Call for Proposals: One-Act Play Festival 2026

We are excited to invite directors, actors, and theatre creators to submit proposals for the Second Annual One-Act Play Festival in Fort Macleod, Alberta, taking place November 13–14, 2026.

This growing festival celebrates bold, innovative, and experimental theatre. We are seeking four directors to bring original, fresh, and boundary-pushing one-act works to the stage.

Festival Details:

• Dates: November 13 & 14, 2026

• Location: The Historic Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod, Alberta

• Performances: Two performances per day

• Format: Non-adjudicated festival

Unlike competitive festivals, this event focuses on creative exploration and community connection. Following each day’s performances, audiences are invited to join the cast and crew in the green room for informal conversation, feedback, and celebration of the work.

What We’re Looking For:

• New and experimental one-act plays

• Innovative staging, storytelling, or performance styles

• Works led by passionate directors eager to collaborate and engage with audiences

Why Participate:

• Showcase your work in an intimate, supportive environment

• Connect directly with audiences and fellow artists

• Be part of a growing arts event in southern Alberta

Submission Details:

We encourage artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply.

Submission guidelines are as follows:

• Proposed productions must have a running time between 10 and 60 minutes.

• Submissions must be received no later than August 15, 2026.

• Selected participants will be notified by August 25, 2026.

• Directors should include:

• Title of the work

• Playwright/composer information (if applicable)

• Estimated running time

• Brief synopsis

• Production requirements and technical considerations

• Director biography and contact information

Contact hunter@empress.ab.ca to apply!

Come be part of a festival that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the diversity of theatre performance.