(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – Afraid to take a chance on a new play? Do most plays seem to drag on too long for your patience and comfort in our amped-up, always wired world? Take heart — Barrington Stage Company (BSC) has a solution. Beginning Thursday, February 14, 2013, and running through Sunday, March 3, the downtown Pittsfield theater company presents a risk-free festival of ten new 10-minute plays running in repertory at BSC’s St. Germain Stage, located at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center, 36 Linden Street. The 10×10 New Play Festival is part of the city’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival, running February 14-24, 2013, and featuring music, theatre, dance, film, visual art, spoken word, comedy and more.

The actors featured in the 10-minute plays include such Berkshire favorites as Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Emily Taplin Boyd, Dustin Charles, Scott Drummond, Shea McIlquham, Matt Neely and Peggy Pharr Wilson.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the work of ten early-career playwrights to our audience,” said BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd.  “Our hope is to enliven the Berkshire winter arts scene.”

The 10 new plays are:

“There’s No Here Here” by Craig Pospisil.  At a Parisian café, a writer confronts his girlfriend when an unexpected guest butts into their conversation.  Christopher Innvar, familiar to BSC audiences for his leading roles as an actor, directs.

“You Haven’t Changed A Bit” by Donna Hoke.  Len hopes that Lottie will finally show up at their 70th high school reunion.  Kristen van Ginhoven, artistic director of WAM Theatre, directs.

“Christmas Eve, Many Years From Now” by Martha Patterson.  Two-and-a-half thousand years after the Apocalypse, three cave people celebrate Christmas Eve.  BSC’s Director of the Playwright Mentoring Project Frank LaFrazia directs.

“Freefalling” by Aurin Squire. Two passengers and a flight attendant give their moment-by-moment accounts of what happens when tomorrow is no longer certain.  BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd directs.

“Camberwell House” by Amelia Roper.  Annie, a tenant of Camberwell House, tells a tale of old age, murder and gingernut biscuits.  Julianne Boyd directs.

“The Wilderness” by James McLindon.  A wounded Yankee and a wounded Confederate soldier are trapped in no-man’s land in a desperate struggle to survive their circumstances – and each other.  Christopher Innvar directs.

“Context” by John C. Davenport.  The characters involved in a breakup say what’s on their minds – but not to each other.  Kristen van Ginhoven directs.

“The Bounce” by Jacqueline Goldfinger.  Sula Lee recounts a tragic love story and what’s important in life.  Frank LaFrazia directs.

“The Stand-In” by Brett Hursey.  At an audition, a young actress finds herself being outshined by an unexpected character.  Julianne Boyd directs.

“Higher Ground” by Christopher Innvar.  A father and son venture in search of gas after the devastation of a major hurricane.  Christopher Innvar directs.

Tickets to the 10×10 New Play Festival are on sale now. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $20 Thursday evening and Saturday/Sunday matinees; $25 Friday and Saturday evening. The first two Low Priced Preview performances on February 14 and 15 at 7:30pm are $15 for all tickets. Reserved seating. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Barrington Stage Box Office at 413-236-8888 (or toll-free at 855-TIX-2BSC) or visit Barrington Stage Company.