Pocket Sized Plays | Micro Theatre Festival

Newcastle has a vibrant arts scene which expresses the culture of our city. Its scene encourages creatives in pursuit of unique events. We flourish in DIY culture. This is where Micro Theatre Festival fits in perfectly. Micro Theatre Festival is an independent festival of short plays performed in intimate spaces in Newcastle. Its catch-line, “Pocket Sized Plays in Surprising Places”, is revealed through its venues such as cafes and small art galleries. This quirky festival showcases a scope of new works as well as adapted short theatre pieces.

A special part of this festival is the interaction of its audience. “The play begins spontaneously with an actor addressing an audience member who may be otherwise engaged and from here, the story begins”, says Festival Director Kate Dun.

The festival is self-sustaining whereby the writers, directors and actors share their craft for no financial gain. However, it does offer cash prizes and awards in a number of categories including Best New Script, Best Production, Best Actor and Best Improvisation.

The Follower has long been spouting about the creative power of Novocastrians and their talents so they jumped at the opportunity to interact with the preparation of the festival and meet with its writers, directors and actors.

“Incoming” and “Star-Crossed” co-director and co-writer Tracey Dwyer and Kylie Farrugia sat down with the Follower to talk about the creative endeavours, the processes, the challenges and the rewards of being involved with Micro.

Can you tell us a little bit about your plays, Incoming and Star-Crossed?

Incoming is about a guy who feels threatened about some personnel changes in his workplace. To him, it seems that others are taking advantage of his hard work, and he challenges the limits of appropriate workplace behaviour (and the patience of his colleagues) as he is forced to examine his place in the world.

Star-Crossed is a tongue-in-cheek look at the perils of dating in the modern age.

What makes a good show?

In Micro you don’t have much time to set the scene – you have to capture the attention and imagination of the audience quickly – talented actors make this look easy! But it’s the seed of an idea, a tight script and good actors well directed that makes a good show.

What inspires your drive as a creative?

I like telling stories, making people laugh and making people think. When our first play was performed in 2010, I sat in the audience, astounded that an amazing group of people had invested their time and creativity in bringing our words to life. That feeling has never gone away – it’s the same feeling every time our plays are performed.

The joy of seeing your work brought to life on stage is an incredible buzz. I’m inspired by the opportunity to work with actors, directors and writers.

What is the most challenging part of being involved in Micro Theatre?

Up until 2 days before our first rehearsal for Incoming, I would have said casting. There are a lot of great actors in Newcastle, but they are also very busy. Apart from that, the biggest challenge (and joy) is incorporating the venue and audience into the performances. The fourth wall is very thin in these venues.

What are your creative essentials?

A good friend to write with, a cup of tea, LOTS of chocolate and a deadline.

How do you handle negative criticism?

Try not to be too precious about your work. Be open to constructive criticism and don’t take yourself too seriously. Writing with a partner, I think we critique each other as we go. It’s important to take the negative criticism on board, and try to use it constructively, but keep it in perspective. It’s a good way to refine your work.

Why did you choose to be involved in Micro Theatre Festival (and how did you hear about it)?

Micro Theatre was the brain child of Festival Director Kate Dun. She contacted us last year and asked if we would like to be involved in the pilot season. We loved the idea and jumped at the chance!

Its format is unique: a collection of short plays in intimate venues. For writers it presents an opportunity to blur the lines between actors and the audience, which is really appealing.

What could expand in Micro Theatre Festival?

Micro 2016 has expanded since Micro 2015. If the festival continues to be a great success and grow, there’s certainly scope to expand to more venues. For now, though, it feels about right!

Advice for budding writers.

Back yourself and enter local script-writing competitions. Don’t be intimidated by script-writing if you’ve not done it before – it’s telling a story via conversations. We entered our first competition because Kylie saw Short & Sweet advertised and said “we should do that”. Creatively speaking, it’s the best decision I’ve made. (Dwyer)

We are deadline driven so I’d advise budding writers to set themselves challenges – enrol in competitions and festivals and write often to hone your skills. (Farrugia)

Micro Theatre Festival opens Tuesday 23 August and runs through to Saturday 27 August.

Information about each play and everyone involved in the productions can be found on the festival website: www.microtheatre.com.au

The venues hosting this first full season of Micro are The Press Coffee House, Curve Gallery and Vinyl Café.

Buy your tickets now!! http://www.microtheatre.com.au/content/buy-tickets

{images courtesy of Micro Theatre Festival & Nina Dell'Amico}