Come Play by the Lake One-Act Play Festival

If you love live theatre, compelling storytelling, and the excitement of discovering something new, make plans to spend Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at Kingston’s Domino Theatre for the Come Play by the Lake One-Act Play Festival. This two-night celebration of one-act theatre brings together talented playwrights, directors, and performers for an entertaining showcase of original works and imaginative adaptations, with each evening offering a completely different lineup of productions.

Friday, July 3 opens the festival with three distinctive plays that highlight the range and creativity of contemporary theatre. Audiences will enjoy Rulers by Gord Love, featuring music by Michael Capon, the imaginative and intriguingly titled Ethically Sourced Chocolate in the Post-Extinction Era by B.C. Gorrie, N. Neokleous, and M. Thaker, and A Quarter Hour With Arsene Lupin, Maurice Leblanc’s legendary gentleman thief brought to the stage in a translation and adaptation by Matt Kane.

The evening doesn’t end with the final curtain. Following the performances, audiences are invited to stay for the Judges’ Notes, offering insight into each production, before the presentation of the Ken Weston Award for Best Original Script, recognizing excellence in new playwriting and celebrating the creative voices that help keep community theatre thriving.

The festival continues on Saturday, July 4 with three entirely different one-act plays, giving theatre lovers a compelling reason to return for a second evening. Rather than repeating performances, Saturday presents a brand-new program, making every night of the festival a unique experience. Whether you attend one performance or both, you’ll enjoy an impressive variety of stories, characters, and theatrical styles that demonstrate why one-act plays remain one of the most exciting forms of live performance.

The Come Play by the Lake One-Act Play Festival is a wonderful opportunity to support local and regional theatre while experiencing fresh ideas brought to life on stage. From thought-provoking dramas and clever comedies to memorable characters and inventive storytelling, this annual festival offers something for seasoned theatre enthusiasts and first-time attendees alike.

Dates: Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4, 2026

Location: Domino Theatre, 52 Church Street, Kingston

Admission:

* Adults: $20
* Students: $10

Whether you’re looking for a memorable date night, an evening out with friends, or simply a chance to enjoy exceptional live performance, the Come Play by the Lake One-Act Play Festival promises two nights filled with creativity, talent, and community spirit.