The AmaZing Theatre has again produced a megawatt 10-Minute Play Festival that piques interest, covers emotional moments, and is packed with humor. Eighteen plays were selected from over 100 submitted by playwrights from around the metro region, the country, and the world. The festival’s theme this year was “Change.” Playwrights used their own interpretation of the word and were free to write a play based on their inspiration and creativity. The selections were filled with humor, family drama, social and cultural messages, and fun. The issues pertaining to change included domestic family issues, climate change, and cultural/social themes, and the sentiments ranged from touchingly serious to laugh-out-loud funny.
With six plays in each of three blocks, it was challenging to identify favorites, but several rose to the top in terms of interest, engagement, and entertainment. First, in the sand-colored block: For the Record by F.J. Hartland, directed by Gordon Parks, is set outside the back door of a theater, where a middle-aged man is trying to secure an autograph from a performer leaving. What appears to be a chilly interaction between strangers slowly reveals a father seeking to mend a relationship with his son. Second Chances by Helen Cheng Mao, directed by Pierre Walters, is a playful romp featuring a sentient robot snowman (with a carrot stuck on his face for a nose) who has fashion sense, can strut with the best, and prefers Louis Vuitton to ugly Christmas sweaters. Great lighting and sound effects (by the Olive Branch Media Ministry) of a high-pitched, screechingly unhappy baby accent the hilarious twists and turns in When Babies Fly by Steven Korbar, directed by Alice Thomas.
Highlights in the rose-colored set began with The Suitcase by Stuart Brown, directed by Tyrone Chapman, in which a couple ponders how to deal with a suitcase prominently placed center stage. The case means so much to each of them as they describe a loved one — are they the remains? The skillful storytelling and direction wind to a touching conclusion. Jumping off from there, the humorous yet poignant Porch Squatters by Nancy Rose Ostinato features the always fabulous Pierre Walters, who also directed the piece, as an anxious home-protector Dad having conniption fits over strangers settling on his back porch. Teen son strums his air guitar and, at first, is oblivious to Dad’s tirades but gets sucked into the rants and is the one to take action. Angel by Margie Semilof, directed by Percy Thomas, shows an encounter between two weary souls on a train ride that starts off with a robbery and ends with a precious human connection.
Finally, in the blue block: Skin Deep by Pamela Armstrong-de Vreese and Dr. Lynda Crawford, directed by the notable Vera Katz, shows the effect of “colorism” in an African community and the struggles to promote beauty in all shades, especially darker skin tones. What makes this piece particularly noteworthy, along with playwright Crawford performing as the physician, is a quick moment when family members in African garb enter silently, especially the young girl caught in the throes of being bullied because of her skin color. Both Dirt by Sylvia Francis and Should It Matter by Stephen J. Olson deal with uncomfortable issues that would otherwise be ignored or swept under the radar. The directors, Louise Kelly and Alice Thomas, make sure that the topics are handled delicately and respectfully, whether it’s collecting dirt from lynching sites for the Peace Memorial or a woman hesitant to reveal her deepest secret of sexual identity to a promising new love interest.
The 10-Minute Play Festival is a treat that’s been gaining so much popularity that a larger venue was secured for more seating than in the company’s traditional setting at the Odd Fellows Lodge, also in Sandy Spring. Now in its fourth go-round, the event reflects the time, care, and attention it takes to select and produce quality presentations every other year. With only a limited weekend run, the Festival is a precious gem worth looking out for next time.
Running Time: Each of the three blocks is 60 minutes with no intermission.
10-Minute Play Festival played November 8 and 9, 2025, presented by AmaZing Theatre Company performing at Olive Branch Community Church, 416 Olney Sandy Springs Road, Ashton–Sandy Spring, MD.
Playwright, director, and cast credits, along with play synopses, are here.
Should It Matter
By
Juliana Voss and Melvin Smith in ‘Should It Matter’ by Stephen J. Olson. Photo courtesy of AmaZing Theatre Company.
