Central Florida’s talent is in the spotlight during November in two programs that are all about celebrating homegrown artists.

Each year, Playwrights’ Round Table “Native Voices” program features works by local authors. This year’s installment, titled “Gator Bites,” features eight short — bite-size, you could say — plays inspired by the highs and lows of living in Florida. The nonprofit, which provides a mentoring environment for writers to develop new works, promises a Sunshine State journey through theme parks, Lake Eola, hurricanes and more during the Nov. 7-16 run.

Meanwhile, The Center presents Q Fest Orlando, a showcase of film, theater and music spotlighting Central Florida’s queer artists. From a documentary to magic tricks to cabaret to drag, the four-day festival opens with a Nov. 13 preview from 6-7 p.m. so attendees can get a taste of what’s ahead.

Here’s a closer look at the shows that make up the two events.

‘Gator Bites’

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: In Dolores Salvo’s play, three birds try to enjoy their day despite their differences.

BURGERS, BULBASAURS AND BAILEYS: In this heartfelt rom-com by David Strauss, a man with autism in encouraged to by an old friend to face his fears and take a chance on love.

FACE YOUR FEARS: Max Jackson’s play sends two men to Central Florida’s best-known Halloween theme-park event, where they have an unfortunate encounter.

FLORID4TES: Ken Preuss’s play follows to Florida women finding their way through life.

PAPER OR PLASTIC: A hurricane is coming — but the boss wants his crew to stay on the job, in Sophie Siegel’s play. I suspect more than one of us can relate to this scenario.

SPACE EXPECTATIONS:  Anthony Pelham mixes two of Central Florida’s big industries when an astronaut and a cosmonaut visit a theme park together.

VENOM: Jim Moss’s play starts out innocently enough, when a Florida man’s friend asks him to try his new brew. But what begins as the start of a promising business venture quickly spirals into a chilling thriller.

This historical photo, likely from the 1950s, shows Juanita Tucker, postmaster of Christmas, Florida — the setting for one of the short plays in Playwrights’ Round Table’s “Gator Bites.” (Courtesy Florida State Archives)

THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS (FL):The defenders of the Yuletide make a desperate last stand in a certain town east of Orlando in Chuck Dent’s play.

Q Fest Orlando

BIG GAY VARIETY SHOW: A potpourri of acts raising money for The Center. Age 18 and up. 11:45 p.m.-1:15 a.m. Nov. 14.

BLACKLISTED MUSICALS: The Blacklist Babes Cabaret troupe breathes new life into the best songs from the worst Broadway musicals. Age 18 and up. 3:45-4:45 p.m. Nov. 16.

BLACKLISTED NEWS: The Blacklist Babes interpret “100% true” tabloid stories about alien abductions and more through song, dance and drag. drag performances.Age 18 and up. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISS SAMMY: A documentary film about the late Sam Singhaus, beloved for his drag persona “Miss Sammy.” Age 13 and up. 1-1:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 5:45-6:15 Nov. 16.

DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR WITH ADDISON TAYLOR: Comic bedtime stories of shenanigans not suitable for little ears. Age 18 and up. 11-11:59 p.m. Nov. 13.

Orlando native Nikole Parker, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida, is a participant in “Greetings from Queertown: Orlando.” (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

GREETINGS FROM QUEERTOWN: A documentary film about the LGBTQ community’s history in Central Florida. Age 13 and up. 9:45-10:45 p.m. Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-noon Nov. 16.

JUST DEMPSEY: A youngster belts Broadway hits and spills the tea on life from the comfort of her own teenage bedroom. 8:30-9:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Nov. 15.

MIAH IN LOVE: A queer artist, a ukelele and original songs about love. 10:30-11:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 5-6 p.m. Nov. 15.

NICK’S PARLOR TRICKS: Nick Comas performs slight of hand, illusions and other magic. 6-7 p.m. Nov. 14, 10-11 p.m. Nov. 16.

Bruce Ryan Costella will be sharing queer-themed spooky songs and stories at Q Fest Orlando. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

PROFESSOR LOVE’S MIDNIGHT SPECTACULAR: In this “sexy time comedy show,” the professor and his crew answer your questions about love. Age 18 and up. 11:45 p.m.-1:15 a.m. Nov. 15.

SPOOKY & GAY VOL II: Award-winning Fringe artist Bruce Ryan Costella performs new queer horror stories, standup and songs in the dark. Age 18 and up. 9-10 p.m. Nov. 14, 2-3 p.m. Nov. 15.

TRUTH OR DARE WITH P. SPARKLE: Rob Ward’s outrageous alter ego plays comic games with the audience. Age 18 and up. 9:30-11 p.m. Nov. 15, 8-9:30 p.m. Nov. 16.

Tymisha Harris will perform at Q Fest Orlando. (Courtesy Dynamite Lunchbox via Orlando Fringe)

TYMISHA HARRIS: Q THE LEGENDS: The award-winning singer-actor performs in concert.  Age 13 and up. 8-9 p.m. Nov. 15, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 16.

WANZIE WITH A Z: A filmed performance of the Orlando Fringe Festival hit comedy-drama about Orlando playwright-actor Michael Wanzie. Age 13 and up. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 12:15-1:45 p.m. Nov. 16.

WHAT IS REMEMBERED LIVES? This joyful new work from Natalie Doliner is a love letter to those who came before us and paved the way for the next generations with their humor, passion and courage. Age 18 and up. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 2:15-3:15 p.m. Nov. 16.

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‘Gator Bites’

What: An evening of Florida-set short plays from Playwrights’ Round Table
When: Nov. 7-16
Where: Imagine Performing Arts Center at Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd.
Cost: $20; $15 (seniors); $10 (theme-park workers)
Info: imagineperformingartscenter.org/events

Q Fest Orlando

What: Queer-themed shows and movies by Central Floridians
When: Nov. 13-16
Where: The Center, 942 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando
Cost: $3 festival button required to attend + $8-$18 per show
Info: eventeny.com/events/qfestorlando-22479/

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/03/prt-native-voices-gator-bites-q-fest-orlando/