Calling all playwrights, it’s that time of year again. Gilbert Theater’s Playfest 2025 is now officially accepting submissions in keeping with a long-standing commitment to the community and bringing theater to the area while supporting local actors, playwrights, directors, stage crew, and production staff. There has been a great response to this year’s festival, and organizers have decided to extend the submission deadline. It will be at the end of the month. Playwrights are asked to submit a 10-minute, one-act play for consideration. All submissions should be sent to Matt Lamb via email at secondstage@gilberttheater.com. Five local plays will be chosen, with a possible addition of a sixth non-local play. Once the plays have been chosen, playwrights will be contacted, and the process of selecting a director and casting will begin for the three-day festival set for July 11 through 13. While there are no ticket sales for this event, attendees are asked for a $10 minimum donation.
Playfest has become a long-standing tradition for the theater, started by a previous artistic director, Robyne Parrish, in 2013 to showcase new works by artists. Parrish created a legacy during her time at the Gilbert, from the first Playfest that included playwrights from New York to the local spotlight that it evolved into. Parrish’s mark is undeniable and noteworthy when speaking of landmark events and plays produced by the theater.
The current artistic director, Matt Lamb, is excited to continue the legacy and create an experience for the audience and the playwrights and actors as well. This year’s Playfest will be a “mesh” of the old and new, bringing in elements from the early days of Parrish but continuing the commitment to local artists.
“We are looking for local playwrights, which we do have a lot of submissions. But I think we want to add one playwright from afar, to be added into that, to just add a little mix of something,” Lamb explained.
Submissions are being judged by three selected individuals, including Lamb and Parrish, and one unidentified judge. Plays will be scored and ranked, with the top five making the cut for Playfest. Lamb wants individuals who are chosen to have as much creative input as possible and offer opportunities for actors who have previously auditioned for shows and had supporting roles.
“In year’s previous years, what we’ve tried to do is give actors who had auditioned throughout the season that may not have gotten a shot to be on stage, or maybe they were in an ensemble role, and maybe we can bump them to Playfest to give them the limelight. We may go back to doing that. And in some cases, the playwright may say, ‘Well, I would like this person to direct it,’” he said.
Playfest 2025 is going to be a great experience for everyone involved. Lamb and the Gilbert Theater encourage the community to come out and support local talent and support Fayetteville’s thriving community theater.