Kanata Theatre's 10-Minute Play Festival returns July 23–26 with seven original works
The 6th annual festival showcases emerging playwrights and directors in a pay-what-you-can format at the Ron Maislin Theatre.
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Kanata Theatre opens its doors again to emerging voices with its 6th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival, running July 23–26 at the Ron Maislin Theatre.
The festival remains true to its 2021 founding purpose: providing a supportive, hands-on learning environment for new theatre-makers. First-time playwrights submit original short scripts while novice directors bring them to life. Each play runs just 10 minutes, making the format ideal for experimentation and creative risk-taking.
Audiences can expect seven original plays offering a glimpse into Ottawa's developing theatre voices. The informal atmosphere encourages conversation between artists and the public, reinforcing the festival's role as a community builder.
The lineup includes Baby Bird (written by Stittsville's Trevor Eggerton, directed by Tom Kobolak), Bedside Manor by Juli Heney (directed by Adam Pelletier), On a Fundy Shore by Brian McCullough (directed by Yonatan Ravzin), The Book of Life by Judy Klass (directed by Barbara Kobolak), What's the Hold Up? by Sonia Mendes (directed by Christine Pressburger), When the Dust Clears by Jennifer Pfitzer (directed by Barb Friesen), and You Are What You Eat by Barb Friesen (directed by Keira Conlin).
General admission is by donation at the door (recommended $10). Evening performances run 7:30 p.m. July 23–25, with matinee shows at 2:30 p.m. July 26–27.
For those invested in nurturing homegrown talent, the festival represents an investment in the future of local theatre. Kanata Theatre's 58th season launches in September with Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard (September 9–19). A 5-play subscription is available for $110.
Before you go
When and where is the 10-Minute Play Festival?
Kanata Theatre's 6th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival runs July 23–26, 2026 at the Ron Maislin Theatre in Ottawa.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission to the festival is by donation at the door with a recommended contribution of $10.
What are the show times?
Evening performances run at 7:30 p.m. on July 23–25, 2026, with matinee shows at 2:30 p.m. on July 26–27, 2026.
How many plays will be performed?
Seven original plays will be showcased at the festival, each running 10 minutes.
