American Repertory Theater of WNY's Young Playwrights Festival Runs 7/16-17, 23-24
By: Kelsey Denette Jul. 13, 2012
In keeping with the artistic mission statement, The American Repertory Theater of WNY is proud to present the Young Playwrights Festival at the Buffalo Canalside's Historical Ruins on July 16th-17th & July 23rd-24th, 2-5 pm. The festival features works from playwrights under the age of 25 as their works are fully produced for the first time in their young writing careers. Buffalo-born Connor Grahams will represent WNY talent as Alabama writer Emily Cutler and Pennsylvania-born Matthew Henderson round-out the finalists for the festival.
This outdoor event at the beautiful Buffalo Canalside gives an opportunity to young writers to present their works that have not been produced until now. Instead of being weighed in with the usual assortment of one-acts or ten-minute play productions, this festival separates itself from being pedestrian by providing an unique opportunity for fledgling playwrights, under the age of 25, to work alongside directors, dramaturges and actors to develop and present the work honestly and thoughtfully. Coupled with the Canalside experience and being outdoors on the waterfront, this festival stands above the definition of "typical".
Emily Culter's DROPPING THE QUESTION finds two young adults overcoming the ever-present world of miscommunication due to social media. The work is directed by Jennifer Fitzery and features the acting talents of Matthew Kindley and Mary Jewel Mazar.
Matthew Henderson's clever and zany THE DATING GAME finds folks and a frustrated waiter reluctantly finding out that one should never judge a book by its cover. Under direction of Thomas LaChiusa, the work features the acting talent of David Mitchell, Patrick Caughill, Grace Miller, Danica Riddick and Lewis Sepulveda.
The final piece by Connor Graham entitled THE WAITING ROOM focuses on the recollection of how one fully lives and whom they chose to love all while awaiting final judgement. Drew McCabe directs the piece and actors Tom Sullivan and Jamie Nablio are featured.
The afternoons are rounded out by a special performance by Steven E Sitzman as he presents material from the upcoming mod-musical THE DEAD ENGLISH as part of a collaboration between American Rep Theater and Theatre Jugend.
Overall, the four-days dedicated to the development and presentation of young playwrights' works is a great way to spend the summer afternoon on the beautiful Buffalo Canalside with a comfortable chair, your favorite adult beverage and plenty o' sun block.
For more information please visit ART's website at www.artofwny.org
Showtimes and Dates
July 16th & 17th, 2-5 pm
July 23rd & 24th, 2-5 pm
Location
Buffalo Canalside at the Historical Ruins
Price
FREE
For more info visit
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