For Immediate Release; Oct 24 2025
From : The Very Useful Theatre Company
RE: Awards – Newmarket International Festival of One ActPlays
Contact: 289-221-0928 – info@oneactplayfestival.com
The Very Useful Theatre Company Awards Night
Recently, The Very Useful Theatre Company hosted their awards night at the Main St Music Hall in Newmarket, Ontario to award participants in the 2025 Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, which was held in September. The awards were selected by festival Adjudicator Jason Silzer.
Awards Announcements
Outstanding performance by an Actor in a Male Role.
Kelly McDowell – George in Son of a Temperance
Outstanding performance by an Actor in a Female Role.
Santha Lai – Connie in Warren
Special Adjudicator Award
The cast of Nail Polish
Marlow Alcock, Terry Grice, Arlene Murchison-Doggart for cohesive, consistent comic timing.
Outstanding Production ( Ross Bayley) Award
Aaron Clapperton ( Director) for Warren
Outstanding Play ( Rod Urquhart) Award
Kate Racheter
President’s award – ( chosen by VUTC President Tom Pearson )
Recipient was deemed extraordinary in their festival role – Braidan Green ( Stage Manager )
“This year’s festival was a tremendous success – from the phenomenal entries and performances to the record turnout to the inclusion of audience members with aphasia to the successful dinner and a show ticket option. We can only hope to build on these foundations for next year.”
Tom Pearson, President The V.U.T.C.
Submissions for 2026 Festival
One Act Play Submissions for the 2026 Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays will be accepted Dec 1 2025 – Jan 15 2026 or until 100 submissions are received. ONE entry per playwright accepted only. NO Submission fee required. Entrants should consider length of play ( 20 – 45 mins best), number of actors needed ( 1-4 best), difficulty in scene changes, and set decoration ( keep it simple) for best chance to make the final list. Please also include the genre of your play.
Enter online @ www.oneactplayfestival.com
Photo 1 – Tom Pearson, Director Aaron Clapperton, Playwright Gideon Heath
Photo 2 – Tom Pearson, Jason Silzer, Playwright Kate Racheter
Photo 3 – Braidan Green, Tom Pearson
