Artists' Exchange moves outdoors with One Act Play Festival

The Artists’ Exchange, Cranston’s nonprofit arts collaborative, continued its creative, inspiring One Act Play Festival for the 16th year, moving the stage out to their parking lot to perform last weekend under the blue sky, interrupted occasionally by the noise of motorcycles, police and fire sirens, planes, and even a lawn mower.

But that didn’t stop the hard-working actors from saying their lines loudly and pausing for the louder noises.

Five directors involved dozens of actors and behind-the-scenes assistants who worked hard to bring seven short plays to a receptive audience, including one play by the visiting Firefly Theatre Company.

“The pandemic has certainly taken its toll on everyone,” theater manager and festival director Megan Howe said. “When the call for our festival went out to playwrights, we had thousands upon thousands of submissions of plays to choose from. When we called for actors, we were thrilled to see our long time friends of Artists’ Exchange come out to audition.”

The integrated theater company is composed of actors with and without disabilities. The actors blend together perfectly, presenting nearly flawless productions and giving everyone the opportunity to have their moment on stage.

Watch for further productions to be held at their Black Box Theatre at 50 Rolfe Square.

For information on how you can become involved in this wonderful nonprofit, call (401) 490-9475 or visit www.artists-exchange.org.