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Now in its fourth year at the Arts Centre, the annual Short + Sweet 10-minute theatre competition is so much more than just convenient theatre. It’s like a dynamic theatrical incubator bursting with fantastic entertainment.

Short + Sweet is a full-throttle, three-week season, pitching emerging and more experienced Australian theatre-creators in the spotlight together. There is no cap on theatrical style and topics cover everything from the heartbreaking and hilarious, beautiful and poetic to the bizarre and paranormal - in just as many formats.

Plus, each work is judged by the general public and some industry experts – so like Australian Idol - everyone can be involved!

This year 40 shortlisted scripts will be transformed into fully produced 10-minute treats of original theatre, with another 10 works produced in a special week dedicated to Independent Theatre Ensembles.

“In its fourth year at the Arts Centre, it seemed like the next logical step for the event was to closely link the small gems of Short + Sweet into the broader creative development opportunities of the FULL TILT program,” said Vanessa Pigrum, Program Manager, Creative Development at the Arts Centre. “One (or more) of the ten minute pieces will get the chance to turn that ten minutes into a longer production. It’s like giving a short film director the chance to make a feature film. And as a way to really support the local industry, we’re only presenting works by Australian writers this year.

We’re really excited about the reshaping of Short + Sweet 2008. Clear your diary for December!”

The participants are competing for great prizes including cash from a $20,000 prize pool to be awarded on Saturday 20 December. One of the Independent Ensembles will also be in the running to win a week of full development supported by the Full Tilt program to grow their production into a full-length show!

Each production has its own creative team of writer, director and cast. This year will see over 200 actors, 50 writers, 50 directors and a number of designers and musicians participate in Short + Sweet 2008.

“The broad mix of form and style in this years competition, supported by the inclusion of the dedicated Independent Theatre Ensemble week, takes Short + Sweet Melbourne to a place that will no doubt excite and intrigue audiences like never before. It’s truly shaping up to be one of the best seasons of Short + Sweet Melbourne we’ve seen so far” Nicholas Dubberley – Artistic Coordinator - Short + Sweet Melbourne 2008


the Arts Centre presents
Short + Sweet, Melbourne, 2008

Venue: the Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio
Dates: 3 - 20 December 2008
Tickets: $23 - $28 | 3 Performance package $69 (Save $15)
Bookings: theartscentre.com.au *, 1300 136 166*, the Arts Centre Box Office or Ticketmaster outlets
* Transaction fee applies
theartscentre.com.au/shortandsweet