Robert Sisk

Acting Against Cancer is hosting Theatre [502], StageOne Family Theatre, Pandora Productions and CenterStage for a one-night-only musical theatre concert in The Bomhard Theatre. Profits from the event will benefit art therapy for cancer patients at Kosair Children's Hospital.

In 2015, it isn't easy to get people into a theatre. Who wants to make the drive and pay the ticket price for a light, late twentieth-century comedy when the entire series of "Friends" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" is on Netflix? "Social Security," written by Andrew Bergman and currently playing at Derby Dinner Playhouse, is the essence of those sitcoms brought to life. Is it provocative, complex and moving? No. Is it silly, lighthearted and a lot of fun? Absolutely.

In a city as culturally rich and vibrant as Louisville, it's a true shame there aren't more opportunities for local playwrights to showcase their work. Without being spoken aloud by actors, brought to life by directors and ultimately performed in front of an audience, it seems difficult for a playwright to critically gauge the potential perception of their work. Thanks to "Finnigan's Festival of Derby City Playwrights," twelve local playwrights have such a stage, and the result provides much hope for some of these burgeoning playwrights.

It's no secret that Louisville has an abundance of theatre. With so many shows and production companies, there is no dearth of opportunity for actors, directors and designers to get involved and do what they love to do. What perhaps are lacking in the community are platforms for local playwrights to showcase their work. That's where Finnigan's Festival, founded by Brian Walker in 2007, comes in.