Playfest begins first of two weekends in Port Townsend today

PORT TOWNSEND — The first weekend of the 23rd annual PlayFest, a showcase of new works by nationally known and local playwrights, begins today.

Single tickets for plays and events range from free to $10 to $20, while the PlayFest pass allows the theatergoer to see as many as eight plays for $35. The $95 Writer’s Pass includes Tira Palmquist’s intensive workshop.

Key City Public Theatre is the presenter of numerous one-act productions, staged readings, open rehearsals, full performances and workshops with Jefferson County playwrights plus visiting artists Palmquist of California and Henry Feldman of New York City.

Locals Weekend

Locals Weekend is up first. Today through Sunday, theatergoers have their first chance to see and discuss:

• “Karma Descending” by David Hundhausen, in which the kids are home for the weekend, mom’s drinking and there’s a secret in the basement.

• “The Vortex,” Doug Given’s play about a couple attempting to get out of their rut.

• Deborah Wiese’s “The Cord,” about a grandmother and grandson whose bond of love just might prevent a tragedy.

• “Coffin Nails” by Christopher Clow, in which there will be casualties in a war of words.

• “Red Tide” by Kimberly Hinton, in which the tide’s coming, though you may not know when.

• “Stationary,” Lillie Moses’ tale of a train station, four strangers and one common thread.

More is set next weekend, March 8-10.

Here is the schedule:

March 8

• 1 p.m. — One-act readings: “Coffin Nails,” “Red Tide,” “Stationary,” $10, at Pope Marine Building, 603 Water St.

• 3 p.m. — One-act productions: “Karma Descending,” “The Cord,” “The Vortex,” $15.

• 5 p.m. — “Global Warming: A Comedy” performance, Pope Marine Building, $10.

• 7:30 p.m. — An evening with featured playwright Palmquist, with a performance of her play “Hold Steady,” $20.

March 9

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Playwriting workshop with Palmquist, free, Pope Marine Building.

• 1:30 p.m. — Teen Lab teen writer talk with Palmquist, $10.

• 4 p.m. — “Needles & Pins” workshop performance, $10, Pope Marine Building.

• 5:30 p.m. — Open rehearsal of “Hold Steady,” free.

• 7:30 p.m. — Working Drafts play workshop, $10.

• 7:30 p.m. — Open rehearsal of “Global Warming: A Comedy,” free, Pope Marine Building.

March 10

 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Playwriting Intensive with Palmquist, $65, Pope Marine Building.

• 2 p.m. — One-act readings: “Coffin Nails,” “Red Tide,” “Stationary,” $10, Pope Marine Building.

• 3:30 p.m. — “Hold Steady” performance, $10.

• 5:30 p.m. — “Global Warming: A Comedy” performance, $10, Pope Marine Building.

• 7:30 p.m. — One-act productions: “Karma Descending,” “The Cord,” “The Vortex,” $15

For more information, and to purchase tickets, see keycitypublictheatre.org.

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