Hunter TAFE performing arts students are in the final stages of preparation for the annual Clegg Festival, a smorgasbord of thought-provoking short plays that have been written and directed by the students themselves.

Taking place at Newcastle's Civic Playhouse from 29 September to 8 October, the first week of the festival will feature students' plays under the theme, Bite Size. These dramatic offerings are all between six and 15 minutes and are the work of Hunter TAFE's Diploma of Arts (Acting) writing students.

Some of the themes explored by the plays are vampires, mental health, fear, Elvis Presley, the Russian royal family and the end of the world.

The second week of the Clegg Festival is called Upsize and will involve longer plays, around 40 minutes each. These have been written by Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting) students.

Break a leg, everyone!

Tickets for both Bite Size and Upsize are $20, or $10 for students. For more info call 4929 1877.