Now that the cold has bitterly entrenched itself upon our fair city, doesn’t a ‘night in’ begin to seem like a better idea than an ‘evening out?’ If you answered “yes,” you obviously haven’t heard about U of T’s 13th annual Drama Festival taking place this week at Hart House Theatre. This time-tested alternative to reality TV puts budding U of T playwrights in the spotlight-and the hot seat-as the fruit of their muse is debuted and then subjected to judgment.

Adjudicated by acclaimed Toronto actor, writer, and director Shari Hollett, the festival is an excellent chance to catch some of U of T’s best theatrical talent before they sell out and become incredibly famous. The four-night run will see 11 one-act plays vie for five top prizes, including the President’s Award for Best Production, the Robert Gill Award for Best Direction, and the Robertson Davies Playwriting Award.

Each night, Hart House theatregoers will be treated to three selections, with the exception of Saturday night, which will feature two performances followed by the much-anticipated award ceremony. Hollett will be on hand each night to follow up every performance with her expert criticisms of the work presented.

A Second City alumna, Hollett modestly downplays her role in the festival’s competitive adjudication process: “I am here to help give some insights based on my experience-not to judge, but to guide,” she explains.

All modesty aside, Hollett, whose credits include shows at Theatre Passe Muraille, the Rhubarb Festival, and both Toronto and New York’s Fringe Festivals, will have the distinct honour of overseeing the award ceremony on Saturday night.

The U of T Drama Festival has existed in one form or another since 1936 and has since spawned some of Canada’s best theatrical personalities, including David Gardner, Ted Follows, Don Harron, and Donald Sutherland.

“Already the students should feel rewarded in accomplishing their scripts with such passion and discipline,” enthuses Hollett.

However, since this festival is also a competition, there will be winners and there will be losers, so stay tuned for reviews aplenty as Varsity writers bring you the best and worst of Drama Fest 2005 next week.

The U of T Drama Festival runs January 19 to 22 at Hart House Theatre. Tickets are $12, or $10 for students and seniors, at (416) 978-8849.