One-Act Festival coming to Hillcrest Center for the Arts later this month

The Young Artists Ensemble will present the second One-Act Festival Fri. to Sun., Aug. 26 to 28, at Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Theatre on the Hill, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The Festival includes two shows, Bill A and Bill B, each featuring a different set of contemporary works by well-known playwrights such as Rich Orloff, Christopher Durang and David Ives. Produced and directed by Young Artists alumni, the festival will also present three original works.

Parental discretion is suggested as the plays contain mature subject matter.

Bill A will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday; Bill B at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Admission ranges from $8 to $10. Tickets may be reserved by calling (805) 381-1246. The following plays will be performed.

“Canker Sores and Other Distractions,” directed by Laura Jakubs. In Christopher Durang’s offbeat comedy, a previously married couple meets at a restaurant to attempt reconciliation but are thwarted by themselves, their idiosyncrasies and a brassy waitress“The Battle of Bull Run Always Makes Me Cry,” directed by Alexis Burger. Playwright Carole Reale puts the world of dating under a microscope in this dark comedy that follows the plight of Donna, a single girl, as she attempts to reconstruct the details of her last date to her closest friends.

“The Whole Shebang,” directed by Sean Fitzgerald. Playwright Rich Orloff tackles the idea of Creation with God as a graduate student, seeking a Master of the Universe degree (MU)presenting his final thesis, the Universe, to his advisor.

“Sure Thing,” directed by Mike Fischer. David Ives’ verbal dexterity is displayed in this vignette about two strangers who get as many chances as they want to make their first, second and even third impression on the opposite sex as effective as possible.

“The Man Who Couldn’t Dance,” directed by Kelly Murkey. Jason Katims’ play is about a former couple, Gail and Eric, who reunite when Gail becomes a first-time mother. Eric, still having trouble letting Gail go, begins an attempt to woo her back with his main insecurity: dancing.

Original works to be performed are as follows.

“In Eight Days I’ll Be Seventeen,” directed by Kristen King. Jeff Linneman’s original romantic comedy follows two high school students, Jim and Amber, as they meet at the East Oaks Gym and strike up a conversation that reveals their frustration with themselves and their inability to be what their parents expect them to be.

“A Will for Will Warren,” written and directed by Patrick Mason. An eccentric senior citizen makes out his last will and testament with the stipulation that his family will receive absolutely nothing when he dies. A surprise visit from his daughter adds to the complications Will has created.

“Campout,” directed by Jaime McKennan. Patrick Jennett’s play tells the bittersweet tale of five high school students enjoying a weekend in the outdoors. While they explore their adventurous sides, a tragedy occurs that no one could have ever expected.