Experience powerful readings of new plays by Philadelphia-area high school students, brought to life in collaboration with professional and collegiate theater artists. These fresh voices offer insightful examinations of the ever-evolving concept of "The American Dream."

“American Martyr” by Jaylen Carpenter and Caitlin Tobin, CAPA, 11th Grade
“Re-Entry” by Mira Khurana, Science Leadership Academy, 11th Grade

Showtimes: Thursday, November 14th at 1pm and 6pm

Venue: Community College of Philadelphia Bonnell Building, Black Box Theater located at 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Tickets are pay what you decide with a suggested donation of $15.

About the Play Selection Process

Each year, Philadelphia Young Playwrights invites students to submit their plays and monologues to the Annual Playwriting Festival. Plays are considered by the Literary Committee—a collection of nearly 70 program alumni, artists, staff, teachers, and others—who read and write individualized responses to every play. Literary Committee members recommend a number of outstanding plays to be considered for further consideration by two additional groups of readers, Pre-Final Committee and Final Committee. At Final Committee, the panel selects plays and monologues for opportunities such as public productions, one-on-one mentorship, and one-day playwriting retreats. Students whose pieces are selected for production are invited to continue to revise and develop their plays in partnership with theater professionals as part of the rehearsal and performance process.

These plays were selected from over 700 submissions from 30 different schools to be a part of our Play Development Series! Student playwrights have the opportunity to be present in the rehearsal process, and work with local professional directors and actors to bring their writing from page to stage.

Play Development Series at Community College of Philadelphia 2024