Peninsula Players Present Three New Student Works at Free Showcase Tonight

Peninsula Players Theatre will present readings of three short plays by Door County students in the theater tonight, July 29 at 7 p.m. The free public readings, directed by Players company member Neil Friedman, will showcase the work of three young writers who participated in the High School Playwrighting Contest in conjunction with The Players' initiative, The Play's the Thing, last winter and spring. Friedman played Vince Lombardi in The Players' production of "Lombardi" last fall and is in The Players' musical "Sunday in the Park with George."

Sophomore English class students adapted their own works from a variety of Shakespeare's plays and the influence of Ovid's ill-fated lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe. They had a choice between "Midsummer Night's Dream" or "Romeo and Juliet" as their primary source. The freshman English class studied the elements of tragedy in a drama and wrote a tragedy of their own.

Plays by Corinna Jauregui, Ian Hoffman and Casey Michelic will be showcased.

Juaregui, a Gibraltar high school sophomore, wrote "Childish Drama," a contemporary take on "Midsummer Night's Dream." Michelic, a Gibraltar sophomore, wrote "Peter and Thisbe," using Pyramus and Thisbe for inspiration, and Hoffman, a Gibraltar freshman, wrote an untitled tragedy exploring a future America.

Peninsula Players provided playwriting instruction and guidance to high school students who submitted their plays to a panel of 10 theater professionals. Based on the panel's feedback, these students revised their plays and Friedman will direct Players company members, including those participating in The Players internship program, so the playwrights may hear their plays read in public. The readings are free to the public and no reservations are required.

The Play's the Thing is funded in part by a grant from the Peninsula Arts Association and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin as well as generous grants from Ministry Door County Medical Center, Door County Library, Door County Community Foundation Arts Fund and the Raibrook Foundation.

Peninsula Players Theatre is committed to providing educational programming for the community. The Players has a long history of educational initiatives including an intern program that dates back to the founding days of The Players in the 1930s. The theater continues to offer theater tours and post-show discussions as listed in the program and website. Reservations for free seminars and tours may be made by contacting the box office at 920-868-3287.