Noosa Arts Theatre holds an annual One-Act Playwriting Competition, attracting entries from playwrights across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, and other countries. 2027 will be our 50th anniversary! And we’re offering a special 50th anniversary prize of $10,000 for best script. To enter, see rules and information [here].
What happens to my script?
After the deadline (31 October 2026), the scripts are sent to a local panel of volunteers and theatre lovers, who each read every script. All scripts are anonymised. The panel selects a top 10 shortlist, which is then sent to a professional panel of three industry experts. The judges read the scripts anonymously, provide written feedback to the playwrights, and select their top three finalists. Playwrights are informed if they are in the top three, but the positions of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are not announced until the festival.
One Act Play Festival at Noosa Arts Theatre
The next stage of the competition is the One Act Play Festival performances at our 122 seat theatre in Noosaville, over two weekends (Dates TBC for 2027, usually mid-year). It’s a unique opportunity for the three finalist playwrights to see their new work debut at Noosa Arts Theatre
Noosa Arts Theatre’s festival convenor finds three local, experienced directors to direct the plays. The directors hold auditions for local actors. Rehearsals are held at the theatre for 1-2 months before the festival. Our directors, actors, backstage crew, tech, set builders, front of house and box office staff are all volunteers.
Playwrights are invited to come to the live performances, and especially to see the award presentations. The positions of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are announced after the final performance.
THE AWARDS
Playwriting Competition (determined by the judging panel) awards
1st place – the winner of The Eleanor Nimmo Prize for Best Play will take home $10,000. This increase in prize money is for 2027 only and is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this competition. We would like to acknowledge with gratitude our Major Sponsors Peter, John and Andrew Nimmo in memory of their parents, the late Mrs Eleanor Nimmo and the late Dr David Nimmo, for their support of this initiative.
2nd place – $3,000 kindly donated by the Edythe Brook Cooper Trust
3rd place – $1,000 kindly donated by McCormick Lawyers Noosa
Audience Choice Award – $500
The audience is given an opportunity at each performance to vote for their favourite play. These votes are collated for the awards presentation at the final performance. Prize money goes to the playwright.
One Act Play Festival Awards
The festival provides an opportunity for local talent to shine and receive cash prizes. The following are awarded to the cast and crew by a local adjudicator:
Best Actress – Margaret Courtney in memory of Marea Brown
Best Actor – Vernon Birch in memory of Val Warren
Best Director – Eileen Walder in memory of Neil McCarthy
Best Ensemble – Liza Park $500
For the Rules and Entry Form click [here]
NOTE: This competition is not restricted to Australian residents.
For more information, please email oapcomp@noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 61 (0)7 5449 9343.
And finally – the One Act Play Festival brings many opportunities for local talent to act and direct. We also need volunteers to help backstage and at front of house. And a dedicated pool of volunteer readers to read all the scripts! If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. info@noosaartstheatre.org.au