual grid of what shows play when

A Bit On Running Times

Because of the fluid nature of new play development, it is difficult to post exact running times for PlayFest productions. We have included roughly considered approximations, which should be accurate within fifteen minutes.

NOTE: Tickets to PlayFest '05 are not available through our website.
Please call the box office at (407) 447-1700 x 1 to order tickets. 
Tickets are now on sale for PlayFest '05!

All shows are listed in alphabetical order below according to the type of show (reading, workshop, etc. Click on the producing theatre's logo or name to link their website (if available).

World Premiere Mainstage Production World Premiere! Tickets: $20-$35
Trapezium By Henry Rathvon Knights and Kings and Damsels, oh my!  This whimsical farce, based on the Tristan and Isolde mythology is more fun that a Sunday crossword. Click here for more information.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Tickets: $20-$35 January 14 through February 6 Previews January 12 and 13 Margeson Theater
Readings FREE with PlayFest Button
Title, Author Description	Presenter, Time, Venue
Alas Poor Yorick by Gary Seger Suspenseful prequel to Hamlet.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Studio B; 2 hours Monday 1/17 @ 8:45pm & Sunday 1/23 @ 1:00pm
Beauty of the Father by Nilo Cruz The ghost of Lorca appears in the midst of this haunting and lyrical family drama.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Goldman; 2 hours 1 time only! Saturday 1/22 @ 7:30pm
Codes by John Minigan Over several years a director and an actress develop a relationship through Shakespeare.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2 hours; Margeson - Sunday 1/16 @ 8:30pm Studio D - Thursday 1/20 @ 6:15pm
Every Christmas Story Ever Told by Carleton, Alverez & Fitzgerald Yes! Everyone of them in 90 minutes!	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2 hours; Studio D - Sunday 1/16 @ 1:30pm Goldman - Wednesday 1/19 - 6:15pm
Germinous Seeds by David Rush - Layered, contemporary look at Melville and Hawthornes thorny relationship.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Margeson; 2 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 3:30pm & Tuesday 1/18 @ 9:15pm
Hunting the Basilisk by J. Shafer Four powerful and entertaining women from the past and present are trapped in the afterlife; their only hope of learning why is each other.	UCF Conservatory Theatre Margeson; 2 hours Sunday 1/16 @ 5:30pm & Saturday 1/22 @ 1:00pm
The Last Hanging in Pike County by Janice Kennedy - Romeo and Juliet among the feuding Hatfields and McCoys.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Studio B; 2 hours Sunday 1/16 @ 7:30pm & Thursday 1/20 @ 6:15pm
Minority Status Quo by Matt Russell -  A teenager comes to grip with his coming out and its ramifications in a small Oregon town.	DNA Productions Studio D; 2 hours Monday 1/17 @ 9:15pm & Sunday 1/23 @ 7:30pm
The Night They Kidnapped Barrymore by Mark Leiren-Young Bogie kidnaps Barrymores corpse.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Goldman; 2 hours Monday 1/17 @ 9:15pm & Friday 1/21 @ 6:15pm
Nothing Happened by John Didonna -  Truth and Denials slam together in this Mazelike Journey into the Populace of an Abused Mind.	Theatre Downtown Studio B; 1 hour Sunday 1/16 @ 1:00pm & Friday 1/21 @ 8:45pm
Ophelia's Mother by Jean Pickering and Suzanne Kehde - Hamlet story through the eyes of Ophelias mother.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Margeson; 2 hours Tuesday 1/18 @ 6:15pm & Sunday 1/23 @ 5:15pm
The Progeny by Ayla Harrison UCF Ten Minute Play Contest Winner On a dreary night Mary Shelley invokes the dream of Frankenstein into reality.	UCF Conservatory Theatre Studio B; 30 minutes Sunday 1/16 @ 3:00pm & Saturday 1/22 @6:00pm
Robinson Crusoe by Jim Helsinger Dynamic one man show of a new adaptation of the Daniel Defoe novel.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Studio B; 2 hours Monday 1/17 @ 6:15pm & Saturday 1/22 @ 1:30pm
The Royal Baker by John Goring - A lusty young cockney pickpocket reluctantly invades the court of King Charles II at the height of England's Restoration ribaldry.	Playwrights Roundtable Studio D; 2 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 8:30pm & Wednesday 1/19 @ 8:45pm
Seagulls in a Cherry Tree by William Missouri Downs Quirky, contemporary spin on Chekov's plays. Goldman; 2 hours	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Saturday 1/15 @ 12:00pm & Wednesday 1/19 @ 9:00pm
Shatter the Sky by Sean Christopher Lewis Orestes killed his mother, slept with his sister, pissed off his uncle and offended the gods. And he's the sane one in the family.	Invictus TC Studio B; 2 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 7:00pm & Thursday 1/20 @ 9:15pm
The Living Newspapers Free with Playfest Button
Living Newspapers High school students perform their own original ten minute short plays  based on headlines from the newspapers. Created, rehearsed and played all by the students!	Trinity Prep and Apopka High School Students Free with button; Studio D; 1 hour Saturday 1/22 @12:00pm - Trinity Prep Saturday 1/22 @1:00pm - Apopka High Sunday 1/23 @ 6:00pm - Trinity Prep
Theatre for Young Audiences Readings FREE with PlayFest Button
Title, Author Description	Presenter, Time, Venue
Pocahontas by John OHara - The tale of an Indian Princess and English Explorers.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Studio B; 1 hour Saturday 1/15 @ 12:00pm
Jungle Book From the Rudyard Kipling taleof Mowgli and his jungle friends.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival Studio B; 1 hour Saturday 1/22 @ 12:00pm
Theatre for Young Audiences Workshop $4 with No PlayFest Button required
The Pharaoh's New Robes book and lyrics by April-Dawn Gladu, music composed and arranged by Kevin Harris Children's musical based on Emperors New Clothes with Egyptian slant. $4 no button required; Goldman; 1 hour Saturday 1/15 @ 3:00pm; Sunday 1/16 @ 3:30pm Saturday 1/22 @ 3:00pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 3:30pm	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival
Workshops Various Ticket Prices plus PlayFest Button
Title, Author Description	Presenter, Time, Venue
Vine Theatre One Acts: The Anglo American Alliance by Anne Nelson, See Rock City (an excerpt) by Arlene Hutton First Comes Love Book and Lyrics by Jonathon Hickey, Music by George Alex Livings Three one-acts on love and marriage: The Anglo American Alliance, a drawing-room kitchen sink romance by the author of The Guys; See Rock City, the story of a young couple realizing that life doesn't always follow the intended path by the author of Last Train To Nibroc; and First Comes Love, a musical about what happens after the "I do's".	The Vine Theatre $8; Studio D; 2.5 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 3:15pm; Monday 1/17 @ 6:15pm Thursday 1/20 @ 9:15pm; Saturday 1/22 @ 3:00pm
Driven to Abstraction by D.W. Gregory - An art student's obsession with Picasso takes her on a time-bending journey in search of self.	Women Playwrights' Initiative $7; Studio D; 90 minutes Sunday 1/16 - 4:30pm; Tuesday 1/18 - 6:15pm Friday 1/21 - 9:15pm; Sunday 1/23 3:15pm
Fe or Male by Anna Demers, music by Kevin G. Becker Sex, Coffee and Women collide to create an edgy musical about five women searching for their identity in a world defined by man.	Terpsichore Collective $10; Studio D; 90 minutes Saturday 1/15 @ 12:00pm; Tuesday 1/18 @ 9:00pm Friday 1/21 @ 6:15pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 12:45pm
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Richard Width Insightful new adaptation of the classic novel.	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival $10; Goldman; 2.5 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 8:15pm; Sunday 1/16 @ 5:15pm Monday 1/17 @ 6:15pm; Tuesday 1/18 @ 9:00pm
Nirvanov by David Lee A glam-grunge musical about a suicidal singer in Seattle and the lobotomized ghost of a Hollywood legend.	Naked Orange Theatre Company $10; Goldman; 90 minutes Sunday 1/16 @ 8:30pm; Tuesday 1/18 @ 6:15pm Saturday 1/22 @ 4:30pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 8:30pm
Quincunx by Henry Rathvon Hilarious Elizabethan farce by the author of Trapezium: A Knightly Farce (now playing in the Margeson!)	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival $10; Goldman; 105 minutes Thursday 1/20 @ 6:15pm; Friday 1/21 @ 9:15pm Saturday 1/22 @ 12:30pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 5:30pm
The Rape of Lucrece A poem by William Shakespeare, adaptation by John Archer Lundgren A double tragedy, one that engulfs both victim and faithless aggressor.	Ardea Productions $5, $1 for students; Goldman; 2.5 hours Saturday 1/15 @ 4:30pm; Sunday 1/16 @ 12:15pm Thursday 1/20 @ 9:15pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 12:15pm
One Acts Various Ticket Prices plus PlayFest Button
Title, Author Description	Presenter, Time, Venue
Driving Miss Cherry Blossom by Eric Pinder Elderly Japanese tea merchant and her chauffeur share cultural mistrust and haiku.	Hippity-Doo Productions $10; Studio D; 75 minutes Saturday 1/15 @ 6:30pm; Sunday 1/16 @ 8:00pm Wednesday 1/19 @ 6:30pm; Saturday 1/22 @ 6:00pm
Go Left Right by Al Pergande - "Sex. Politics. Deconstruction. Did we mention sex?	Arfnotz Productions $8; Studio B; 75 minutes Saturday 1/15 @ 1:30pm; Tuesday 1/18 @ 6:30pm Friday 1/21 @ 6:30pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 4:00pm
Me Me Me Me by Amy Steinberg - Local bombastic rock star explores sections of self through poetry, music, and comedy.	Goddess Entertainment $10; Studio B; 70 minutes Saturday 1/15 @ 4:00pm; Tuesday 1/18 @ 8:30pm Wednesday 1/19 @ 9:00pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 6:00pm
Prisoners of Love by Elena Day and Andy Sapora - Come and watch two other people suffer for a change. Bring a date!	Day/Sapora $10; Studio B; 75 minutes Sunday 1/16 @ 5:00pm; Wednesday 1/19 @ 6:45pm Saturday 1/22 @ 4:00pm; Sunday 1/23 @ 8:00pm
Playwright Seminars
An Afternoon with Nilo Cruz Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz shares excerpts of his work, insight into his process and anecdotes from his life in the theatre in this inspirational seminar. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions of Mr, Cruz, either regarding his work, or their own work, if they are playwrights.	$50.00, space limited Margeson - Saturday 1/22 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Reading of Beauty of the Father by Nilo Cruz  -	Free with button Goldman - Saturday 1/22 @ 7:30pm (1 time only, 2 hours)
Theatrical Adaptation Seminar with Jim Helsinger Ever thought of adapting a novel or historic event into a play? Artistic Director Jim Helsinger is the author of several adaptations, including: Dracula: The Journal of Jonathon Harker, Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus, Joan the Maid, A Christmas Carol in Five Parts and Robinson Crusoe. In his adaptation seminar he breaks down his process, covering such topics as (1) Creating an effective framing device, (2) Transforming narrative into dialogue, and (3) Condensing books into plays. Seminar participants will also have the opportunity ask questions and to discuss their own adaptation ideas.	$50.00, space limited Margeson - Saturday 1/15 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Connections Playwriting Seminar with Arlene Hutton (Author of Last Train to Nibroc) Whether you are an actor wanting to explore, a writer in the middle of a project, an artist waiting for inspiration, or someone who has always wanted to create stories, poetry or plays, you already possess, deep inside you, everything you need to bring forth your unique voice. Through a series of meaningful and joyful exercises, the Connections Seminar will give you a roadmap to your subconscious and lead you to discoveries and rediscoveries of the wonder of the unconscious mind and the thrill of creating art. Bring a notebook.	Time: Sunday January 16, 1-3:30pm Cost: $50.00, space limited To register call box office at (407) 447-1700 ex 1
Theater Verité Playwriting Seminar with Anne Nelson. (Author of The Guys) As reality television and documentary films sweep the mass audience, a new form of theater has appeared. “Verbatim Theater” integrates transcripts, interviews, and experiences to produce plays that combine the “dreamspace” of theater with the hard matter of reality. This seminar surveys literature from this movement (The Laramie Project, The Exonerated, The Guys, etc), and covers journalistic interviewing techniques and methods of shaping and editing material .	TIME: Sunday January 16, 4-6:30pm COST: $50.00, space limited To register call box office at (407) 447 1700 ex 1
Special Events Free with Playfest Button
Playwrights Panel Some of PlayFest 's best known playwright’s will discuss the art of playwriting and take questions from the audience.	Free with button Margeson - Saturday 1/22 @ 5:30 - 6:45pm
Email Plays by Various Playwrights Plays that unfold in series of e-mail messages available throughout PlayFest on computers in the PlayFest Lounge.	Free with button Available at all times throughout Playfest.

NOTE: Tickets to PlayFest '05 are not available through our website.
Please call the box office at (407) 447-1700 x 1 to order tickets. 
Tickets are now on sale for PlayFest '05!

SPONSORED BY

Other

Please take a moment to visit our other areas our PlayLab program:

• How to Participate in PlayFest - Guest theatre applications, etc.
• Guidelines - The types of play we are looking for and how to submit
• Sponsorships - How to be a PlayFest sponsor  
• History - Past Seasons - Past shows

RELATED NEWS

ENM Writers Conference

Are you a writer?  Education in the New Millennium, Inc is holding a conference Orlando, Florida, January 14-24, 2005. ENM provides communities with a unique digital technology venue. ENM provides technology, prepares for high - paying careers in fast - paced technology driven industry.
ENM Incubator Lab and Institute for Independent Filmmakers working with industry professionals  produces original creative concepts mentoring filmmaker through from concept to script to screen. For more information on the writers conference, go to: ENM501c3.com