The Crowbait Club is coming to the Hudson Valley! Once a month, playwrights, directors, actors, and audiences gather at Catskill’s funky and cozy Avalon Lounge to witness original 10-minute plays, pitted against each other in a rollicking evening of “theatre deathmatch."

Crowbait is when and where stories come to play; a party, a contest, a game where theatre fans come to explore new works and ideas. Playwrights arrive prepared with a 10-minutes-or-less play in response to a monthly prompt. After a two-minute rehearsal — with willing audience members as volunteer actors — it’s showtime! At the end of the night, the house votes on their favorite play, with the cast and playwright crowned The Crowbait Club Champions of the Month! No prior experience necessary for playwrights or actors, just an ease with the unexpected, a team spirit, sense of play, and the willingness to jump in and put on a show. The evening is hosted by Columbia County Players actor Tristan Geary. The series is a collaboration between Columbia County Players and The Hudson Observer, a new culture and literary magazine founded and edited by Geary. Winning plays are published in The Hudson Observer. The Crowbait Club began in Portland Maine at Mama's Crow Bar, and has been running since 2011. The Columbia County Players are excited to bring the unique and interactive format to the Hudson Valley. So Why Crowbait? Columbia County Players founder and artistic director Carol Rusoff was visiting family in Maine a few years ago, when her high school senior granddaughter invited her to Crowbait’s monthly party. Folks 18 to 88 —both novice and experienced writers, playwrights, actors, and audiences — gathered together for the fun and creative challenge of it all. The exciting experience stuck, so CCP brings it all to our community, rife with creatives!

When: Third Sunday of each month, launching Oct. 18, 7-9 pm.

Premier prompt: DOORS

Where: The Avalon Lounge, 29 Church St. Catskill, NY 12414

The Crowbait Club is FREE and open to all. Donations gratefully accepted.

Questions? Comments? Contact tristan@thehudsonobserver.com or carol@columbiacountyplayers.org