Festival director Kate Gaul is thrilled 20 of the 36 plays in the festival are written by Canberrans.

"The number of people writing plays here has definitely increased and it's really exciting," Ms Gaul said.

Aims of the international festival include developing new theatre artists, showcasing outstanding theatre artists and providing excellent 10-minute theatre for audiences.

The only entry requirement of Short+Sweet is that the play must be under 10 minutes, which allows for a diverse selection of theatre.

Comedic, dramatic, musical and even burlesque theatre are represented in the festival. But according to Ms Gaul, it is the solid stories that win over the audiences.

"Any story well told always goes down well, it doesn't matter about the genre," she said.

Ms Gaul doesn't give any clues about this year's stand-out entrants.

"I always have a favourite on paper but it's always amazing to see what happens to them in the rehearsal room, The one that perhaps I didn't think much of is the one that's often much better on stage."

Local Ruth Peiloor has entered the festival since it began in 2009 and is back this year with her comedy Baby Blues.

The play, which she wrote and performs in herself, explores life from a baby's perspective.

"We're always hearing about what mothers think about this, and how they feel about that," Ms Peiloor said.

"I think, well, what about from the child's point of view?"

Short+Sweet is on at the Canberra Theatre Centre from August 4 to 15.

Audience and judges will select the top 10 plays to be performed at a gala final on August 15.