STC's 'Opening Acts' will showcase local playwright's work

If you've ever imagined seeing your play professionally produced and staged for the theatre, this might be your shot.

The Sudbury Theatre Centre is inviting local writers to submit original works toa project called Opening Acts.

Playwrights are being asked for a complete short story, about 10 to 12 minutes in length, on a northern Ontario story or theme.. The successful pieces will becomeas the name would suggestthe opening acts for a main stage production.

Caleb Marshall is the Artistic Director of the STC.

"It gives our audience anopportunity to have really, abonusfree show, [and]a bit of a broader experience of the theatre that evening," he said.

"And it gives local writers and localstorytellersan opportunity to be professionally produced."

Marshall said anyoneis welcome to submit to the project, Once a work is selected, it will be developed further with the help of SudburygroupPat the Dog Theatre Creation. Then,it will be cast with some of the same professional actors appearing in the main stage show.

Caleb Marshall spoke with CBC Sudbury Morning North radio show host Markus Schwabe on Friday, both aboutOpening Acts,and anadaptation at the STC ofMiracle on 34th Street,opening Nov. 21.

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 13, 2015but Marshall said he's open to extending that deadline by a week or two.

Contact the Sudbury Theatre Centre for more information.