The Independent Theatre Association, an umbrella organization of the amateur theatre companies in WA organizes the State One-Act Drama Festival, each year to showcase the extraordinary range of talent in the local theatre world in acting, directing and writing.

Two unique festivals aptly named DramaFest and YouthFest.

YouthFest will be hosted by Stirling Players in Innaloo this year and held on Saturday 20 September where youth acting schools, clubs and primary schools will compete. Adjudicator for YouthFest is Ms Analisa Bell.

The major event being DramaFest will be hosted by Old Mill Theatre in South Perth and will take place on September 26, 27, 28 during the Queen's Birthday long weekend holiday celebrated in WA.

Commencing on the Friday evening with three one act plays and continuing with three sessions on Saturday at 10 am. 2 pm and 7 pm, followed by a Sunday morning session commencing at 10 am, each session showing three one act plays, this will be a veritable feast for theatre lovers.

Plays are all of approximately 30 mins in length and seven of the fifteen plays to be seen are by local WA playwrights showing the depth of talent in Western Australia.

The programme contains an interesting and diverse mix of genres, ranging from well known plays such as an excerpt from The Vicar of Dibley, to The Return by Reg Cribb (the play from which the film Last Train to Freo was devised) and much in between.

DramaFest will be opened on Friday evening by the Deputy Mayor of South Perth, Mr. Colin Cala and the plays will be adjudicated by Jeremy Rice, Associate Director of Barking Gecko Theatre Company.

Following the final session there will be a ceremony on Sunday evening at which awards will be presented to what has been adjudged the ‘best’ in categories ranging from Best Play, Best Director, Actor, Actress, and so on. There is also an award for the best in new writing by a local playwright. This award was instituted last year in honour of Beryl Silvester the founder and director for many years of the Young Australia Drama League, to which many local actors owe their start in the profession.

Bookings may be made for all sessions or can be purchased at the door. All theatre goers are welcome to this annual showcase of local talents and to attend the awards on Sunday evening.

YouthFest:
Saturday 20th September 2008.
Time: 9am onwards
Venue: Stirling Theatre, Morris Place Innaloo

DramaFest
Friday 26 September - 7pm
Saturday 27 September - 10am, 2pm, 7pm
Sunday 28 September - 10am & Awards 6pm.
Venue: Old Mill Theatre, cnr Mends St & Mill Point Rd, South Perth

Tickets: $5/play $15/session $50/weekend
Bookings: 9335 2255 (10am-3pm Mon to Fri) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tickets also available at the door

Further Info: www.tazentertainment.com.au