Los Angeles will soon be hosting their first science fiction one-act play festival called Sci-Fest! I was able to speak with David Dean Bottrell about this unique festival. David Dean Bottrell is a veteran character actor and screenwriter probably best known for playing the creepy and psychotic “Lincoln Meyer” on season three of “Boston Legal.” His more recent work includes oddball characters on “True Blood,” “Justified,” and “Mad Men.” In addition, he is also an award-winning stage and short film director. Read on to learn more about Sci-Fest!
What is Sci-Fest? How is it different from other play festivals?
To my knowledge Sci-Fest is completely unique. It’s the first-ever festival of one-act science fiction plays. Once we put the word out, we received almost 400 submissions. In the end, we picked the nine one-acts that will make up the festival. They will be spread out over 2 evenings. They’re all fantastic. Sort of like 9 mini-twilight episodes. All very different. Some scary and disturbing. Some hilarious.
How did it get started?
I occasionally work as a screenwriter and about 2 years ago, I happened across a short story by Ursula Le Guin called “The Wife’s Story.” It’s this creepy tale being told in the first person by this strange female character. The writing is amazing and it has a fantastically unexpected, very chilling ending. I loved it, but realized I couldn’t turn it into a movie or TV show without totally ruining it. Then I realized it could be done as theatre — As a story being told to the audience by a compelling performer. It was from that kernel that the idea for the whole festival sprang. Amazingly, when we asked Ms. Le Guin for the rights, she gave them to us. The story is going to be performed by Tony-Winner, L. Scott Caldwell who played “Rose” on the TV show, “Lost.” I’ve seen her on stage before and I think she’s going to blow the roof off the place.
You have some pretty big names in sci-fi attached to this project! Would you please tell us about them and how they are involved?
We already have some remarkable people on board and more seem to be signing up every day. Some of our directors include Dan Castellaneta (“The Simpsons”), Jack Kenny (Showrunner, “Warehouse 13”) and Philippe Mora (director of “Communion,” “The Howling II & III”). On the acting front, everyone can expect to see Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager”), David Blue (“Stargate Universe”), Dean Haglund (“The X-Files”) , David H. Lawrence, XVII (“The Puppetmaster” on “Heroes”) and Adrienne Wilkinson (“Xena: Warrior Princess) who will appear in a taped segment. We will have even more well-known Sci-Fi actors on board soon. We’re just waiting make sure they can clear their schedules. I’ve been astounded by the people who are expressing interest.
What is your involvement with the festival?
Well, I came up with the idea, so I guess you say I created it, but I instantly knew I couldn’t pull it off by myself. My producing partners are Lee Costello and Michael Blaha, both of whom are very talented, experienced producing veterans. Together, we’re sort of unstoppable. I’m also acting in one of the shows.
What should people expect?
They should expect the unexpected! All the shows are unique in content and style. The subjects range from time travel to alien invasion to androids to post apocalyptic worlds. We really managed to pick material that spans a wide range of all the sci-fi genres.
What plays will be showcased?
7 of the plays are brand new. “The Wife’s Story” is a world premiere stage adaptation of a classic Le Guin story, but the centerpiece of the festival will be Ray Bradbury’s “Kaleidoscope” which a beautiful longer one-act that’s maybe 35 minutes long. It’s a very compelling, poignant story about 7 astronauts adrift in space. Basically, it’s “Gravity” but without the happy ending. It’s truly a beautiful piece of writing.
What are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait for opening night. This journey has been mind-blowing already. The response has been so amazing, we’re hoping to make the festival an annual event.
When is the festival scheduled for?
We are currently schedule to open in May 2014 at a beautiful venue in Hollywood. Tickets will probably go on sale in early April. More details on that soon.
Sci-Fest currently has a Kickstarter campaign running. Could you please tell us more about that?
Our Kickstarter just launched. I’ve done these before and it’s always hair-raising since the money tends to all come in at the last second. We had a source of funding evaporate, so we are now reaching out deep into the Sci-Fi fan base for both more major donors and for folks who are willing to help out with even a few bucks. All donations are very welcome and it all adds up. Yesterday we received a very generous challenge grant, so we are scrambling to match the funds! If anybody can help out, today would be a great day to do it! Please feel free to go to our Kickstarter page at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sci-fest/sci-fest We would truly appreciate their support ASAP!
Where can people get more information?
To learn more, everybody can visit our website at www.Sci-Fest.com. The can also “like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SciFest2014 or follow us on Twitter @SciFest2014. This has (and continues to be) a community effort. Together we’re going to create a truly unique and memorable festival.
