About Us
Over 20 Years of LOAF
The London One Act Festival (LOAF) began in 1999 with seven plays at the Old Factory Theatre. In 2000 the festival moved to The McManus Studio in the Grand Theatre.
As well as growing in length and number of performances, the Festival has also expanded its focus to encompass more of London's artistic community, including displays of artwork by area artists and preshow musical entertainment provided by local entertainers.
The Festival attracts people of all ages, experiences and backgrounds who are interested in the chance to have their work - acting directing, writing, technical skills - appreciated by a diverse audience in a creative environment.
Festival Framework
The festival consists of two nights of previews and two nights of adjudicated performances. The professional adjudication gives the performers, writers and directors an opportunity to learn from the experience.
A workshop for participants takes place on the Sunday of the festival, followed by an awards ceremony. Each year the awards are made by local artisans. In the past we have had a blacksmith, potter, metal worker and painter create unique and cherished mementos.
PLEASE NOTE THAT LOAF IS NOT A PROFIT MAKING ENTERPRISE AND IS RUN BY VOLUNTEERS. ANY MONIES FROM TICKET SALES ARE USED TO FUND THE FESTIVAL.
Committee Members
MARIDON DUNCANSON
Administrative Director
A veteran committee member, Maridon enjoys interacting with the writers, performers and audience.
SOOKIE MEI
Arts Coordinator
Sookie contributes her theatre expertise, curates the artwork and engages local musicians.
DEBRA CHANTLER
Technical Director
Debra oversees technical requirements, organizes the casts and maintains sanity.
CAMERON JOHNSON
Technical Assistant
Cameron caught the theatre bug performing in LOAF and has since been a great asset, helping out in a number of capacities.
As always remembering our dear friend, Lesleigh Turner.
Calling All Playwrights
Submission Details
WHAT
The festival, located in London, Ontario in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, is looking for short plays of any genre running 30 minutes or less. Original scripts are encouraged. The number of plays accepted will be dictated by the total performance time. Competitors are responsible for acquiring rights to plays and paying any royalties. The London One Act Festival reserves the right to decline or accept material based on length, genre or graphic nature of subject material. There is a $50.00 registration fee, which is refunded depending on box office receipts.
Cheques will be returned to groups not selected. For those plays accepted, the registration money may be refunded, depending on ticket sales, at the end of the festival. Accepted plays that are withdrawn by the directors after the orientation date (TBA) will not have their registration fee refunded.
PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Participants must provide their own cast, crew, etc. The London One Act Festival and the Auburn Theatre will provide basic lighting, dressing room space, technical support, and front of house staff. MINIMAL SETS AND MINIMAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS are essential. To keep the sets to a minimum, sharing of set pieces among groups is encouraged.
The time limit of 30 minutes must be strictly adhered to. The London One Act Festival will look after ticket sales, posters, programs, publicity and adjudication.
SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 1, 2020
Registration form/details will be forthcoming.
All supporting material must also be submitted by that date (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REGISTRATION FEE). Successful applicants will be notified by August 15.
Orientation Meeting: Mid-September/Early October
Technical rehearsals: November 1, 2020
November 2 and 3: Dress rehearsals
November 4 and 5 : Preview performances
November 6 and 7: November 6 and 7
November 8: Workshop and awards ceremony
2019 Award Winners
The awards were created by Cora Linden and presented by adjudicator Trevor Smith Diggins
Outstanding Supporting Actor - David Boegart, Beneath the Matala Moon
Outstanding Supporting Actress - Shelley Levi, Corner Cafe Coffee House
Outstanding Actor - Rob Deman, Beneath the Matala Moon
Outstanding Actress - Elizabeth Dundas - PEP!
Outstanding Original Script - PEP! by Michael Johnson
Outstanding Director - Mary Ann Ciuciura - In The Tank
Outstanding Production - In The Tank
Special Adjudicator's Award (Ensemble) - Beneath the Matala Moon
Special Adjudicator's Award (Comedy Duo) - Jim Kelch and Jason Freeman - In The Tank
Lesleigh’s Loafie (People’s Choice Award) – In The Tank