After almost 12 months, the Bendigo Theatre Company is preparing to return to the stage.
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The company is calling for 10-minute plays to be submitted for its annual short play season - Tenx10.
Now in its sixth year, the Tenx10 present a series of one-act plays no longer than 10 minutes each.
It is the first production for the BTC since March last year when it presented it Pride-themed Tenx10 season.
BTC president said it was eciting to be back albeit with some trepidation in a COVID-normal world.
"It does feel quite precarious but we are excited to be back," he said. "Obviously Tenx10 is low in (participation) numbers and low in financial risk for us, so makes good sense.
"It is usually programmed in March but we made decision to back-load season and it has been pushed to May."
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Mr Watson said BTC is being conservative in its planned performances this year in an effort to protect as much of the season as possible.
"Rather one season launch, to give us more flexibility we are launching individual seasons that coincide with summer, autumn, winter and spring.
"The big shows in particular, are a big financial risk at the best of times, so we need to be conservative in our assumptions moving forward.
"At the end of day we have to protect the company. We're running heritage theatre company that has been around for 70 years, which is something quite rare."
The theme for this year's Tenx10 is 'Love in the age of COVID" with organisers hoping to explore themes of love and connection.
"We wanted to tell stories relevant to the time, that's what theatre tries to do," Mr Watson said. "So we felt this was relevant to everyone.
"As well as writers we are looking for directors as well. No experience is necessary for new directors, with full support given.
"The whole point of Tenx10 is that it is the perfect opportunity if directing or theatre is something you have wanted to try. One thing we say every year is that (Tenx10) is an opportunity to dip your big toe in water of theatre. It's a great starting out point for people."
The theatre company has COVID-safe contingencies in place to ensure the season goes ahead.
"Small cast numbers (for each play) makes it much easier and there's no singing and dancing," Mr Watson said.
"We have got some contingencies in our plans if can't get many audience members in (due to restrictions). We expect to go ahead one way or another and will cross bridge and face curve balls as they come like we have for the last 12 months."
For more information visit www.bendigotheatrecompany.org.au