ABOUT
The 10x10 Short Play Festival is Thunder Bay’s premier showcase of original, locally written theatre. Each year, 10 playwrights, 10 directors, and a talented ensemble of actors come together to create ten ten-minute plays — bold, diverse, and completely homegrown.
Held on the Magnus Theatre mainstage, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience a wide range of theatrical voices and genres in one dynamic showcase. From comedy to drama, sci-fi to slice-of-life, 10x10 reflects the stories, ideas, and creativity of our community.
Supported by professional dramaturgy, peer feedback, and a collaborative rehearsal process, 10x10 serves as an artistic launching pad for emerging and established theatre-makers alike. Whether you're a first-time playwright or a seasoned performer, the festival invites participants to experiment, take risks, and share something original with a live audience.
Since its founding in 2013, 10x10 has grown into a vital part of Thunder Bay’s cultural calendar — celebrating local talent, amplifying new voices, and proving that big stories can come in small packages.
10x10 2026
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Got a story to tell? Do you have an idea for a great 10-minute play? Submit your short play to Magnus Theatre’s 10x10 Short Play Festival! We’re looking for original works that can captivate audiences in just 10 minutes.
Submission Deadline: February 20, 2026
Send submissions to: [email protected]
Showcase Dates: June 5 and 6, 2026
Guidelines and submission details are available from the links below.
10x10 2026 Production Timeline
Friday February 20th - DEADLINE FOR PLAY SUBMISSIONS
March 2026 – SHOWCASE PLAYS ANNOUNCED
Friday March 27th – DEADLINE FOR DIRECTOR APPLICATIONS
April 2026 – SHOWCASE DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED
Saturday April 11th – Roundtable Readings
April 18th & 19th – 10x10 Showcase Auditions
April 19th – 10x10 Casting Meeting
April 21st – Supplementary Casting Meeting (if needed)
Sunday April 26th – Final revisions/rewrites completed.
Monday April 27th – Production Kick-off
April 28th – May 31st (5 weeks) – Rehearsal Period
10x10 Festival Week – June 1st – June 6th
Monday June 1st & Tuesday June 2nd – Tech Rehearsals @ 6:30PM – 9PM
Thursday June 4th @ 7.30PM - Dress Rehearsal
Friday June 5th @ 7.30PM & Saturday June 6th @ 2PM & 7.30PM – Festival Performances