Lithgow Theatre Group got plenty of attention at Port Macquarie's one act play festival over the long weekend.
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Andrew (Si) Townsend, whose 'War Stories' which he wrote, directed and starred in debuted at the festival, was recognised with a community award.
The award recognised a person who demonstrated collegiality and community spirit and Mr Townsend won by a unanimous vote by all back stage.
Beth McGovern, 16, was recognised with the adjudicator's award for her performance as Claire in the group's other production 'Classic Claustrophobia', directed by Judy Riley. The adjudicator commented that Beth did very well to hold her own alongside seasoned performers Kylie Pearce and Greer Ashworth.
Mr Townsend was also nominated for best male actor and his play, 'War Stories', was nominated for the best unpublished play award.
The Players Theatre's one act play festival kicked off on Friday and culminated with the awards presentation on Sunday afternoon. It included players from as far afield as Ipswich and Wyong.
Lithgow Theatre Group's Judy Riley said the festival was a very valuable experience.
"It's a learning experience, a chance to network with other groups," she said.
Lithgow audiences will have two more chances to see the plays live this Friday and Saturday nights at Club Lithgow. Friday night's performance will kick off at 8pm and Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door.
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Port Macquarie organising committee member Sarah Rowsell described the festival - and the response from the public - as 'amazing'.
She said any one of the final nine plays which formed the festival could have received an award.
"I think we had such a wide ranging calibre of performances that any one of them could have taken out one of our major awards," she said.
"The major gong, for best production, went to Time Flies, which was a comedy.
"Overall, the festival certainly created a strong sense of community and real passion for production.
"Everyone from the front office staff, to be back crew, the committee, the performers and the audience all contributed to a real sense of collegiality."
Time Flies was written by David Ives and directed by Howard Oxley.
The 25 minute comedy featured actors Cathy Devries, Mark Calwell and Howard Oxley.
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