PROJECT PLAYWRIGHT WINNERS

Alexandria

By Vince Gatton

Directed by Jordana Williams

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2018

 

In a small town in the deep south, two librarians are unlikely friends. When outside forces threaten their safe space, each has to decide what to save: their friendship or themselves. Something has to burn.

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Jessica

By Patrick Vermillion

Directed by Emily Jackson

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2017

 

In 2013, Jessica vanished. Now, her closest friends are reconstructing her with cutting-edge technology to try and track her down. They prime the android with memories from Jessica’s past, but it’s clear that their stories don’t add up.

 

"Jessica is a memory worth adding to your own neural network."

                                       - Culture Catch

Primary

By Gracie Gardner

Directed by Alex Keegan

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2016

 

It's 1999 in suburban Connecticut. 9-year-old Sophie is certain she's the missing Sailor Scout. The allure of local politics has brainwashed her mother, Laura, into a misguided campaign for state rep. During a brutal primary election, Sophie but bring her back from the dark side and restore Laura to her true self.

 

"Primary is an entertaining and timely escape from our current political circus."

                        - Theatre is Easy "BEST BET"

the lighthouse invites the storm

By Josh Drimmer

Directed by Logan Reed

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2015

 

Two 16-year-olds meet at an artsy pre-college program, where they flirt, fight, but are ultimately unable to handle the love they stumble into. Sixteen years later, they are face-to-face again, and innocent nostalgia is turning into something far more difficult. Funny and heartbreaking, lighthouse is a play about the past never past.

 

"lighthouse is a truly intimate experience with the souls of the characters laid bare only a few feet before you."

                                       -StageBuddy.com

Flamingo

By Alex Trow

Directed by Jillian Robertson

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2014

 

Flamingo is a romantic comedy that may be a romantic tragedy. Beneath it all is a deeper story of sexual awakening, gender expectations, and what binds people together. Frank, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking, Flamingo is every wonderful and terrible relationship you’ve ever had.

 

"Trow's script is fresh, quick, and intentionally smart...Flamingo is not your average love story."

                                    -Theater in the Now

EXIT 27

​​By Aleks Merilo

Directed by Mark Karafin

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2013

 

Since 2000, the citizens of one town have abandoned over 1400 boys in the Utah Desert. Exit 27 follows the journey of four of these “lost boys" to the edge of the desert. Exiled by their families from the only world they've known, the boys are forced to rebuild their lives as outsiders. Their only hope for survival? Each other. Exit 27 is an untold story based on actual events. 

 

"'Haunting' is the best and most used word to describe the captivating piece that Aleks Merilo has created in his play Exit 27."  

- Emerging Playwright Review

Bees and Lions

By Sarah M. Duncan

Directed by Jillian Robertson

 

WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2012

 

When Sean crashes an employee party at one of his father’s hotels, he meets Julie, a low-income hotel employee. She agrees to go home with him, but they don’t get very far—on the way down, the elevator stops. Their flirtatious, digging questions and taunts, not to mention mounting sexual tension, culminate in two startling confessions, prompting Julie to make a bold, controversial decision. Inspired by Strindberg’s Miss Julie, Bees and Lions is also about the fall of a woman—but this time when said woman falls, she takes everyone with her—some willingly–in the name of her cause. 

Cary's Chain Store Massacre

By W.M. Akers

Directed by Kathryn McConnell

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WINNER OF PROJECT

PLAYWRIGHT 2011

 

Cary’s Chain Store Massacre explores the life of 22-year-old Cary whose world collapsed a year ago when his bookseller mentor, Hal, closed up shop and disappeared. When Hal returns with anarchy and destruction on his mind Cary finds himself lured into a plan that might land him in jail. On their twisted road to glory Cary meets Beatrice, a young Barnes and Noble employee with a knack for sass, and falls in love. Beatrice joins in, intrigued by their sordid affairs, but when she and Hal turn on each other Cary must make a choice between love and loyalty.