The “10 X Ten” project will see ten 10-minute plays written, directed and performed by locals put on in April.

BTC Drama Club co-ordinator Vern Wall said it would be a fun series of performances.

“It is a really interesting variety, we will have a lot of fun with it,” he said.

“Being our first effort, we were very pleasantly surprised to get 17 submissions.”

“Nine out of the 10 (selected) plays were written by locals and one person from South Australia sent one in.”

The selection process for the submitted plays was difficult for the committee, who brought in an impartial judge to make final decisions.

“We approached someone who has done a lot of theatre, directed for BTC, worked with school productions and has a wealth of experience in drama,” Mr Wall said. 

“Keeping in mind what 10 X Ten is, we wanted 10-minute plays to explore different ideas and be an interesting acting experience for the actors.

“We can’t have multiple scene changes or big sets and (the judge) was able to make those decisions based on how the plays fitted in with the 10 X Ten formula.

“We are also encouraging playwrights who missed out by providing feedback so they can submit something similar (in the future), make modifications or re-write a play that fits the formula better.”

Mr Wall said some playwrights were directing their own plays while others opted not to.

“We have finalised the directors and will be meeting with them, the writers and organising committee to chat about what the evening will be,” he said.

An information day will be held on Sunday, February 21, at 2.30pm for anyone interested in acting in one of the plays or helping out backstage to meet the directors and writers.

“People will have a chance to hear about the plays, meet the directors and start working with them through the rehearsal process,” Mr Wall said.

“We have said 10 X Ten is a learning process (for people new to theatre) as well as being an opportunity for experienced people to have a go at something new.”

Bendigo Theatre Company’s 10 X Ten project is on from April 15-17 at the BTC Arts Shed in Allingham Street, Golden Square.

For more head to Bendigo Theatre Company’s Facebook page go to www.bendigotheatrecompany.org 

The 10 plays that will feature at 10 X Ten are: