Short + Sweet Introduces Wayne Tunks as Festival Director at 2017 Launch Party

Returning for its sixteenth year in 2017 is the biggest short play festival in the world, Sydney's own, Short+Sweet. While the festival now takes place all over the world - including a Hollywood festival due to open very soon - it was in Sydney, in the inner west culture hub of Newtown, where it all began. This year the ever-expanding juggernaut of 10-minute theatre will take place in the beautifully renovated Depot Theatre, Marrickville. And taking over as festival director in 2017, is acclaimed dramatist and Short-Sweet alumnus, Wayne Tunks.

Wayne has been writing and producing independent theatre since 2000. His biggest successes include four sell out seasons of The Subtle Art of Flirting, two seasons of The Bridesmaid Must Die, We'll Always Have Wagga, The Girlie Show, Hell Hath No Fury and Flame Trees (which played at The Depot Theatre in June). His next show sees the Sydney premiere of his sell out play, Fag Boy & the Married Guy at the New Theatre for Sydney Fringe. Wayne also had a stint in the Neighbours writing room from 2010 - 2011.

So what made Wayne decide to move back to Sydney and take on the role as festival director of Short+ Sweet?

"I adore Short+Sweet," says Wayne.

"First, there's the theatre aspect... and theatre has always and will always be my number one love. How amazing is it that every week there are around 20 new plays for an audience to watch, while also giving a wonderful opportunity for writers, directors and actors to find their voices and hone their craft? Also, socially, there is no better festival. You get to meet and be around so many other people just like you. The friends I met when I started doing Short+Sweet 15 years ago are still in my life. These are great people with whom I've had the opportunity to collaborate; and that's all because of Short+Sweet."

Over his years at Short+Sweet, Wayne has worked as writer, director and actor. He has many great memories.

"My first time at Short+Sweet was back at its original Georges Hall Theatre. It was so exciting to be involved in this brilliant festival. That year I also got to direct a play written by and starring the now very successful writer, Maxine Beneba Clarke. I got to create a fun little piece called "Tupperware" set in the 1950s that had an lovely cast of 10 exceptional actresses. But I think my favourite Short+Sweet memory was presenting Paris in Hell, with "Wentworth" star Nicole da Silva, where she played Paris Hilton and I played Satan! These are some of the best stage memories I have."

It's time again for applicants to submit their ten minute plays and shortly for directors too to throw their hats in to the ring. Wayne is urging newcomers to 'take the plunge'.

"Short+Sweet is the best place to practice your art. If you're an actor who has always wanted to try directing, this is the best place to give it a go. These are ten minute plays that are professionally produced in front of full houses, and you get to work with amazing actors, some new, some who have been performing for many years. Also, for those who usually make short films, this is a great way to test yourself in live theatre. It is such a great and inclusive festival and more participants are always warmly received."

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