The Trilogy Theatre and the Off-Off-Broadway Review (OOBR ) have announced the First Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF). Scheduled to run Aug. 10-Sept. 3, the festival will be open to theatre companies around the world.

Based on the fringe festival model, the MITF is designed to help foster alternative theatre and provide showcases for avant-garde, eclectic and classical work. Production notes also indicate that the festival gives theatre groups a shot at metropolitan venues and New York audiences.

The MITF will occupy both theatre spaces at Trilogy Theatre, which is located at 341 W. 44th St. (between 8th and 9th Avenues). Other spaces will be added as needed. Organizers said that each show will perform seven times during the first two weeks of the festival. The last week will be set aside for evening presentations of festival hits.

Off-Broadway's Trilogy was founded five years ago by playwright-actor producer Norman Siopis. Festival co-producer OOBR also sponsors the OOBR Awards, honoring Off-Off-Broadway each June.

Production notes indicate that submissions to the festival can be of any reasonable length, but at least half an hour long. The festival reserves the right to combine short pieces to make up a program. There is a $15 non refundable application fee and accepted shows contribute an additional $215 to Festival expenses. Application deadline is March 31. All participants receive one-third of the gross box-office receipts from their shows. For more information, write Midtown International Theatre Festival, c/o OOBR, 165 Christopher St. #5N, New York, NY 10014 or visit www.oobr.com.

-- By Murdoch McBride