OCTA Announces New Works Playwright Competition Finalists

The time has come for Olathe Civic Theatre Association to prepare for its second New Works Playwright Competition Finals! After receiving nearly double the number of entries from last year, the members of the NWPC committee have narrowed the pool to five finalists. Applicants submitted a ten-page teaser vetted by the committee and then ten semi-finalists were asked to send in full scripts. Now, OCTA will present the five teasers, from four original plays and one original musical, at this year's New Works Playwright Competition Finals in early March.

The 2018 New Works Playwright Competition Finalists are:

• Spellbound by Emma Katherine Carter
• Gospel Hour by Bill Cummings
• The Summer House by Christie Kennard
• Adoption of Grief by Jessie Salsbury
• Promises to Keep by Judith Zivanovic

Each playwright will work with a director and cast to bring their 10-15 minute teasers to OCTA's stage March 2 and 3. Audiences have two chances to see and VOTE for their favorite script. The winner will be announced after votes are tallied Saturday evening, the second night of competition. The winner receives a full-length workshop of their script at OCTA during the Winner Workshop Weekend July 13 and 14, 2018.

Andrew Joseph Brown, a local playwright and an OCTA board member who champions the competition, couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. "We had so many entries this year from Kansas and the Kansas City area, many new to the competition. We opened it up to musical submissions and I can't wait to hear what that finalist will bring to the table with the four plays."

The community can follow the event on Facebook at "2018 New Works Playwright Competition at OCTA" or check OCTA's website for updates. Additionally, OCTA's Youtube channel features the NWPC video series "A Sit Down with Andy Brown" - those interested can get caught up on last year's fun before the 2018 finals!

The competition is Friday March 2 and Saturday March 3 and begins at 8:00 pm each night. Regular tickets are $10 and can be purchased online in advance at http://olathetheatre.org or at the door. (OCTA season ticket holders receive the discounted price of $5 at the door only, but can reserve a seat in advance by calling 913-782-2990 or writing tickets@olathetheatre.org.) Tickets may be purchased with credit card, check, or cash. Free parking is available in the OCTA lot and on the street. Concessions are available for cash or credit donation and may be taken into the newly renovated theater.