To everyone who loved the drama, the competition, and the plain old-fashioned fun of the One Act Play Festival last November, there’s great news. The Festival will return to the Village Theatre from November 4 to 8, 2026.
Aspiring playwrights and directors, this is your chance to shine. The play submission process will be announced later this spring, but it’s never too early to start preparing.
We welcome Wendy Wearne (Nanaimo) and Brent Ronning (Port Alberni) as the 2026 adjudicators.
If you have any questions about the Festival, please contact Charlie Whelton 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.