NORTH COAST, Calif. — Local writers take note: There has never been a better opportunity to try your hand at playwriting.

Mendocino College is currently seeking short plays by local authors for production on campus in fall 2023.

One of the most exciting events of the college’s theater season is the annual Festival of New Plays.

Once again, theater professor Reid Edelman will use short plays written by local authors to teach directing and acting students about the joys and challenges of working with new scripts.

This production of student-written scripts is now in its 17th year, and the event has become a highlight of the college’s annual theater season.

Since the festival began, Edelman has worked with Communications Department professor and playwright Jody Gehrman to find and develop student-written plays.

Anybody residing in Lake, Sonoma or Mendocino counties is eligible to submit an original play.

“We clearly have an abundance of talented writers in this area,” said Gehrman, “but only a small percentage of them even think about writing a play. Playwrights aren’t born, they’re coerced by people like us to try it once. After seeing their work produced, most become addicted; it’s a tremendous high to sit in a theater and watch your ideas come to life.”

The deadline for submissions is Aug. 1.

There are no limitations in terms of theme or content, but small casts (two to five characters) and minimal technical requirements are recommended for optimal chances at production.

Scripts should have a running time of no longer than 10 minutes.

Electronic submissions should be saved as PDF files and sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as an attachment.

For more information, contact Reid Edelman, 707-468-3172.

You can also mail your play to 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA 95482.

Performances will be Nov. 2 to 5.

Auditions for actors will be in September.