Some people are happy with having their two minutes in the spotlight. Local playwrights are hoping to get their hands on fifteen minutes of it — as they vie for the top spot in Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society’s (BMDS) annual playwright competition.

This year’s Famous for Fifteen Minutes (FFFM) event, will see two new writers, Chris Dye and Sheilagh Robertson, contend with more experienced playwrights like Nathaniel Butterfield, Hamish McCallum, Justine Foster and Julia Pitt, as well as three-time champion Owain Johnston-Barnes.

The action will kick off at Daylesford Theatre, located on Dundonald Street in Hamilton, from Thursday to Saturday.

The plays will continue from September 3-6, at which point an overall winner will be announced on the final night by guest judge Seth Rozin, of InterAct Theatre Company in Philadelphia.

Ms Robertson’s play, Too Many Elephants, tries to uncover the life story of her characters as they sit at Albuoy’s Point on a hot summer’s day looking out at Hamilton Harbour.

She got the idea for the script while taking part in a BMDS improv session about a year ago.

Usually she opts to stay behind the scenes as a director and bring the vision of other writers to life, however, this idea was too good to pass up on.

“This is the first time I have ever written anything at all, period,” she said. “When I heard there were 36 entries into this year’s contest I figured I wouldn’t stand a chance. I’m quite excited over the fact my play will be performed, for me it’s just amazing.”

Mr Dye, who goes by pen name Yvon Tripper, said he was just as surprised to have been picked as a finalist.

He wrote his play Cobbs Hill, which is about two star-crossed lovers as they try to overcome the ancient feud between Paget and Warwick, while taking part in a workshop led by fellow playwright, Ms Pitt.

“I wrote it to keep up with the class because I didn’t want to be shown up by a bunch of people who did their homework,” Mr Dye said. “I also didn’t want to get in trouble with Julia.”

He said the competition was interesting because of its varied content. Some people write very serious or dark plays, but his goal from the outset was to write the ‘silliest play possible”.

“When it comes to my play, I just want people to laugh and if people recognise a little of themselves in it that’s great as well,” Mr Dye said. “But really I just want them to have a good time for a few minutes and have a good laugh.”

Although it might seem that Mr Dye and Ms Robertson were at a disadvantage seeing it’s their first time, the other playwrights disagree.

“I love hearing fresh voices,” said Mr Johnston-Barnes, a FFFM finalist and Royal Gazette reporter. “Obviously the more writers who get involved, the stiffer the competition — and based on the number of submissions this year the competition has already been pretty stiff — but that’s what makes it fun.”

Mr Johnston-Barnes’ play Unfiltered was inspired by a talk he had with a few friends, who happen to be smokers.

“I’m not a smoker myself, but it kind of struck me as funny how we have had this sort of cultural shift over the years where we’re now talking about decriminalising or legalising cannabis, but cigarette smoking has never been more taboo,” he said.

“As someone who enjoys playing the devil’s advocate, it seemed like a topic rife with potential.”

Ms Pitt, who collaborated with Ms Foster for their romantic play No Heming Way, said she was also pleased about the addition of two newcomers in this year’s competition.

“I’m thrilled there are new writers among the selection,” she said. “Cathy Hay, who won last year, hadn’t written a play before.

“What’s so great about FFFM is its potential for being a training ground for emerging talent.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to try out playwriting skills. And many of the actors and directors are cutting their teeth in roles new to them too.”

Her play with Ms Foster tells of how a wannabe writer’s dreams are thwarted when the eccentric characters from his romantic play step out of the page to challenge his inexperience. They also question his assumptions about writing, love and the importance of following one’s heart.

Although each of the playwrights want the audience to leave the show feeling something different, Mr McCallum’s goal is to leave them with “a sense of surprise”.

His play Just Deserts shows two soldiers enjoying a much-needed holiday on a secluded tropical island. While on vacation they reflect on a troubled past and their hopes for a brighter future. This is the second time Mr McCallum has been chosen as a finalist for Famous for Fifteen Minutes.

Mr Butterfield aimed for his play Viewpoint to be something that would stick with people for a bit. It’s about two people who absolutely refuse to let anything get them down and described as an ‘exploration of happiness’.

“I didn’t write it to answer all questions but partly to create one or two,” Mr Butterfield said. “I think the most interesting performances are the ones which leave you talking about them, considering their ideas and debating them with other people rather than just enjoying a bit of theatre and then back to life with no impact or impression left.”

FFFM, currently in it’s 12th year, gives locals and residents the chance to write a 15-minute play, with no more that four characters and with no elaborate sets or props. Six plays are chosen each year by a panel of judges overseas. A winner is picked based purely on the writing alone.

Tickets to this year’s event are $25 (or $75 for the final show, which includes food and wine) — available online at www.bmds.bm/box-office.

Proceeds go towards BMDS Charitable Trust, which gives out bursaries to students studying in Theatre Arts.