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Phillips’ Mill Emerging Playwrights Competition slates live reading

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As the lights come up on Broadway, so too will they brighten the stage at Phillips’ Mill at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, with a live play reading –– to a live audience –– the first since the pandemic closed theater doors.
Twelve actors will bring to life the six short plays of the playwrights of the Phillips’ Mill 4th annual Juried Emerging Playwright Competition. Chosen by this year’s panel of jurors, Judy Hallberg, Kimberly Kalaja and Wilbert Turner the winning plays and playwrights are: “The Wonderer” by Lynda Crawford; “Beware the Kraken” by Sherry Friedman; “Northern Lights” by Nancy Vander Zwan; “The Advocate” by Kate Thomas; “Blighted” by Dominique Cieri; and “The Eulogy” by Jeff Stolzer.
The Emerging Playwright Competition cultivates original works for the stage and brings to the audience talented playwrights at all stages of their writing careers.
“We welcome the community to attend the readings and participate in a Q & A,” said Phillips’ Mill Drama Chair Valerie Eastburn.
Playwright Sherry Friedman said she is “thrilled for the opportunity to see my work read live after almost two years of having my plays done in virtual performances. Sharing the space with live actors once again who can relate to each other while we experience the reactions of a live audience will mean so much to me in the development of my work.”
Added Eastburn, “The Mill is creating a valuable opportunity for the playwright to gain insight into how an audience responds to their play. This feedback is critical for further development of the play and playwright, and the audience is an integral part of that process.”

Presenting actors are Cecily Laidman, Thomas Metelski , Rick Goodwin, Tabitha Dell’Angelo, Sarah LeClair, Laura Scotti, Tim Wade, Kevin Nalty, Keith Maliszewski, Matt DiMarino, Millie Levy, JaQuinley Kerr and Fran Young.
Young, director and narrator said, “It has been a joy to direct such talented actors in these interesting and thought-provoking plays.”
Playwrights must live within a 100-mile radius of the Phillips’ Mill Community Association of Solebury. Submissions close after 50 plays are submitted or the deadline is reached. This is a blind competition meaning the scripts are identified to the judges only by a number. The name of the playwright is revealed only after the six winning scripts have been chosen.
The readings will take place at the historic Phillips’ Mill at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope, and a moderated Q & A between audience and playwrights will follow. A wine reception will wrap up the evening to allow judges, playwrights, actors, sponsors of the event, and the audience a chance to mingle.
There is no admission fee but a donation of any amount is appreciated. For the safety and protection of all, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masking will be required.


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