It’s been a short and sweet 20 years!

Arts & Entertainment Stage Theatre & Performance

Staff Writer
August 24, 2022

Image: Short+Sweet, 2021. Image: supplied

By Evie McLoughlin

Established in 2002, Short+Sweet, affectionately known as “the biggest little play festival in the world”, will launch its 2022 season by celebrating its 20^th birthday.

Short+Sweet’s 2021 festival campaign was, unfortunately, re-scheduled and reformated numerous times due to COVID-19 lockdown + restrictions. Because of this, Festival Director Nick Hardcastle and Producer Belinda Ling have made it their direct focus to provide a genuine celebration of the spirit and legacy of the Short+Sweet community.

Short and Sweet 2021 Gala Night- Forgotten Place. Image: supplied

This innovative arts contest, which began in Sydney and is now run in over 20 cities throughout 15 countries globally, features competitions in a variety of genres: play, musical, dance piece, cabaret, comedy routine, and choral performance. The one rule for all entrants is that their performance cannot exceed 10 minutes.

Candidates participate in four rounds of heats. The winner for each heat is selected by a combination of audience and judge panel vote. The event culminates in a gala final with great prizes, glitz, and glamour.

Short+Sweet’s mission is to provide a platform for new work and opportunities for emerging artists.

Short and Sweet 2021 Gala Night- I was Fine. Image: supplied

“It is a wonderful opportunity for writers, directors and actors who want to share their voice and talent in a professional environment and venue,” says Hardcastle.

“Its goal is to become a powerful tool for diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as providing a way to discover new or established local talent by engaging more people in the live theatre experience.”