Seven plays. One rehearsal weekend. Two nights of theatre.
Moment Theatre Collective is staging seven original short plays at Théâtre VME, with performances on August 8 and 9, curtain at 8 PM.
Stage Fright is a low-barrier, time-crunched festival: a panel selects plays from anonymous submissions, MTC matches each script with a director and performers, and each team rehearses and stages its own piece over a single intense weekend.
Submissions are closed. This year's lineup is set — see the programme below.
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Stage Fright is a volunteer project. MTC is actively seeking funding, but we cannot guarantee a stipend for any role at this time. If funding is secured, the board will determine allocation by resolution.
For playwrights
Submit an original script. Your play must be:
- —7–10 pages (approximately 10 minutes), dialogue-forward. No paragraph-long monologues, no improvisation.
- —Written for 2–4 actors.
- —Producible with 5 props maximum, chosen from our approved list.
- —Clearly designated as: COMEDY, DRAMA, or OTHER (be specific).
All submissions are anonymized and reviewed by a panel. Playwrights submitting a script may advocate to direct their own piece if they have a strong creative vision and do not intend to perform in it — indicate this on your submission form. Playwrights may not also perform in their play.
For directors
No previous MTC experience required. Indicate whether you have a confirmed script and/or cast when you apply. Each selected director is assigned a script and two rehearsal blocks — the writer hands over creative control to you by contract.
Directors may not also perform.
For performers
Apply with your availability and any scheduling constraints. You may be asked to submit a self-tape and/or attend an audition. Scripts are distributed once selections are made — you are expected to be off-book by the first rehearsal.
Performers may not also write or direct.
Rehearsal structure
Each project is given two 4-hour rehearsal blocks during the rehearsal weekend (July 31 – August 2). Any additional rehearsal time is at the project team's request and must be coordinated and facilitated by the team itself, including booking any outside space. MTC does not provide rehearsal space outside the rehearsal weekend.
The dress rehearsal on August 7 is mandatory for all cast and directors.
Code of conduct
All accepted participants — playwrights, directors, and performers — are required to sign MTC's code of conduct before the project begins. The code covers respectful collaboration, safe rehearsal practices, and our expectations around professionalism and accountability.
Key dates
- June 4 Submissions due for all playwrights, directors, and performers
- June 15 Playwrights notified of selection
- June 22 Directors notified and assigned
- June 29 Performers notified and cast
- July 13 Scripts distributed to performers
- July 31 Rehearsals begin, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- August 1 Rehearsals, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- August 2 Rehearsals, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- August 7 Dress rehearsal, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (mandatory, no exceptions)
- August 8 Show 1: curtain 8:00 PM
- August 9 Show 2: curtain 8:00 PM
Submissions closed
The call for submissions is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted — we are grateful for your interest and look forward to sharing what we put together this August.
Programme
Seven original short plays, in performance order.
- 01
This Thing Between Us
Written & directed by Dan Jeannotte*
With Danielle Davidson, Vance Gillis & Stephanie McKenna*
- 02
Who Cares
Written by Mengzhou Li · Directed by Lucie Gee · Directing mentor Carolina Muñoz Jasa
With Marissa Blair, Nima Gomeshi & Serena Totera
- 03
The Metal Detector
Written by Thomas Barnwell · Directed by Eve Majzels
With Kate Bradley, Stefan Spec & Thomas Victorio
- 04
Marina's Candidacy for Motherhood with Key Witnesses
Written by Valerie Free · Directed by Jessica Abdallah
With Sonia D'Amico, Max LeBlanc, Tamir Virani & Janis Kirshner*
- — 10-minute intermission —
- 05
#3
Written by Paul Van Dyck · Directed by Heidi Hawkins* · Assistant director Dominique Gagnon
With Miranda Handford* & Christine Priest
- 06
Inconvenient House Ghost
Written by Olivia Collette · Directed by Joseph Garque
With Natalie Demmon, Paul Shanker de Tourreil & Colin Nash
- 07
Florentine
Written & directed by M. Leander Kalil
With Morgan Doke*, Loris Kecaj, Jackson Palmer & Anya Kowalchuk
*The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
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