GreenMan Theatre seeks directors for ‘8 to the Bar’ play festival

GreenMan Theatre’s “8 to the Bar 2026” Play Reading Committee recently selected 16 plays for its sixth-annual production of eight 10-minute plays this July. All plays feature this year’s prompt “Lights! Camera! Action!” Now the committee is seeking up to eight individuals to direct the final eight plays that will be chosen.

Community theater directors are encouraged to apply. “It’s a minor time commitment and a great way of sinking your teeth into a short but fun project,” said Craig Gustafson, coordinator. “’Lights! Camera! Action!’ has an emphasis on action. The actors should be out of breath by the end of ten minutes.”

Applications from aspiring directors are also sought. “If you’re a new director, it’s a notch on your resume,” Gustafson said. “It’s a way of getting a foot in the directing door because it’s not an easy position to break into.” However, some background in acting or production is required, he added.

Playwrights who have submitted plays for “8 to the Bar 2026” may also submit to direct. If chosen, playwrights will not be selected to direct their own plays.

Experienced director candidates should send a resume. Those with no directing experience may send a short letter of intent, providing their theatre background and explaining why they think they would be a good director. Both can be sent to gm10mp@greenmantheatre.org from April 1-15, as well as any questions.

On April 20, those directors selected will be sent all 16 finalist plays. Directors will then have until April 27 to list their directing choices, in order of preference. The final running order of eight plays and directors will be announced May 1.

Auditions for the plays will be held May 31 and June 1. Directors must be available for all audition and performance dates and all production week rehearsals, as well as a director’s orientation meeting in May.

GreenMan Theatre is also seeking a volunteer stage manager for “8 to the Bar 2026.” Duties may include — but are not limited to – helping with door access for rehearsals, assisting with limited technical rehearsals, managing calls and readiness for the performing groups during on-site rehearsal and performances.

“8 to the Bar 2026” will be performed July 17-19 at Mystic Vines, 219 W. St. Charles Road, Villa Park.

In its 22nd season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501[c]3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "Dracula," "Pride and Prejudice" and “Doubtful Abbey.” GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theatre production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.

Visit greenmantheatre.org.