Short and sweet in ten

After years of encouraging everyone else to follow their passion for the arts, Bronte local and well known acting teacher Dominic Stone is excited to be one of the finalists at this year’s Short + Sweet festival, with a play of his own. The writer/director will deliver With a Hand of Wax at NIDA’s Parade Playhouse in week 8 of the world’s biggest festival for 10-minute theatre.

Stone became involved with the event after being invited to direct a comedy in the second week of this year’s run. The Doris Day Collection, by American playwright Robert Shaffron, was a warm-up for the multi-talented director, who is now at work on his own production without breaking stride.

“It’s exciting and challenging,” says Stone of the process. “This is the first play of my own.”

Stone has been encouraged by the standards of an organisation that has proved its worth in the development of professionals in theatre over the last decade.

“I think there’s real vision in what they’re doing,” he said, singing the praises of a “brilliant concept” that is a potential launch pad for anyone who dares to dream.

“It ranges from professionals to people having a go for the first time,” he said. “The production process is very professional and provides a structure to succeed.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, this director can see the Short + Sweet festival as an opportunity to test the merits of any transcript.

“If it’s got legs, it will walk!” he said.

With a hand of Wax will be playing at NIDA’s Parade Playhouse from February 22 to February 26 at a session of 10 plays starting at 8pm. The festival also stages sessions at the Newtown Theatre. For details visit www.shortandsweet.org

– By Paul Nee