Q: What criteria do you look for in a play?

A: I look at five different elements of a play and ask questions of each one:

1. Character: Are the characters distinctly different? Do they change as the play progresses? What do they learn?

2. Plot: Does the story make sense? Is the story original?

3. Theme: What is the playwright attempting to convey? If there a deeper message that relates to all of us?

4. Format: Is the play written in the standard play format? Is there a clear beginning, middle and end? Is there a story arc?

5. Style: Does the writer's voice emerge through the text?

Q: Are there specifics for the various genre drama, comedy, tragedy, farce?

A: Not really, the criteria for every genre are usually the same. A short play should contain the same elements throughout, even if the text or content is inherently comedic or dramatic.

Q: What particularly struck you about the winner's entry that made it stand out? Was it an easy decision?

A: I think Owain's play covered all of the bases it was clever and sweet, but there is a firm reality to these characters. Their relationship is a genuine relationship, and the conversation they have is believable and honest.

There are moments of humor and moments of pathos. But more than anything, 'Cockroaches' encourages us to believe that even if it seems that everything is at its worst, there is still a ray of hope that emerges through the relationships we have with others.

I think that's a lovely and heartfelt message. There were other plays that I liked very much, but 'Cockroaches' really had all of the elements that I was looking for.

Q: Any comments or thoughts about the overall level of playing writing in this competition?

A: You know, I think every writer captured something that made their play stand out in a really positive way. And all of the stories that were told were interesting and engaging. I hope that every one of them writes for next year's event especially as it's the 10th year and continues to hone their craft.

Q: What are your impressions of the BMDS and the competition in general?

A: I've never encountered a company as gracious, as generous, or as supportive as the BMDS community. And the fact that events like 'Famous' supports the BMDS Charitable Trust makes it all the more worthwhile.

Adrienne Hintz, Kevin Blee and Phillip McIntosh do an incredible job of producing this festival.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring playwrights?

A: If you have a story in your head don't be afraid to write it down even if it's about something you think you know nothing about. The human experience is universal. If you can imagine it, you can write it.

About the Judge

Ian August's most recent comic, one-person play, 'Donna Orbits the Moon', premièred this month at the Utah Contemporary Theatre in Salt Lake City. His period drama, 'Missing Celia Rose', was showcased with the NYC Summer Play Festival in the summer of 2007, workshopped at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre's 'Playfest — 2009', and then produced by the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society.

His award-winning plays include 'Natural History', 'Le Supermarché' (or 'What I Did for Lunch'), and 'For Mother's Song'.

Mr. August is currently working on 'Ladyfingers', a futuristic, graphic novel.

He is a frequent contributor to the New Jersey Repertory Company's Theatre Brut short play festivals, and is one of the founding members of the Stage One Writers Workshop, developed through the Passage Theater in Trenton, New Jersey.

His work has been published by Samuel French, Inc., the One Act Play Depot, and Smith and Kraus Publishing.