3rd Annual Northwest Florida Theatre Festival

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) launches the third annual Northwest Florida Theatre Festival, May 16-19, 2018.
 
When ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher concepted the Northwest Florida Theatre Festival in 2017, it was to provide a “stage” — literally and figuratively — for local artists in the community. The Festival will be produced in concert with the Cultural Arts Alliance’s Art Month South Walton.
 
“I believe that art breeds art. Our mission is to unify the theater and performing arts groups of Northwest Florida and showcase the talent, work, and productions of numerous organizations and people,” said Fisher.
 
The unjuried theater festival will feature unique pieces of theater including one-act plays, cabaret, dance, comedy and storytelling. Producing groups come from Pensacola to Panama City. Most pieces will be staged twice for a total of 16 performances.
 
The Northwest Florida Theatre Festival is open to the public and will be held at ECTC’s performance space located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Upstairs, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach, Florida.
 
The Festival schedule follows:
 
Thursday, May 16
 
6 p.m.
Under The Big Top
Aerial Dance Panama City
Aerial Dance Panama City is proud to present the “Under The Big Top.” Be our guest as we transform the Big Top with amazing aerialists flying through the air.
 
7 p.m.
“Convivial Eccentricity: More Poems for People Who Hate Poetry”
The Live Bard
Is modern poetry too obscure? Too convoluted? Too perplexing?  If so, then join The Live Bard as he tells stories and recites poems in which all can find amusement, solace, or insight.
 
8:30 p.m.
The Tupelo Honies Burlesque Revue
The Tupelo Honies
Offering modern burlesque with a southern flair, The Tupelo Honies perform all around the Southeast with their unique blend of dance, comedy, variety and games.

Friday, May 17
 
7 p.m.
Collected Stories by Donald Margulies
Kayla May and Kerry Sandell
This smart play explores the complex dynamic between a celebrated writer and her talented grad student.  They evolve into confidantes, friends, and ultimately, rivals.
 
9 p.m.
Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks ™
Hyphen Up
Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks ™ is a hilarious stand-up comedy show for women, moms and couples of all ages needing a break from the things that keep us up at night.
 
Saturday, May 18
 
3 p.m.
“The Struggles”
ECTC Junior Thespian Troupe #89447
This award-winning, poignant drama centers around Megan, a young girl coping with the learning challenges associated with dyslexia and ADD. She encounters the personification of her struggles in a dream-like world, where her journey provides a realistic look at the burden of being a student with learning differences. It’s a world filled with embarrassing read-alouds, late papers, missed assignments and forgotten homework. As her struggles reveal their true nature, we are left with an uplifting look at the unique strengths these individuals possess. 
 
4:15 p.m.
“Emotional Baggage”
ECTC Junior Thespian Troupe #89447
Seven strangers meet in a train station. Instead of luggage, they all carry their "emotional baggage." This unique play is based solely on action and has no dialogue. The play focuses on non-verbal storytelling through mask and movement. They must confront themselves and one another. Everybody carries emotional baggage with them. What's yours?
 
5:30 p.m.
“Winston Churchill: Through the Storm”
House of Monkeys
Bruce Collier’s poignant portrayal of Prime Minister Winston Churchill reminiscing about his life. Moving back and forth from past to present, Churchill recalls his worst and finest hours.
 
7 p.m.
“The Wind in the Willows”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Theatre for Young Audiences
Join Mole as he introduces you to his friends; amiable Ratty, wise Badger and infamous Mr. Toad. Together they tell action-packed stories of boating on the river, adventuring in the Wild Wood, battling weasels at Toad Hall and a few mishaps with motor cars. This new look at Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale is inventive and fantastically funny.
 
8:15 p.m.
Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks ™
Hyphen Up
Laugh-Lines & Stretch-Marks ™ is a hilarious stand-up comedy show for women, moms and couples of all ages needing a break from the things that keep us up at night.
 
9:15 p.m.
Jason & Jessica’s Comedy Cabaret
Jaboodle Productions
Come spend an hour with these two clowns. Comedy, music, juggling and more.
 
Sunday, May 19
 
2 p.m.
“The Wind in the Willows”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Theatre for Young Audiences
Join Mole as he introduces you to his friends; amiable Ratty, wise Badger and infamous Mr. Toad. Together they tell action-packed stories of boating on the river, adventuring in the Wild Wood, battling weasels at Toad Hall and a few mishaps with motor cars. This new look at Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale is inventive and fantastically funny.
 
3:45 p.m.
“The Struggles”
ECTC Junior Thespian Troupe #89447
This award-winning, poignant drama centers around Megan, a young girl coping with the learning challenges associated with dyslexia and ADD.  She encounters the personification of her struggles in a dream-like world, where her journey provides a realistic look at the burden of being a student with learning differences.  It’s a world filled with embarrassing read-alouds, late papers, missed assignments and forgotten homework.  As her struggles reveal their true nature, we are left with an uplifting look at the unique strengths these individuals possess. 
 
5 p.m.
“Emotional Baggage”
ECTC Junior Thespian Troupe #89447
Seven strangers meet in a train station. Instead of luggage, they all carry their "emotional baggage." This unique play is based solely on action and has no dialogue. The play focuses on non-verbal storytelling through mask and movement. They must confront themselves and one another. Everybody carries emotional baggage with them. What's yours?
 
6 p.m.
“Kyle: Now Streaming”
Dengerud and Company
A play about millennial couple Kyle and Karen who undergo the strangest hurdle of their relationship once the newly invented advanced A.I. Jessica is introduced to their home.
 
7:30 p.m.
Jason & Jessica’s Comedy Cabaret
Jaboodle Productions
Come spend an hour with these two clowns. Comedy, music, juggling and more! 
 
Find the final performance schedule online at www.NWFTheatreFestival.com.
 
Single tickets range $15 to $25 per show. All access passes will be available for purchase for $100. For more details on each performance and to purchase tickets and passes to Northwest Florida Theatre Festival online at www.NWFTheatreFestival.com.
 
To follow the conversation on social media, use hashtag #AStageForAll.
 
To make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, find them on Facebook, call (850) 684-0323 and visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.