Playwrights and the public are invited to the readings, after which theatre companies select the plays they would like to produce. Having a play selected to be a part of the festival can be important for a playwright, especially those who are new and untested, says Rodney Bonds, the festival's president. They can use the opportunity to see how, or if, the play needs to be changes and made better. It's an invaluable opportunity. Since the festival started presenting original plays, more than 125 scripts have been performed, and many have made their way to theatre companies in New York City, Los Angeles, and North Carolina.
Theatre companies pay a small festival participation fee as well as an honorarium to the playwright.
But being selected to be part of the festival is honor enough, says Hull. It will be fun to see it on the stage. Performances will be at 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm Sundays. There will be an opening night reception at 7 pm with a rededication of the theatre acknowledging sponsors Lockheed Martin and Howard County General Hospital. Call 410.313.2787 for information or reservations.