#FLoYD2011

The submission deadline for new plays for FLoYD Youth Theatre Festival rapidly approaches. I have been reading plays for the last couple days, since it’s my job to chose the line-up for the festival. I’d like to think that the choice is solely my own, but that’s not true. I always make sure to check with the rest of the executive, especially Andy, for his thoughts on what we put on each year. This may be the first time since I’ve been charged with setting up the festival’s program that we have to reject something. We’ve received submissions from 6 people already, and who knows what the week could bring in? It’s exciting.

I love working on the festival. I’m excited about the potential of the shows I’ve read so far. In less than twenty pages, a lot of these touch on deeply emotional, and controversial ideas, and I think they can explore in a deep and meaningful way. Some of the work is rough, very rough, but there’s a light that shines in them all the same. My first reaction to something I read was, “No. We can’t possibly do this.” But then I thought about it, and I can see the potential. A lot of this work is a first attempt at playwriting. Often people try new styles with which they’re not familiar. But it’s all raw imagination, and creativity; they delve into the feelings and strife of the young people in our community.

So, hold onto your seats and get ready for a spectacular summer in 2011. FLoYD Fest will rock harder than ever!