Last year marked the Midtown International Theatre Festival's inaugural outing. The MITF presented works by Shakespeare, Shaw, and Durang, a new musical (AMERICAN STORY), a comedy set in a downtown leather bar (STOP-LESS GO-GO GIRLS AT THE TROLL HOLE), the work MARAT/SADE, and 13 other shows. Now, the festival is now seeking submissions for its second go-round.

The application process is open to all comers. There is a $15.00 non-refundable reading fee (there is NO other fee of any type!), which applicants must include with a completed application form. The application form can be downloaded from the OOBR web site at www.oobr.com. "We're especially interested in companies that have some concept of bringing in an audience, in addition to doing excellent work," said Chatterton. "Empty seats have no aesthetic value. We don't just want shows that are out there on the, if you will pardon the phrase, 'fringes.' Our audience is looking for cutting-edge but at the same time, solid theatre, in safe, convenient, air-conditioned comfort. And if you already have an audience that you can bring to the party, so much the better."

Last year's MITF was successful, but, as Chatterton noted, it was also "too much, too soon." So this year, while the Festival will still focus on the highest quality Off-Off-Broadway has to offer, it will offer fewer productions. "Nineteen plays in four theatres nearly killed us. I was a basket case afterwards. But we're off and running again -- on all cylinders." Plans call for the Second Annual MITF to be held at two theatres in one building (with twelve productions) somewhere close to 42nd St. and Broadway. (The exact venue will be announced early in the New Year.) Each individual production will give approximately nine performances, the same as last year. In addition, there will be a "Best of the Fest week," during which the most popular shows can extend.

So, as you think about holiday dinners and shopping for presents, add the Midtown International Theatre Festival to your list of things to do at this festive time of year. Remember, many great works started out in smaller theatres, and if a talent agent or producer is impressed by what he or she sees at the MITF - hey, Broadway is only two blocks away.

All submissions (with the downloaded application form) should be sent, along with the $15.00 reading fee, to:

Midtown International Theatre Festival 165 Christopher Street, #5N New York, NY 10014 (you can also email us at festival@oobr.com if you have any questions.)