Third Annual Bad Theater Fest Begins 10/17

Bad Theater Fest, created as a supportive, fun and open environment for artists to present their work, has announced their lineup of dramatic short plays, comedy shows, dance, puppet theater and short films. Bad Theater Fest is part of the grand opening celebration at Treehouse Theater, 154 W 29th St (b/t 6th and 7th Ave) - 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10001. The festival takes place over three consecutive weekends: Fridays and Saturdays, October 17, 18, 24, 25 and Saturday, November 1, with multiple performances each evening. Sunday, November 2 will feature the as yet to be determined "Best" and "Worst" of the Fest. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase at badtheaterfest.com.

In addition to over 50 shows about puppet fight clubs, Evangelical Christians, nerdcore music, police brutality, and musically-gifted cats-2014 festival highlights include GOLDEN LEAR, King Lear performed by TV's The Golden Girls; EXORCISM FOR DUMMIES: one woman's exploration into the Evangelical upbringing that inspired her comedy career; and what might be the world's first musical about the sport of curling: CURLING! THE MUSICAL: the inspiring story about a curling tournament in Upper Michigan. Director Emily Duncan says of the piece, "It's never been performed before."

As part of the Bad Theater Fest / Treehouse Theater celebration, there will be a "bad" costume contest and Halloween party on Friday, October 31st and "bad" art will grace the lobby of the 60-seat theater for the duration of the festival.

Now in its third year, the festival started on a whim and with an initial investment of $200 by friends Shawn Wickens and Starr Kendall. Bad Theater Fest has hosted over 100 shows with the participation of nearly 500 playwrights, directors and actors and has also expanded into a companion event in the spring - Bad Film Fest. The festival's commitment to a low-risk, fun environment for the shows fosters an eclectic mix of theatrical style and scope. Past participant, Comedian Eitan Levine calls Bad Theater Fest, "...one of the most creatively rewarding experiences I have ever had."