HYDERABAD: With an aim to promote theatre among people who do not have an opportunity, the time or the resources, Dramanon has started Skits, a 12-minute short play competition. Dramanon that comes from the words, Dramatist Anonymous, is a 14-year old theatre group which came to Hyderabad in 2007 has produced over 40 original plays and also held a number of workshops in the city. The third edition of this competition, that will be held at the end of September is now open for registrations.
“Any one who is above the age of 17 years and above can register for this competition, where we are emphasising on original scrips,” informs RK Shenoy, the founder of the group that started its first chapter in Manipal, followed by Bangalore and then Hyderabad.
The last two editions were quite grand, where the preliminary rounds had veterans like Vinay Varma and Bhasker Shewalker from the theatre scene in Hyderabad judging the skits for the preliminary rounds.
The finals were judged by theatre personalities – Rajit Kapoor and Shernaz Patel, both vetarans in the national theatre scene. “It is going to be the same in this edition too,” confirms Shenoy, adding that the participants came from different backgrounds. “Participants included corporate employees from Deloitte and Google, students from top colleges in the city, and smaller theatre groups,” he informs.
The incentive for winning this competition is quite high and the winners can expect a cash prize of ` 1 lakh. “This is sort of an encouragement for people who have a passion for theatre. Last year’s winners are now pursuing theatre and acting,” he shares with a hint of pride.
Dramanon is looking for passionate theatre lovers, with original scripts in mind. “We will also accept scripts that have been purchased, provided they hold rights of that script,” explains Shenoy.
Another interesting aspect of this competition is the judging process, that also includes the choice of the audience.
But in an unbiased manner.
“There will be one winner chosen by the judges and another by the audience. However, the group that is selected by the audience will only go further in the competition, if they are among the top three on the judges list,” adds Shenoy.
Groups interested to participate can register at skitsdramanon.wix.com, which is free of cost. The last date for sending in the scripts and for registrations, is August 19.