Louise Heck-Rabi Playwriting Festival Presents Winners' Plays at Studio Theatre in Midtown

Modern day playwrights face more than the occasional writer's block, they face pretty tough odds of achieving the gratification that comes with having their work produced. As composed by Gwydion Suilebhan, a Washington D.C. playwright and representative to the Dramatists Guild, there are an estimated 10,000 playwrights in the United States writing an average of one new play per year. Of the plays written, an estimated maximum of 10% will actually premiere on stage. This leaves more than 90% of plays per year that will never know the warmth of the spotlight. When three students from Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance were crowned as the winners of the 2016 Louise Heck-Rabi Dramatic Writing Festival they beat those odds. In addition to cash prizes, each recipient received the chance to have their award-winning script produced on stage at Midtown Detroit's Studio Theatre.

Upon winning the competition last October, each aspiring playwright embarked on the coveted journey of producing their script and transforming it into live theatre. Together with a team of appointed actors, directors, scenic and sound designers, costumers, and a host of other dedicated assistants, they are ready to debut their work for the public. Each short story has been packaged as one full-length performance that thrills audiences with the dark comedy of Marigold Cups by Devri Chism, dramatic interludes with Change Must Come by Santino Craven, and musical comedy magic of The Sunshine Clown by Michael Phillip Thomas. Show times start at 8 PM on March 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Studio Theatre in Midtown (located within the Hilberry Theatre at 4743 Cass Ave.). Visit theatreanddance.wayne.edu or call the box office (313)577-2972 for information and tickets.

The Louise Heck-Rabi Dramatic Writing Competition and Festival are both named for Louise Heck-Rabi who was a dedicated writer and member of the Detroit literary scene. She created the playwriting scholarship in hopes that young Detroit writers would carry on her passion. The Heck-Rabi Festival is a unique opportunity for emerging playwrights to have their work staged.

Photo Credit: Studio Theatre's Facebook

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