Those attending the Christmas with ScriptDawg event at the Atrium on December 13 will be treated to fringe theatre, but not as they know it
ScriptDawg works with amateur playwrights on their events
This festive season, most of us get our theatrical fill by watching a pantomime or two, but the organisers of A Christmas with ScriptDawg want to challenge and excite audiences by giving themselves 72 hours to perform a selection of plays written by amateur playwrights.
The event, taking place at the University of South Wales’ (USW) Atrium on 13 December, will see writers given a theme or topic to base their script around and given three days to complete it. The finished scripts (of which there will be five, ranging from seven to ten minutes in length) will be a complete surprise to the audience, who will not have been informed about the theme before the performance starts.
James Humphreys is the founder and producer of ScriptDawg who graduated with a screenwriting BA from USW. He said that usually audiences new to the ScriptDawg format are initially apprehensive, but become fascinated by the work on display.
“Audience members are quite fascinated by the 72 Hour challenge,” he said. “Seeing the work which comes out at the end of the three days is always interesting for them as the pieces are usually varied in style and genre.”
The event will take place in room CA B218 in the USW Atrium
James hopes audiences attending the event would get involved and be “inspired” by what they see.
Katie Packer is an English graduate from the USW who first heard about ScriptDawg as an undergraduate from friends who had gone to performances. She says that she’s looking forward to attending the performance and supporting local talent.
“I think it’s an amazing idea,” Katie said. “I can’t wait to see what the theme of the performances will be. Imagine sitting in the audience watching a play, not knowing what anything will be about, it’s exciting! And if it helps promote great local writing talent, I’m all for it!”
A Christmas with ScriptDawg will be held in the USW Atrium on 13 December in room CA B218. Entry will be free and there will be an informal Q&A with the organisers after the performance. Doors open at 7pm.