The Firehouse Theatre Project will be presenting its 8th annual Festival of New American Plays. The national playwriting competition will conclude from Thursday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Firehouse Theatre at 1609 W. Broad Street in Richmond. Two plays have been selected as this year's finalists from nearly 200 entries submitted by talented playwrights from nearly every state in the country. This year's two finalists are: "The Jag" by Gino DiIorio of New York, N.Y., and "American Pastime" by Mike Folie of Congers, N.Y.
Two staged readings of each play will be presented over the four-day festival with the winner being decided after the final reading on Sunday, Jan. 31, by persons who attended performances of both plays. The playwrights will be in attendance and each show will be followed with a discussion involving the audience, cast, director and playwright.
Upcoming events are listed below.
Thursday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 24 - Cadence Theatre Company presents "Fool for Love". Tuesday, Jan. 26-Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - Tuesday evening acting classes taught by Carol & Morrie Piersol. $160 for new students; $120 for returning students.Thursday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 - Festival of New American Plays. Help decide the winner of the Firehouse's eighth annual national playwriting competition. $5 suggested donation; students free with ID. Friday, Feb. 5-Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 - ROSMY Film Festival. Thursday, Feb. 25-Saturday, March 20, 2010 - "Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake)" by Sheila Callaghan. The third production of the Firehouse's 2009-2010 season tells the story of eleven-year old Janice, whose father has recently died, and her devastated mom, who trusts in superior baking skills as the key to healing. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for students and and RAPT members with ID. This play is a part of the Acts of Faith Festival. Two Sunday pay-what-you will matinees will be held at 4 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 7.
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