City Theatre to Present 2013 Young Playwrights Festival, 10/5-6

City Theatre is pleased to present the 2013 Young Playwrights Festival, October 5 and 6 in City Theatre's Hamburg Studio. Featuring original, one-act plays written by select middle and high school playwrights from Western Pennsylvania, the annual festival showcases professional productions of six winning scripts chosen from 200 Young Playwrights Contest submissions.

This year, the festival will feature diverse theatrical storytelling, including crisis in a post-apocalyptic radio station, adventures in the Amazon, a spirited holiday period piece, and more. Subjects tackled range from teen depression to consumerism, with poignant moments of nostalgia and flashback woven throughout.

FEATURED PLAYS

Middle School Selections

The Amazon: Race to the Cure
by Honesty LeGrande and Hope LeGrande (Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8)

Adventures in the Amazon...oh my! This fearless comedy follows two couples deep into the rainforest for a zany race to the finish between fashion and science, with some monkey-business along the way.

Deck the Halls
by Lily Buchanan (Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12)

Life is hard in December 1905. Molly's family is poor and her father is on the bottle. As they struggle to put food on the table, let alone presents under the tree, Molly is determined to give her young brother the Merry Christmas he's hoping for.

What Are the Odds?
by Ariana Distler and Alayna Perrine (Sharpsville Middle School)

In a winner-take-all situation, five numbers add up to one life. Through a series of nostalgic flashbacks, Mr. Clark reflects on his many life experiences, which grant him the ultimate win.

High School Selections

Dial Tone
by Mayah El-Dehaibi (Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12)

What Gabriella finds in her grandfather's attic is a surprise. In a magical communication with the "other side," Gabriella learns that not all questions need to have answers.

Flicker
by Shea Minter (Shady Side Academy)

Lucy's depression is like a disease creeping through her, but with her English project approaching deadline, the "Parallel Universe" that she lives in becomes increasingly transparent. Can anyone help before Lucy slips away for good?

Tame (This Monkey's Gone to Heaven)
by Tyler Hudson (Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12)

Boss Fruity is a rebel radio DJ in a world where everyone sways to the same beat and mega-corporations tell people what to think. Is this the future...or is this now?

Creative Team

The 2013 Young Playwrights Festival creative team includes Kim Martin (Director), Matt M. Morrow (Associate Artistic Director), Carlyn Aquiline (Literary Manager and Dramaturg), Kristen Link (Director of Education), Tony Ferrieri (Scenic Consulting), Madeline Mikkelson (Costume), Regina Tvaruzek(Lighting), StEve Shapiro (Sound), Richard Preffer (Props), and Brad Peterson (Projection Consulting).

Dramaturgy for each play was done by David Clauson (Dial Tone), Annie DiMario (Deck the Halls), Jeanne Drennan (Flicker), Molly Maclagan (What Are the Odds?), Olivia O'Connor (Tame (This Monkey's Gone to Heaven)), and Brittany Thurman (The Amazon: Race to the Cure).

WORKSHOPS

STORYTELLERS with Dance, Mime, and Movement
Suitable for ages 11-18

There are many different ways to tell a story. Put the paper and pencil aside while you learn to become a storyteller by exploring dance, mime, and movement. Participants will create an original performance piece that they will then perform live in City Theatre's studio!

"LET'S GO GREEN!" Puppetry
Suitable for ages 11-18

Test the limits of your creativity by using found objects and recyclable materials to create a one-of-a-kind story! Participants will learn how to make and manipulate their own puppets using narration, movement, and imagination. By the end of this workshop, students will take to the stage and watch their creations come to life! All supplies provided.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 5

1:00 pm Middle School Performance

2:30 pm STORYTELLERS with Dance, Mime, and Movement

6:00 pm High School Performance

Sunday, October 6

1:00 pm High School Performance

2:30 pm "LET'S GO GREEN!" Puppetry

6:00 pm Middle School Performance

Where: City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (South Side)

Ticket Prices:

Performances: $10 for students, $15 for adults
Performances include three middle or high school selections.

Workshops: Free
Advance registration by phone is required.

Box Office: 412.431.CITY (2489) or CityTheatreCompany.org

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