Founded in 1987 by Adele Magner, and led today by Executive Producing Director Glen Knapp, Philadelphia Young Playwrights is an award-winning program that taps the potential of youth and inspires learning through playwriting in more than 50 public and private K-12 schools each year. A leader in the region’s educational programs for youth for 25 years and built upon its primary belief that all students have something important and valuable to say, Young Playwrights has enriched the Greater Philadelphia community, touching the lives of thousands of students, teachers and parents for the past twenty years. Since 1987, approximately 60 professional playwrights have led workshops, and nearly all of Philadelphia’s professional theater companies have participated by performing, producing, or directing student works. More than 60,000 young people have participated directly as playwrights and audience members, seeing their work produced in class or by professionals. Young Playwrights’ Literary Committee includes more than 60 educators, writers, parents, and former Young Playwrights students who read and critique each student script.
Press Release
Theatre Professionals and Temple Actors Workshop Winning Plays from Philly Young Playwrights’ 2012 Annual Playwriting Festival
WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, October 4 – 6
Tuesday-Saturday, October 9 – 13
WHERE: Temple University’s Randall Theater
1301 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA
WHO: Directed by theater professionals and performed by undergraduate Temple University actors. Student playwrights and representatives of Philadelphia Young Playwrights will be available for interviews.
ADMISSION: FREE, reservations required.
WHAT: Philadelphia Young Playwrights presents 11 winning plays by young writers, directed by Philadelphia theatre professionals and performed by undergraduate actors from Temple University during New Voices: Workshop Productions from October 4-13 at the Randall Theater (Temple University, 1301 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia). The workshop dates will alternate playbills and are free to attend with registration.
The winning plays were chosen from the Philadelphia Young Playwrights 2012 Annual Playwriting Festival and feature student playwrights from Philadelphia High School for Girls, The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, Bayard Rustin, West Philadelphia High School, Lincoln High School, 21st Century Cyber Charter School, Constitution High School, Overbrook Educational Center, J.R. Masterman, Science Leadership Academy and High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Directors include Zak Berkman, Associate Artistic Director of People’s Light and Theatre Company in Malvern; Lee Kenneth Richardson, Founding Artistic Director of the Tony award-winning Crossroads Theatre Company; David O’Connor, Philadelphia Young Playwrights’ Resident Director; David Stradley, Philadelphia actor and director; Liz Carlson, company member with Curio Theatre Company; David Girard, Temple University graduate student; and Jan Silverman, author of Tallulah Bank(cat) Talks, Fifty Fabulous New Classical Monologues for Men and Fifty Fabulous New Classical Monologues for Women.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Bill One:
Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 11 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
SMH by Eunice Kelome, Philadelphia High School for Girls, Grade 10
Directed by Zak Berkman
A desperate student carries out a risky and hilarious plan to avoid taking a test.
Coming Home by Alexis Jenofsky, The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, Grade 11
Directed by David Stradley
When Miley’s father comes home from service in the Marines, she feels only anger at his ten-year absence. As she gets to know her father, Miley finds that she has some growing up to do.
The Shakespeare Complex by Ann Haftl, Geoff Tancredi & Michelle Fikse, Bayard Rustin, Grade 10
Directed by Liz Carlson
Sophie is frustrated with her absent love life. In her search for companionship, Sophie meets some hilarious characters and ultimately must realize that things are not always as they seem.
Wherever You May Go by Charles Matthews, West Philadelphia High School, Grade 9
Directed by Zak Berkman
An unborn child watches her mother struggle with an unplanned pregnancy from inside her womb.
Winning Numbers by Lauren McDonnell, Lincoln High School, Grade 12
Directed by Lee Richardson
A struggling family fights to stay afloat in the midst of overwhelming financial problems. When they learn to work together, their luck finally changes.
Shades of Blue by Pascale Smith, 21st Century Cyber Charter School, Grade 12
Directed by David O’Connor
We meet Megan as she is struggling to cope with a tremendous loss. When Charlie’s parents arrive, Megan tries to help them accept their daughter for who she was, rather than who they wanted her to be.
Bill Two:
Friday, October 5 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
Friday, October 12 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
Addiction by Charmira Nelson, Constitution High School, Grade 11
Directed by Zak Berkman
A cigarette desperately tries to lure her smoker back, faced with the prospect of being abandoned.
Blue Skies by Aiesha Muhammad, Overbrook Educational Center, Grade 8
Directed by Lee Richardson
John, a seven-year-old boy, runs away from the superficial conflicts that surround him. When he meets a philosophical stranger, he finds a new outlook on life.
An Empty Sack by Jack Saint Clair, J.R. Masterman, Grade 12
Directed by David Girard
A teen growing up in an Amish community wants to pursue education and opportunities beyond his family’s strict traditions. When it is time for him to complete his family’s coming of age ritual, he must come to terms with himself and his ancestors.
Am I a Man or a Coward by Brandon Mangum, Science Leadership Academy, Grade 10
Directed by Zak Berkman
Reflecting on a violent encounter, a young man addresses his deceased father in search of the meaning behind bravery and manhood.
Falling Down by Autumn Wynde, High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Grade 10
Directed by Jan Silverman
A young boy struggles to hold the pieces of his world in place as his parents’ relationship deteriorates.
Downloads
 | 2012 New Voices Workshops at Temple.pdf | 377.14 KB |
Media Contact
Please call in advance to schedule an interview or camera.
Canary Promotion, Office: 215-690-4065
Rose Mineo, rose [at] canarypromo [dot] com
Electronic Press Kit: www.canarypromo.com/youngplaywrights