The First Bite Festival is giving budding theatre companies a leg-up. Lorne Jackson finds out how to impress the judges in the space of just 10 minutes.

If you want to make an impact in the fiercely competitive world of theatre you have to shoot for the moon.

Even if it’s only a paper moon.

That’s the philosophy of Little Earthquake, one of several companies battling for first prize at the First Bite Festival, taking place at the Mac on Saturday.

First Bite is an X Factor for luvvies.

Thirteen different theatre groups will perform against each other for the opportunity to win a cash prize plus practical backing to stage their show.

It promises to be a dazzling showcase for talent in the region.

The event is funded by the Arts Council and organised by China Plate, a Warwick-based partnership whose mission is to promote and inspire budding artists. The Mac, Warwick Arts Centre and the Bristol Old Vic are also on board.

A judging panel will pick two winners who will get £3,000 each, while audience members will provide feedback.

Performances won’t be fully formed shows. Instead, each theatre group will give a tantalising 10 minute taster of a piece they are working on.

For Little Earthquake that means a flavour of their new show, It’s Only A Paper Moon.

Philip Holyman, executive director of Little Earthquake, who also devises most of their scripts, says: “It’s an ambitious show. We’re going to be looking at different aspects of man’s relationship with the moon, through history. That means in religious terms, political terms...”

And werewolves?

Holyman smiles: “Yes, a werewolf story will be part of the show. Though it’s not the conventional romantic ‘Twilight’ sort of tale.

“We’ll be looking at genuine 17th century French trials, where people were accused and tried for being werewolves. Our story is based on a specific story about a 13-year-old boy who was confined to a monastery for life for supposedly attacking other children.”

Is Philip nervous about competing against 12 other local theatre groups?

“Hopefully we’re going to come up with 10 minutes that really captures the audience’s interest, and pushes the buttons of the producers of the First Bite Festival. Then, fingers crossed, we might get picked.

“We’ve decided to go down a very specific route with our pitch. We won’t be presenting 10 consecutive minutes of the show we’re devising. Instead, we’re doing what I’d describe as a live trailer, like you get in the movies.

“It will be snapshots from different segments of our show. That’s because there’s so much to pack in. We want to show enough of the different story strands, then leave the audience desperate to find out what happens next.”

However, even Little Earthquake aren’t sure what will happen next. Like all the other performances taking place, this is a work in progress. Which should be part of the First Bite fun.

It’s an opportunity for audiences to witness, encourage and help shape works of drama.