Chapin, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Chapin Theatre Company is hosting its Fifth Annual 10-Minute-Ish Play Festival, featuring eight original short plays selected from 45 submissions. The festival celebrates its anniversary with a diverse lineup, accessible ticket pricing, and opportunities for new artists, making it an engaging event for the community.
Chapin, South Carolina is set to host the Chapin Theatre Company’s Fifth Annual 10-Minute-Ish Play Festival from August 22 to August 24, 2025. This year’s festival celebrates its fifth anniversary and will showcase eight original short plays that were carefully selected from a pool of 45 blind submissions by a panel of judges, marking a significant increase in entries since the event’s inception during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The festival will take place at the Chapin Theatre Company’s new facility located at 830 Columbia Avenue in Chapin. It features a diverse lineup of genres, promising audiences “a dash of drama, a shot of sci-fi, a cup of comedy with a tablespoon of tenderness.” Notable judges, including Debra Leopard, emphasize that the selected plays should incorporate interesting ideas and believable dialogue, ensuring a quality experience for attendees.
Returning as emcee for the event is George Dinsmore, providing a familiar face and voice to guide attendees throughout the festival. The event will now include a third performance on Sunday, August 24, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity. The festival’s ticket price is set at $25, granting access to an evening of plays, along with a drink and dessert, making it an accessible and family-friendly outing.
For the first time, the festival has opened its submission process to any playwright living in or from South Carolina, moving beyond its initial limitation. This expanded scope has attracted diverse talent, producing a vibrant range of plays, including Glenn Farr’s new piece titled “I’m Dead, Jim.” Other selected playwrights include Rae Kostal, A.K.R. Scott, Eduardo Oliviera, Lou Clyde, and MonaLisa T. Botts, showcasing a variety of writing styles and narratives.
The festival also enhances opportunities for new directors, such as Jerry Crouch and Ivy Munnerlyn. Additionally, the theatre company has refined its audition and selection process for directors to improve organization. Membership within the theatre company has grown by 20% due to these initiatives, and they currently serve an audience in a venue with a capacity of 95 seats, regularly achieving an attendance of 80% per performance.
In conclusion, the Chapin Theatre Company’s 10-Minute-Ish Play Festival promises to deliver an engaging array of original works, open up invaluable opportunities for artists, and celebrate homegrown talent in South Carolina.
FAQ
What are the festival dates?
The festival will take place from August 22 to August 24, 2025.
Where is the festival being held?
The festival will be held at the Chapin Theatre Company’s new facility located at 830 Columbia Avenue, Chapin, South Carolina.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are priced at $25, which includes access to the plays, a drink, and dessert.
How many plays will be showcased?
This year, the festival will feature eight original short plays selected from 45 submissions.
What genres will be represented in the plays?
The plays will include a mix of drama, sci-fi, comedy, and tenderness, showcasing a variety of genres and styles.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | August 22-24, 2025 |
| Location | 830 Columbia Avenue, Chapin, SC |
| Number of Plays | 8 original plays |
| Submissions Received | 45 blind submissions |
| Ticket Price | $25 (includes drink & dessert) |
| Theatre Capacity | 95 seats |
| Membership Growth | 20% increase |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Chapin Theatre Company’s 10-Minute-Ish Play Festival
- I Love NY: Chapin Festival Announcement
- Grateful Web: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark Tour
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- Google News: Chapin Theatre Company Festival

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CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


