SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
ECHO Players are thrilled to be hosting, once again, the Vancouver Island One Act Play Festival, from November 4th – 8th, 2026. Originating in 2005, this Festival has become an annual tradition at the Village Theatre, featuring performances by theatre groups from across central and northern Vancouver Island and beyond.
Last year’s Festival was a tremendous success, with many wonderful plays and sold out performances. This year, we’re continuing the practice of having two adjudicators, which rewards the performers and the audience with a richer and more varied critique of each play. We’re honored this year to have as adjudicators Wendy Wearne, from Nanaimo, and Brent Ronning, from Port Alberni.
We are now accepting submissions of one act plays for this year’s Festival. Entry Forms and Festival Rules are available for downloading and printing from this site. The deadline for submission is September 14, 2026. Both conventional and original one act plays are welcome – in fact, this Festival offers new playwrights a wonderful opportunity to see their work performed, and to have it thoughtfully critiqued.
Each evening of the Festival will feature two different one act plays. Following each play, the adjudicators will briefly share some public remarks about the performance with the cast and audience. At the end of the evening, a more detailed thirty minute private critique will be given to the cast and crew of each play. The Festival will conclude on Sunday afternoon, often with one last performance, followed by an Awards Ceremony.
This is an exciting competition for playwrights, performers and audiences alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in theatre, to support new playwrights and artists, and to share the fun of an adjudicated theatre festival, right here in Qualicum Beach. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions about the Festival or the submission process, please contact me at charles.whelton@echoplayers.ca
Festival Chair
Charlie Whelton
Wendy Wearne
Shaw said, “ We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”
Wendy has no intention of letting that happen and for six decades her playground of choice has been the Theatre.
She holds Bachelor degrees in Dramatic Arts , Social Science, Nursing, and a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
Her eagerness to mindfully explore the human condition has proven useful both on and off the stage.
She has had the privilege of directing, acting, stage managing and playing behind the scenes for Western Edge, Reconciliation Theatre, Nanaimo Theatre Group, Yellow Point Theatre, Schmooze, Ladysmith Little Theatre, Mercury Players and Vancouver Island University.
And now she finds herself scheduled for a play date with you. How marvellous!
Let the games begin!
Brent Ronning
Brent Ronning is an active member of the North Island theatre community and currently serves as Chair of the North Island Zone for Theatre BC. He has been involved in community theatre across Vancouver Island as a performer, director, and organizational leader, including past service as President of Portal Players.
Brent’s performance credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Herod), The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie), Seussical the Musical (Horton), and A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. He has also sung with the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, Toronto’s Singing Out!, and locally with Timbre! Choir. In recent years, he has expanded into directing, including a North Island Zone Festival entry.
Known for his thoughtful and balanced approach, Brent is committed to offering feedback that is both honest and encouraging, supporting artists in their growth and celebrating the strength of community theatre.
He is honoured to be part of this year’s One Act Play Festival.