The 11th Anniversary Barbour Playwrights Award Begins

In 2007, the Episcopal Actors' Guild established a special award to honor the legacy of actor, playwright and EAG member Thomas Barbour (Arthur, Great White Hope) whose support for emerging artists was an inspiration to many. Eleven years later, the Barbour Playwrights Award has presented staged readings of 30 new plays and given $5,500 to local writers. Wednesdays this month (Women's History Month), The Barbour Playwrights Award continues with readings of three new plays by writers from New Perspectives Theatre Company and their playwrighting program, The Women's Work Project. One of these finalists will be awarded a prize of $500.

Since its creation in 1994, NPTC Women's Work Project has had the goal of not only helping to develop specific plays, but to support residents' growth as accomplished and skilled playwrights-to give writers added tools in the practice of their craft and to strengthen their individual voices. Their focus has always been on bringing scripts to production quality.

The festival begins on Wednesday, March 14 at 7pm with a reading of Alexis Roblan's The Andrew Play. Next on Wednesday, March 21 at 7pm, is Stradling the Edge by Sandra A. Daley-Sharif. Closing the festival on Wednesday, March 28 at 7pm is Teresa Lotz's Mommy's Little Princess.

Doors open at 6:40 pm. Readings will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.

New Perspectives Theatre Company was founded in 1991 as a multi-racial ensemble dedicated to using theatre as an agent for positive social change. Their mission is to develop and present new plays and playwrights, particularly women and people of color; present classic plays in a style that sheds new light on our lives and work; and present theatre to under-served audiences- especially young people and communities in need- to build life skills and promote participation in our society. www.newperspectivestheatre.org

The Episcopal Actors' Guild was established in 1923 and is a charitable organization offering emergency assistance and career support to professional performers "of all faiths, and none." We also host a full calendar of events and fundraisers including concerts, variety shows, play readings, and professional workshops. Learn more at www.actorsguild.org.