“Changes” is the theme for the fifth annual Six Women Playwriting Festival, sponsored by the Manitou Art Theatre.

It also describes the process by which these original works by female playwrights move from concept to performance.

“It begins with just words on a page,” says director Birgitta De Pree of the MAT. “Then the words come to life with the actors’ first reading. The directors’ vision then puts them into a ‘body,’ so to speak. At each stage the work changes and develops.”

This year, more than 300 playwrights submitted original short plays. A team of readers then winnowed them to 70 semifinalists. The directors then cut these to a final 12, out of which they chose six after hearing them at a cold reading by local actors.

Eve Tilley, who directs two of this year’s winning plays, likens the reading process to eating popcorn.

“I grab a pile of plays and sit back,” she says. “Reading them all is very instructive on what makes a good play.”

Area actors are enthusiastic about lending their talents.

“I especially love that it’s new work,” says LeAnne Carrouth, who is acting in Tira Palmquist’s “Off to Summer.” “Unlike established repertoire, you can’t bring any preconceived notions to these plays.”

Actor Mike Miller, who plays opposite Carrouth, says one of the most interesting aspects of a women’s festival is the choice of subject matter.

“A man wouldn’t have written many of these plays,” he says, “because the subject would have been outside his nine dots of experience.”

(Lest one wonder whether a festival devoted solely to female playwrights is really necessary, B. J. Burton, one of the winners with her play “A Sky Full of Stars,” sets us straight with statistics showing that “out of all the new plays produced nationally, 17 percent are written by women,” despite the fact that submissions are roughly equal.

At a recent rehearsal of “Off to Summer,” subtle shifts are perceptible as director De Pree puts Miller and Carrouth through their paces.

“Wait for it. Take your time … Now give it to him … Show the anger,” she shouts as the two volley their lines. A second and third go-through reveal an evolving “sculpture” of emotion and meaning.

Directors are clearly having as much fun as the actors. The Gazette’s own Warren Epstein has stepped into a director’s role for the first time after years of acting in the festival.

“It’s been a terrifying, humbling, and exhilarating experience,” he says.

For De Pree, the festival’s strong point is the chance to bring together area directors and actors and then bring it to the broader community.

“It is the audience that breathes life into this special partnership,” she says.

DISCLOSURE NOTE: In addition to GO! editor Warren Epstein, arts writer Tracy Mobley-Martinez also is directing one of the plays. Events coordinator Jen Mulson acts in one as well.

Sue Bachman, left, and Sallie Walker perform together at this year’s festival. Photo by