Ithra Short Play Contest

The Ithra Short Play Contest is a highly successful national festival that has presented new and original theater scripts since its inception in 2021. The contest seeks to provide audiences with exciting and contemporary works that challenge and entertain. Ithra’s mission is to build a theater community in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia that produces high-quality drama capable of competing on the international level. Since its inception in 2021, the annual Short Play Contest has made a huge impact on the Saudi theater scene by developing original work with emerging artists and providing a platform for many participants to launch full-time, professional careers.

Goals

Artist

To support and develop the craft of acting, directing, writing and design. We create a supportive and professional work space with high levels of administrative and technical support. Our artists learn  from each other, and from experienced theater professionals. We facilitate a supportive environment for theater practitioners to network and to find support for their future.

Artist

Showcase

Short-form theater. To create a platform for artists' storytelling. We provide the space for theater practitioners to showcase their performance skills to new audiences and industry professionals. Our artists receive high quality support to develop in their chosen field.

Showcase

Audience

To stimulate and entertain audiences with short plays. We believe short-form theater can move audiences as effectively as long-form. Ithra wants to inspire the next generation of audiences and develop a love for attending live performances.

Audience

What We are looking for?

  • Theater Groups

The application process

  • Theater groups may propose one or two Arabic or English scripts which will be evaluated by the evaluation committee and, if approved, theater groups can use them in the contest after approval from the script writer.
  • Contest coordinators will share a number of selected scripts with theater groups. Click here for the selected scripts
  • Theater groups will be asked to choose from these selected scripts.
  • Each team may choose two scripts and will present their creative proposals and artistic vision on the chosen scripts.
  • To apply as a theater group, registration must be completed via the Theater Group Form and submitted no later than May 13, 2024. Link for theater groups registration form
  • Members of theater groups may not apply to participate in the competition in more than one theater group.

Conditions for submission

  • The theater group is responsible for selecting the script and setting their creative proposal and artistic vision for the play, casting actors, leading rehearsals and overseeing the technical rehearsals.
  • The theater group does not have the authority to change the script without referring to Ithra’s representatives for approval.
  • Please note that to be eligible to participate as a group member, you must be at least 18 years of age. It is also recommended that you are a member of the Ithra Theater Society.
  • You can become a member by filling out and submitting the Ithra Theater Society Form.

Selection process

  • Contest coordinators will evaluate and select ten theater groups.
  • The selected groups will participate in two theater directing and acting workshops. 
  • Rehearsals will take place at Ithra's Studio Theater.

 

The shortlisted groups will be announced no later than May 20, 2024.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Ithra Call Center at  8001221224  or send your inquiry via email to info@ithra.com 

General Guides & Rules & FAQ

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Over The Years

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