Calling All Student Writers: It’s Time To Play With Words In Solebury

NEW HOPE, PA —As students return to the classroom, Drama at Phillips’ Mill is again offering students a chance to hone their writing skills with the 2nd annual juried "Play With Words" student playwriting challenge.

Students in grades 7-12 who attend school within a 25-mile radius of Phillips’ Mill Community Association are invited to submit an original one-act short play. Submissions are open from September 11, 2023 to January 15, 2024.

"Play With Words" is a unique opportunity for students to broaden their writing skills and explore the world of playwriting. The first 50 submissions will be accepted for consideration and read by a learned panel of judges. Expert commentary from the judges will be provided for all submitted scripts. Up to six plays will be selected for staged readings before a live audience on the historic Mill stage on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

In addition to staged readings by experienced actors, the selected plays will receive a $100 cash prize. All the details as well as instructions for submitting are outlined in the prospectus at www.phillipsmill.org/drama/play-with-words.

The remarkable plays selected for the inaugural Play With Words challenge last year included a moving script by Solebury School’s Matilda Bray whose “We Took Root” depicts a heartfelt exchange between a mother and daughter as their lives move in a new direction.

Princeton Day School’s Gracie Lin also received high praise for her play “Our Blue Period” which explores a budding relationship by utilizing color as a metaphor for emotion. Also receiving honors was “Roll Over Beethoven,” penned by New Hope-Solebury High School students Maeve Sheehan and Maria Kesisoglou, which delves into the artistic world of 1844 Paris and reflects on the issue of media elitism.

With so much student writing talent in the community, organizers are excited to welcome this year’s submissions.

"This challenge offers many incentives; your play on the historic Mill stage read by accomplished actors, a personal commentary on your play from the judges written just for you, a $100 cash prize – find your voice and start writing. We want to hear what you have to say," noted Drama Committee Chair, Valerie Eastburn.

Inspired by the Mill’s commitment to preserving traditional programs while offering new challenges, Play With Words is the next generation of innovative programs at Phillips’ Mill. With a dedication to inclusiveness and encouragement for young artists, the Mill is a place for students to thrive. To learn more about all the terrific programs offered as well as the benefits of membership, visit www.phillipsmill.org.

The Phillips’ Mill Community Association, established in 1929 in a historic 18th-century grist mill, is located at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope.