top of page
The longest running short play festival in the world!
8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival
The 2026 Festival opens Jan 16
and runs through Feb 15, 2026
The annual 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the theatre season in Santa Cruz.
Tickets go on sale Nov 28!
​
2025 Program
See photos from the 2025 Festival:
​
Looking Back at 8 Tens @ 8
Watch some audience favorites from past Festivals in this video.
-
Why God Made Beggars - 2020
-
True - 2017
-
Waiting For Their Flights - 2018
-
Phone Sets - 2018
-
Dragon Skin - 2018
The Best of the Rest
Staged readings of the 8 runners up from each year's 8 Tens @ 8 Festival
Plays are performed script in hand by an ensemble cast, co-directed by 8 Tens directors.
February 27 - March 8, 2026
Submissions for the 2027
International Short Play Contest
Are Now OPEN
Only previously unproduced scripts, please!
How the 8 Tens Festival
Became a Theatre Phenomenon
Read the Good Times cover story HERE
bottom of page