Blank Theatre to Kick Off Young Playwrights Festival, 5/16

The Blank Theatre has announced a special event, free and open to the public, on Friday, May 16 at 8pm celebrating the 22nd anniversary of its Nationwide Young Playwrights Festival, which this year will run June 5-29 at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood.

The launch activities will take place at Los Angeles Film School (Main Theatre), 6353 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. This will be an opportunity to meet and chat with YPF alums and this year's local winners along with participating actors, directors, mentors, and producers of the upcoming Festival. Members of The Blank Theatre artistic staff will also be in attendance, and the evening will feature the debut of a mini-documentary about the Young Playwrights Festival and its history. Admission is free, but reservations are required at www.TheBlank.com.

Over the past 21 years, The Blank has produced more than 240 plays by young playwrights including 11 that have gone on to be presented on The Blank's mainstage. Many of the plays have been nominated for LA theatre honors, including Ovation and LA Weekly Awards. Many YPF winners have gone on to successful writing careers creating TV shows, filling regional stages, teaching writing to others, and founding regional Young Playwrights Festivals.

This year's winning plays are: NINE HOURS by Zoe Kamil, San Francisco, CA, Age 18; WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD by Alexa Derman, Westfield, NJ, Age 17; ROCK CANDY by Gabrielle Greenfield, Dallas, TX, Age 19; BAROPHOBIA by Aiyana White, Encino, CA, Age 18; THE SON ALSO RISES by Patric Verrone, Pacific Palisades, CA, Age 18; PAM by Agnes Nguyen, Anaheim, CA, Age 19; PILLOW TALK by Zoe Cheng, Cincinnati, OH, Age 17; INNOCENCE by Matt Ubl, Jacksonville, FL, Age 18; THE RUB by Max Friedlich, New York, NY, Age 19; FAIREST by Frank Garland, Seattle, WA, Age 16; THE NOT LESBIANS by Travis Amiel, Millwood, NY, Age 18; and BLACK SHEEP by Robert Gold, Valley Village, CA, Age 17.

This year's festival is made possible by The Rosenthal Family Foundation, The Plum Foundation, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the office of City Councilman 4th District Tom LaBonge.

The Blank Theatre's 22nd Annual Young Playwrights Festival runs June 5 - 29 at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Boulevard, in Hollywood. The performance schedule is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Each week's program includes three plays, and admission is $20 for adults and $14 for students. Festival passes, which are good for one ticket each week of the festival, are $68 for adults and $48 for students. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.TheBlank.com, or via phone by calling (323) 661-9827.