THREE OAKS — The Acorn Theater recently announced the Finals Competition for the Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights.

The Acorn Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights will take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 10, at the Acorn Theater, 107 Generation Drive, Three Oaks. Doors at 7 p.m.

This year’s event is sponsored by The Pokagon Fund and features six original 10-minute plays, each performed by a local theater company.

The tournament brings not-yet-published works to the Acorn and gives local theater companies the opportunity to brandish their acting chops for a fresh audience said organizers.  Each script delivers a complete story in 10 minutes. The top six plays were selected out of submissions from 14 states and New Zealand.

“The Tournament of Playwrights is an exciting evening,” said Kathy Stady, this year’s producer.  “With six plays, six theater companies and audience voting, the evening moves quickly and is packed with variety.”     

The top six scripts are: “38 Minutes” by D.C. Finney, Celebration, Forida; “If Heaven Exists” by David Smith, St. Joseph, Michiga; “La Puerta” by Jefferson Helton, Commerce, Texas; “Lending a Hand” by Craig Gustafson, Lombard, Illinois; “String Enough Memories” by Robin Rodriguez, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and “The Snake Charmer” by Stanley Toledo, Rio Vista, California. 

The participating theater companies are: 4th Street Theater, Chesterton, Indiana; Beckwith Theatre Company, Dowagiac; Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso; Hammond Community Theatre, Hammond Indiana; Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso, Indiana; and Twin City Players, St. Joseph.

Judges experienced in theater select the winner and runner-up and the audience votes for People’s Choice. The winning playwright receives $300, runner-up $75 and People’s Choice $75.  The event is family-friendly and open to all ages.

Tickets are $15 and are available at acorntheater.org. 

The Acorn Theater is a nonprofit organization. Housed in the former Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, this 250-seat venue offers a broad range of high-quality entertainment.  The atmosphere at the Acorn is funky-industrial-chic complete with a full bar. For more information, contact the Acorn Theater at (269) 756-3879 or visit acorntheater.org.