Teen Writers Fest at Spinning Tree Theatre

Spinning Tree Theatre proudly presents TEEN WRITERS FEST February 6-8. Each of three original plays were written by Kansas City metro area high school students and began development in September 2025 as part of Spinning Tree’s Teen Writers Program. Performances are at Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf in Overland Park, Kansas.

The plays began development in a rehearsal studio, with mentorship by professional playwrights. Youth actors joined the process, and an informal reading of each play was presented to an invited group in September. Since then, the young playwrights have continued to work on their scripts with guidance from their professional playwrights and Spinning Tree. The three plays are:

·       “If the Mask Fits…” by Mia Mondry, a senior at Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas. Playwright mentor is Vicki Vodrey. Director is Nedra Dixon.

·       “Jonah!” by Hansen Karlberg, a senior at Platte County High School in Platte City, Missouri. Playwright mentor is Brenda Bradshaw. Director is Doug Weaver.

·       “The Witch’s Apprentice” by Amelie Barnes, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Playwright mentor is Frank Higgins. Director is Doug Weaver.