Expect a Diverse Slate of Shows at Upcoming One-Act Festival

The Chatham Playhouse is bustling with activity and excitement this week as the Chatham Community Players make their final preparations for the 16th Annual Jersey Voices One-Act Festival.

The event, which opens Friday at 8 p.m., was started by a group of college students. Jersey Voices invites playwrights from across the state of New Jersey to submit their works. If they are selected, they are performed at the festival. Of the over 120 entries received this year, only six original plays and one dance piece made the cut.

"The interesting part about a night of Jersey Voices is that when you listen to people either during intermission or receptions after, everybody's got a different favorite and one that they hated," Producer Bob Denmark said.

The audience reactions reflect the variety of the acts.

"It's just a range," Denmark said. "And we try to give people enough diversity that everyone will walk away feeling like they had a good time."

This year, the shows are sure to please everyone in one way or another. Two of the plays touch on religion, one concerns a father-son relationship, one is a spoof on art, and one is murder mystery—a first for Jersey Voices. The dance piece focuses on the relationship between men and women.

"I always make sure I'm out here for this," said actor Paul Bettys, who will be in "The Station," the festival's murder mystery. "I really do have a lot of fun and meet a lot of actors that I will later see in shows all over New Jersey."

While it seems that many of the actors are regulars, Jennifer Chaky notes that there are a small handful of newcomers.

Jersey Voices, she said, has made them all feel welcome.

"I really find it to be a very supportive place, and great learning opportunity," Chaky said. "I am trying to sit back and act like I know what I'm doing, but meanwhile, I'm really learning."

Artistic Director Bob Lukasik admits that Jersey Voices has "evolved into something that is a way to put new people in new roles."

Participants returning for their third or fourth year often express interest in trying something different, like acting or directing.

"This is a place for them to try out their abilities and learn," Bob says.

Gordon Smith, another actor in "The Station," agrees.

"It's always a good idea to encourage new ideas and new people, and it gives them a springboard to try new things and move forward in their careers," he said.

The playhouse also opens its doors to "Outreach," a program that enables people to see live theater who otherwise might not be able to do so. This includes people from battered women's shelters, rehab groups or Big Brothers/Big Sisters, when the material is appropriate.

The groups are invited to attend a full dress rehearsal on the Thursday prior to opening night. 

"It's a marvelous program that is very rewarding for the groups and turns out to be the most rewarding audience that our actors have," Denmark said. "They are so authentic and honest and immediate that the actors really have a great time."

Though there is no designated theme for the festival this year, Chaky sees a common thread running through each performance.

"They are all slices of life, so there is that underlying human condition thread," she said. "And searching (and) spirituality, I think, is a big thing in this showcase."

The shows will take place Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as Aug. 5 through 7 at 8 p.m.