Submitted to the Neighborhood Newsย
What do an elephant in a train station, a Beanie Baby, an unexpected visitor, a Florida hurricane and a grown man who believes in Santa Claus all have in common? Theyโre all integral parts of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group (WCTG)โs second annual One-Act Festival โ Seven plays. Seven stories. One unforgettable afternoon of theater.
This yearโs One-Act Festival features seven original short plays by talented Florida playwrights. Directed and performed by local artists, this unique collection showcases some of the most creative original storytelling that can be found throughout our state.
Audiences will enjoy an eclectic mix of both comedy and drama, with each 10-minute play offering a one-of-a-kind story. With everything from laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt, thought-provoking scenes, this yearโs One-Act Festival is sure to have something for everyone. It is a celebration of new works, local voices and the power of live theater to entertain, inspire and connect communities.
This year, WCTG took in more than 50 play submissions.
โNarrowing it down to seven shows was not easy,โ says WCTG spokesperson Samantha Grahn. โWe feel that we have an exceptional lineup. We are especially excited to welcome back playwrights Jessica Burchfield and Keith Whalen, whose works were featured in last yearโs production. This collection of shows explores themes of family, enduring friendship and the moments that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. It is truly a festival you wonโt want to miss!โ
This yearโs Featured One-Act Plays include:
โข โTwelve Booksโ by Philip Middleton Williams
โข โFinding Helpโ by Marj OโNeill-Butler
โข โZoeโs Partyโ by Lois Findlay
โข โOn the Likelihood of Elephantsโ by Brian S. Brijbag, Esq.
โข โPricelessโ by Samara Siskind
โข โNon-Weight Bearingโ by Jessica Burchfield
โข โComing to Townโ by Keith Whalen
Both performances of the 2026 โOne Act Festivalโ will be held at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, located at 12118 Lake Blanche Dr., Odessa โ on Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, both at 2 p.m. Tickets, which cost $15 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission, may be purchased at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.ย
For additional information, scan the QR code in the advertisement below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.ย
