ON STAGE | Playwriting Festival for Young Writers
The Playwrighting Festival for Young Writers Showcase 2023
Thank you to all who attended, and congratulations to our finalists! Saturday, June 3rd at 4:00PM
Join us as we continue our ongoing effort for our company to provide young people the platform to express themselves artistically and to share their voices. This special event will feature our 4 finalists from across the country as they present selected scenes from their new plays.
Meet Our 2022-2023 Finalists
ALL SALES FINAL
By Maya Rosen (Age 16), Holliston, MA
Playwright Mentor: Elyzabeth Wilder
Director: Brianna Martinez
All Sales Final is an absurdist comedy that tells the story of a man named George who had lived a very unfortunate life. Everyone he has ever known has walked all over him and taken advantage of him whenever possible. But, as his life comes to an abrupt end, (with only 30 minutes left to live) he meets a woman, who just might be different.
A Pick for the Hair of Black Kids Who Don’t Wanna Be Gangstas
By Junie Edwards Age 17), Saint Paul, MN
Playwright Mentor: Ann Eskridge
Director: Darin F. Earl II
A Pick For The Black Kids Who Don’t Wanna Be Gangstas follows the story of 6 friends ( Malcolm, Daija, Keira, Brian, Zeus and Syreeta). After rehearsing for their performance for a spoken word competition, they decide to take a break and play a game to get to know each other more. While playing the game they discover each other’s secrets, which might be the key to bringing them closer together or completely tearing them apart.
Slick, Slimy, Grimy and Dead
by Audrey Hunter (Age 17), Dallas, TX
Playwright Mentor: J.S. Puller
Director: Andy Danford
The High Council of the True Eels meets to discuss the Extinction Event for the European eel. Patty, the bumbling, well-intentioned leader of the Eels, just wants everyone to get along, but the rebellious and rarely-sober Maurice has other plans. Over the course of the afternoon, the Eels confront both government and grief.
Sockloose
by Alec Lipscomb (Age 18), Orlando, FL
Playwright Mentor: Angelle Whavers
Director: Jeorgi Smith
Jimmy has been dragged back to his childhood home due to the recent death of his abusive father. With ownership of the house now Jimmy has plans to get rid of it for once and for all, but is surprised with the reunion of an old friend. That old friend is a talking sock named Socky. They have a lot of life to catch up on…
Beginning in 2011, the New Play-Reading Festival is an integral part of our Creative Arts Academy. Because of this unique program, students, families, playwrights and artists experience the collaborative, educational process of bringing a new theatrical work from page to stage. While we received a total of only 6 submissions in its first year, the Growing Stage now receives over 150 new works annually from playwrights throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Subsequently, an ongoing effort for our company is to provide young people the platform to express themselves artistically and to share their voices. Therefore, we’re excited to present our 2nd Biennial Playwriting Festival for Young Writers.
Open to grades 4th through high school, we’ve structured the festival to provide a unique opportunity for the emerging artist in a meaningful and respectful manner. Additionally, a member of our professional artistic team will review each submission and will provide constructive critique.
PHASE 1:
Submit a synopsis and scene from an original piece you have written or are currently developing.
We encourage new works and a fresh perspective for any adaptations. Please note that if it is an adaptation the piece must be in public domain.
From our initial submissions, we will choose a select number to move forward for Phase 2. Each playwright will be notified.
PHASE 2: Full Play Submission
If your piece is selected for PHASE 2, we will ask that you submit your full piece. We accept submissions either through the mail or email.
A designated panel of TGS artists will review each submission and select a total of four finalists for the final stage of development.
We will announce our finalists. (Date TBA)
PHASE 3: Mentorship & Festival
A professional playwright/mentor is assigned to each of the four finalists will be assigned to a to assist and help you continue to develop your play leading up to the festival.
A director and actors are assigned to each piece for our Young Writers Showcase presenting our 4 finalists in Spring 2023.
