LYNN — Slowly but surely, the arts are returning to Lynn.
Arts After Hours is seeking submissions for an original 10-Minute Play Contest, its first event since the pandemic began last March. The livestream event of the winning plays will be a pay-what-you-can fundraiser for its theater.
“Anybody that is a writer, we’d encourage them to submit something,” said Arts After Hours Director Samantha Gambaccini. “Even if it’s their first play. We’d love to see some new fresh playwrights and some Lynn locals.”
Arts After Hours has placed a particular emphasis on encouraging submissions by Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) writers, first-time playwrights, Lynn residents, and playwrights of all genders. Submissions will close on March 15.
Last Thursday, Arts After Hours hosted a workshop to help new play development.
“We’ve been seeing all sorts of plays. Some in different languages, some comedies, a lot that have to do with pandemic and Zoom life, and some that are just totally random,” said Gambaccini.
A judging committee will choose three plays that will most likely be performed over Zoom, but she was open to the idea of performing live in-person shows depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
The audience will then vote for their favorite play. The winner will have their play produced in person as an opener to a main-stage show later in the year, and will potentially be given the opportunity to work with Arts After Hours to produce a full-length play.
Any playwrights (aged 14 and older) regardless of their background or experience are encouraged to submit a new play with a 10-minute maximum duration by March 15 via their website. Any and all genres and themes are welcome.
“We look forward to getting back in person, safely of course,” said Gambaccini. “This play competition is really the way to get back to working with writers and creative teams.”
The organization is playing its full reopening by ear, which will be driven by the state of the pandemic. Gambaccini said Arts After Hours is considering pursuing outdoor theater in the summer.
“We’re going to come back,” said Gambaccini. “It might be a slow rollout, but we’re not going away.”
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected].
