Playwright Program Proposed for MMS

A Millburn High School graduate hopes to start a playwright competition for Millburn Middle School students.

Eric Alter, who graduated in 1988 and now lives in West Orange, offered the program during the Board of Education Monday night. Middle school students would submit one-act plays they've written to be judged. The winner of the award would receive a $500 bond, and Alter's theater company would perform it at the high school.

"I want to promote creative writing," Alter told the board.

Schools Supt. James Crisfield told Alter to put his proposal in writing and schedule a meeting with him to discuss how it could be done.

Alter told the board of his own playwright credits, including how they've been published in textbooks. He runs Apricot Sky Productions. He cited his "strong ties" to the community. Alter once volunteered with the Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad, and his father still volunteers with the squad. His brother lives in Short Hills.

He said he proposed the program in West Orange, but school officials there "dropped the ball."