Ten minutes doesn't sound like a long time, but it's proven the perfect time-frame to give audiences an intriguing look at what might be the final, defining scene of a full-length play based on what is hinted at coming before.

In other words, it's a playwright's artistic challenge to define their characters and plot in such a way that, when the lights come up and the “Ten Minute Play” begins, there's an immediate sense that this is the continuation of an unseen previous situation that is about to reach its resolution (its climax) when this concisely constructed work ends.

However, those 10 minutes must also stand alone and make sense as a complete theatrical experience -- at least for the time-being. That is to say that there could be the possibility that this tasty teaser, much like a movie trailer, may have been so enticing that the audience is made hungry for more.

So, maybe the playwright will be encouraged enough by the positive initial response to their creative premise to expand the existing elements into a full-length script for future presentation. That's often the basic work-shop developmental steps that may send a promising new work on its way to becoming a full-scale production.

For the past 10 years the unique “Ten Minute Play Festival” format for such HSU student-written material, has been the annual creative project of its founder -- Margaret Thomas Kelso, a professor in the Theatre, Film and Dance Department and coordinator of the university's playwriting program.

When the original concept began in 1998, it came about as the result of Kelso's end-of-the-class presentation in the advanced playwriting course.

This simple no set and/or costume (just the participating actors delivering the lines), proved to be such a popular approach with all concerned, that the annual event eventually left campus to play in several intimate, black-box spaces elsewhere in Humboldt County -- such as Eureka's Plays-In-Progress (World Premiere Theatre).

Appropriately enough, PIP was founded by two of Kelso's former advanced playwriting students, Sue Bigelow and Dane Pikola, whose purpose was to use the facility to stage only new works. Although, after a number of successful years, the innovative space lost its lease and had to disband, the importance of a showcase for new playwrights continued.

So, with Kelso's vision still alive and well, her “Ten Minute Play Festival” returned to where it began -- back to HSU. In fact, the annual event, now staged in Gist Hall Theatre, is now part of the official Theatre Film and Dance production season, wrapping up the school year by celebrating the talents of participating writers, actors, designers and technical students.

However, the submitted scripts, usually around 35 yearly, have been submitted by students at all levels of the playwriting classes -- as well as a first-time playwright taking fiction writing in the English Department.

After careful consideration by a knowledgeable faculty committee, a total of eight plays are then chosen to be produced for the festival. The subject matter is usually balanced between serious drama and inventive comedy.

Still an outgrowth of the Play Development Workshop -- the end result is ultimately based on the collective input to the writer by others in the class. So, those who will either be actors or scenic contributors will also be involved in the creative process.

Since this year's “Ten Minute Festival” also marks the 10th Anniversary/Birthday Celebration of the highly anticipated event, Kelso says that she's really excited to present audiences with eight brand-new creations that will offer “something for everyone. That's what so wonderful about this eclectic format.”

Opening tonight in the Gist Hall Theatre, you'll see innovative new works by these HSU student playwrights: Jonny Barrett, Joseph Castro, Clayton Cook, Alex Costello, MacKenzie Cox, Henry Echeverria, Alex Gradine and Kevin McCaffree. The production values for all will be simple and flexible, since as Mr. Shakespeare stated, “the play's the thing.”

Kelso describes their plays as “running the gamut from intense drama to high comedy” -- with subjects that explore everything from personal relationships in crisis, the search for a meaningful life, current political issues, wars (past and present), as well as far out fantasy, and some unexpected and surprising conversations.

The audience response to the works during their first-ever performances is “particularly important with new plays because that's how the playwrights know if what they are trying to communicate is getting across,” Kelso explained.

She feels it's a great way to discover what the “next generation of writers” and those who come to the theatre are interested in.

If you're interested, come and see what this next generation of writers wants to communicate with audiences like you -- at the 10th Annual HSU Ten Minute Play Festival at Gist Hall Theatre on campus in Arcata.

Opening its six performance, two weekend run tonight (Thursday, April 24th), the entire evening's event will run about an hour and forty five minutes (with a 10-minute intermission).

The festival continues on Friday, April 25th; Saturday, April 26th; Thursday, May 1st; Friday, Mary 2nd; and closes Saturday, May 3rd. Curtains for all performances are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 general; $3 students/seniors. They can be purchased by calling the HSU Ticket Office at 826-3928, or at the door. Free limited seating is also available for HSU students.