Graham Yates

Crash Test, Short & Sweet, I love writing to the 10 minute format. Such a short version of drama that can be finished in a couple of days certainly lessens the chances of my unfinished masterpieces gathering dust under the bed.Although I wrote my first play when I was about 13 (as yet unpublished), I didn't start writing seriously until a couple of years ago - if you could call a play about galaxy-hopping, lesbian androids serious.

I have written sketches, short stories, poems and even (God help me) a Country & Western song but Crash Test seems to have aroused in me a lasting interest in short plays. How do you tell a fulfilling story in only 10 minutes? That's the skill I'm still working on.

I've also performed in a number of plays at Crash Test in a variety of roles. And that's one of the beauties of an evening at Newtown, you never know what's going to be thrown at you - well, that and not having to remember the lines. I love the challenge, the spontaneity and that crowd of vibrant, joyful people.

My acting experience has been minimal - some short plays at Cronulla theatre and in two Crash Test finals performances. Oh, and a fleeting appearance in an episode of E Street just before it was canned in 1992.

My acting highlight so far is undoubtedly being in that wonderful play Mr & Mrs Metcalfe enjoy the music of Elton John at the 2010 Crash Test gala final. Acting with the supremely talented Karen Cobban and being directed by the amazing Felicity Nicol was fun, hard work and an invaluable education in equal measure. It was an experience I'll treasure. I also performed in Turning the Tide which was in the Wildcards final in Short & Sweet 2008.

Oh yes, my day job that I'm not supposed to give up, is a Customs officer. Which is why I need a creative outlet.

Involvement in Crash Test

Acting

  • Various Crash Test plays including Godfathers - Best actor - 2009

Writing

  • Starship lesbian love-triangle - Crash Test - 2008

  • Remorse Code - 1st place audience vote Crash Test - May 2009 / Wildcards finals 2010

  • Back to the garden - Crash Test - September 2009

  • Oh Errol - Crash Test - May 2010