Managing Artistic Director Rich Smith describes the submissions, “Every year, Snowdance truly reflects the current trends in playwriting. It is always interesting to see the topics and styles that comprise each year’s entrants. We’ve selected scripts for production that represent the best of contemporary comedy writing.” Sifting through a record number of submissions was time consuming, but the work is just beginning. “We have a terrific ensemble of comedic actors on board for this year’s Snowdance. Once again, we are fortunate to have a mix of Snowdance veterans along with a few talented rookies. The other directors and I cannot wait to start working with them and bringing these new comedies to life on the Sixth Street Theatre stage.”

THE WINNING TITLES AND THEIR AUTHORS:

• Color Guard, Ned Eckhardt, Ellington, Connecticut
  On the high seas, courage comes in many colors.
• Quack, George Sapio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  A community theater actor’s character preparation puts a strain on his marriage.
• Choo Choo, Robb Willoughby, Yellow Springs, Ohio
  An adult son unknowingly plays wing-man to his elderly mother on a blind date.
• Celebrities In Space, Jessica Moss, Toronto, Canada
  NASA workers need to find a plan to save the space program and fast.
• Too Hot to Handle, Michael L. Johnson, Racine, Wisconsin
  A happy couple spices up date night.
• When Killer Animals Go Nuts, Michael Higgins, Oak Park, Illinois
  A TV narrator goes looking for love, but his narration skills sabotage his date.
• The Procedure, Vince Figueroa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  A family is rocked by what should be a routine medical procedure.
• The Exit Interview, Nina Kissinger, Chicago, Illinois
  Shortly after dying Sam meets with an employee of the afterlife.
• Better Tenants, Jordan Noble, Florence, Italy
  Something alien is taking over the residents of Hampton Towers.

The Snowdance 10 Minute Comedy Festival is a competition of original 10 minute comedies. In the ultimate interactive experience, the audience can vote for the production they enjoyed the most. The votes will be tallied throughout the five week festival run, and the Snowdance® “Best in Snow” will be awarded after the final performance on February 26. A cash award of $300.00 goes to “Best in Snow”, with a $200.00 award going to second place and $100 to third place. All submissions selected for production receive a one-time $50 royalty payment. OOHP presents Snowdance January 27 – February 26, 2023. Performances are Friday at 8:00, Saturday at 5:30 and 8:00, Sunday at 2:30, and Thursday performances are at 7:00. Tickets are $20.50 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and $18.50 Thursdays. Tickets are available for purchase at overourheadplayers.org or by contacting the box office at (262) 632-6802.

The 2023 Snowdance® 10 Minute Comedy Festival is sponsored by Minuteman Press. Rich Smith leads the Snowdance acting and directing ensemble, which also features John Adams, Paula Ann Czechowicz, Cynthia Hagopian, Nicholas Hoyt, Melissa Hughes Ernest, Mary Kveton, A.J. Laird, Joey Lange, Ron Schulz, Matt Specht, Teri Stanley, Elizabeth Tannehill, and Melissa Zeien. The Snowdance® 10 Minute Comedy Festival has grown into an international event and has been granted a United States trademark registration. All previous Snowdance® Festivals played to sold out audiences.

Over Our Head Players is a non-profit organization of volunteer talent now in their 31st season; they operate the Sixth Street Theatre in Racine. OOHPs has a commitment to original theatre. In addition to the annual Snowdance® competition, previous original works include sold-out productions of Kringle... The Musical, Part 1 and 2, Kringle Karol, Theatre Schmeatre, The Cedar Chest Letters, It’s a Wonderful Lifeboat, Ode to Garlic, Waiting for the Weinermobile™, Big Shoes, Still Haven’t Found..., Real Remembrances of the War in Vietnam, and their 2004 Artwalk performance of Camp Nelson.