BY ALEXANDRA REES
Lake Macquarie Council is set to host a new theatre competition, to showcase talent from around the Hunter.
The One Act Play Festival offers up and coming performers and experienced playwrights the chance to perform their original works.
Council's Manager of Arts Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley says it's a chance to start building opportunities for the future.
"It's a really great opportunity to collaborate with different artists and to work under a director to be able to put those finer points on your play that you bring to the stage," she said.
"It's a great starting point."
Creators can enter by submitting information about their proposed play, including a script, time length and the number of cast members involved.
One Act Play Producer Niz Jabour says he's looking forward to the event.
"While there is no specific theme, I encourage those who apply to find inspiration from their own life experiences," he said.
With a prize pool of up to $2,500, there are a number of prizes up for grabs for category winners, including $500 for best screen play, best actor on the night, and junior and emerging screen plays and writers.
Scheduled for the 24th and 25th of February next year, Ms Hemsley says she'd love to see the festival stick around.
"In Lake Macquarie, we are really committed to developing the creative arts, in particular live performances and live music," she said.
"The One Act Play Festival is the first of its kind, but we will be wanting to continue this on every year to really build that capacity in the community."
