Deadline Extended For Phillips’ Mill Youth Writing Challenge

NEW HOPE, PA — The deadline for submissions has been extended for the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s newest youth program, "Play With Words Youth Playwriting Challenge."

Students in grades 6 to 12 now have until Jan. 31 to compose a short one act play with two to four characters and a running time of no more than 10 minutes. The challenge is free and offers a unique experience for students to put their ideas into action on the stage.

"Play With Words" was developed to encourage students to explore playwriting as a way to express their ideas and stimulate their creativity. The challenge is open to individual authors as well as collaborators, making it an engaging project for siblings, school buddies, scout troops, youth groups, and more. All plays will receive expert commentary from the competition judges with an eye on encouraging the work and building confidence.

Three levels of competition designated by grade will help keep the challenge appropriately competitive. The winning plays will be performed in a staged reading on the historic Phillips’ Mill stage on Sunday, March 12. A $50 cash prize will be awarded for each winning play! Additionally, winning playwrights can direct their staged readings if they wish.

One of this year’s judges, local author and playwright Lisa DeAngelis, noted that “showcasing a student’s work on stage helps the playwright appreciate the reaction of a live audience to their play. With a moderated discussion after the readings, students will be able to ask and answer questions for further feedback from the audience.”

"If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, youth leader, favorite aunt or uncle or the fun neighbor next door and know a student who would enjoy this playwriting challenge, encourage them to enter," said Valerie Eastburn, chairman of drama at Phillips' Mill. "All students need opportunities to stretch their creative skills or try something new. Phillips’ Mill has long been dedicated to fostering such opportunities and providing a place in the community for youth to discover the joys of artistic expression. This is a unique opportunity that also offers students a chance to imagine seeing their work read before a live audience.

"From your pen to our stage, see your work come to life," said Eastburn.

The details and submission instructions are outlined at https://www.phillipsmill.org/drama/play-with-words.