I haven’t approached any of our writers about participating in this annual event, but perhaps one of them will rise to the challenge. It’s hosted by the Saskatchewan Playwrights Centre, and is being held this year at the University of Regina on April 29-30.
At present, the SPC is soliciting professional and amateur playwrights to sign up. If you visit the website www.saskplaywrights.ca/24hour.htm you’ll see that there’s two categories: Student (high school and university) and Open (everyone else). Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Computers, printers, paper, caffeine, water and food will all be provided in the $30 registration fee.
People who sign up will sit down at 4 p.m. on April 29 in Room 561 of the Education Building, and with no more than a single page of notes as a reference, will spend the next 24 hours feverishly writing a one-act play. Once the competition closes on April 30 at 4 p.m., a panel of judges will evaluate the plays, and the winners will be announced at an awards brunch on May 1.
First prize in both categories is $500, with second and third place finishers also being recognized. For more info visit the above URL, or call the SPC in Saskatoon at (306) 665-7707.