News & Announcements

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Fertile Ground Festival Takes the Stage at HART

Post Date:04/02/2025

fertile-ground Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre (HART) is helping grow local storytelling talent as it welcomes the Fertile Ground Festival for emerging playwrights April 5 through 19. This is the second year HART will participate in the 16-year-old event by the Portland Theatre Alliance dedicated to celebrating new works.

“HART is thrilled to be the Westside’s stage for the Fertile Ground Festival,” says HART Artistic Director Harrison Butler. “This festival is about bringing new works to life and giving our community the chance to experience theatre that resonates on a personal and cultural level.”

A call for writers of all styles, abilities, and ages was sounded last November. Full-length and one-act plays were encouraged, with simple entry requirements: works have to be new, local, and never performed on stage before.

Six productions will debut at HART during the festival thanks in part to a generous gift from the Hillsboro Community Foundation’s Grant T. Johnson and Peggy Pipes Memorial Foundation Grant, the Cultural Coalition of Washington County, and Hillsboro’s Cultural Arts District.

By hosting the Fertile Ground Festival and spotlighting local playwrights, HART isn’t just illuminating creativity — it’s cultivating a thriving space where new voices take root and connections blossom. As Hillsboro’s only community theatre, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure this Festival fulfills the HART’s mission of engaging, educating, and enriching the community.

Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or a first-time attendee, don’t miss your chance to experience the unique magic of the Fertile Ground Festival at HART Theatre. The stage is set for one-of-a-kind performances you won’t want to miss!

Fertile Ground Festival @ HART

A Celebration of New Works by Local Playwrights

April 6 – 19

Kickoff Party on Sunday, April 6 at 6 pm

Festival lineup:

Golden Dudez by April Aasheim & Harrison Butler
The Pros and Cons of Killing Your Husband by April Aasheim
Out of Love Series by James Van Eaton
Spumoni Skit and The Warming Hut by Sally Stember
The Life Agent by Linda Maxon
No Ham, No Fowl by Mark Saunders

Adult: $10
Seniors & Students: $8
Arts for All: $5
Flex Pass: $30 (Save $10, includes all 4 shows!)

Check the website for dates, times, and tickets:
Hart-Theatre.org/FertileGround

Hillsboro A&E Magazine

Hillsboro A&E shines a light on the thriving arts and culture community in Hillsboro, with a special focus on Hillsboro's Cultural Arts District. This free magazine is published twice a year and distributed around Hillsboro and the Portland Metro Area. It features news and events from local businesses, community organizations, and the City of Hillsboro.