New Plays Debut in Pair of Festivals

The Theater Project is committed to providing writers the opportunity to present new work. In February, it is showcasing playwrights from near and far in two annual short play festivals: THINK FAST is a competition for writers new to The Theater Project; KALEIDOSCOPE KABARET is a showcase for members of the company. Both festivals take place at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.

Author Tylie Shider has participated in both events. He was the winner of the 2014 THINK FAST competition, and subsequently joined the Theater Project's Playwrights Workshop, which presented his work in the KALEIDOSCOPE KABARET. Formerly a teacher in Plainfield, NJ, he is now pursuing a graduate degree in playwrighting at New York University. Theater Project member playwrights Luigi Januzzi and Joe Vitale, who have had work produced in New York and around the country, will debut short plays in this year's KABARET.

In the fourth annual THINK FAST Competition, February 10-12, nine short plays compete for a $500 first prize awarded by a panel of judges made up of Theater Project member-playwrights. The contest, open to playwrights in the tristate area, also invites the audience to vote for their favorite short play. Ballots are tallied and winners announced at an open reception following the Sunday afternoon performance.

New work is also on display in KALEIDOSCOPE KABARET, an annual presentation of short plays written by members of Theater Project's Playwrights Workshop. The group meets privately once a month so members can share work in progress and get feedback from their colleagues. Short plays are showcased annually in the KABARET. This year's event also includes one script by teen authors - the first prize winners of last year's annual Young Playwrights Competition.

Tickets for both events are $20 for adults and $10 for students; dedicated fans can save 25% and see both events for $30. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.thetheaterproject.org; reservations are recommended.

The Theater Project, an award-winning New Jersey theater company presenting events in Cranford, Maplewood, Rahway and Union, is known for presenting new work, outrageous comedy, and drama with social commentary.

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