In partnership for over 30 years with Temple University, multi-generational teams of artists take on selected plays written by middle school and high school students. Bringing the new play development process to life for artists and audiences alike, New Voices is a glimpse at the freshest new plays written by the next generation of great writers, artists, and thinkers.

BILL ONE:
October 28, 30, November 1, 2024 at 7pm
November 2, 2024 at 2pm

“River of Tears” by Anthony Spady, Strawberry Mansion High School, 11th Grade

“Mother” by Cameron White, Strawberry Mansion High School, 11th Grade

“The Finale” by Norah Sparks, Cedarbrooks Middle School, 8th Grade

“I Want to Be” by Brianna Figeuroa, Pennsylvania Cyber Charter, gap year
Rose, a timid and Autistic teen, experiences overstimulation and anxiety before a theater showcase. She encounters her confident and unusual neurodivergent peer Aidan, who tries to help her through it while discussing their experiences as neurodivergent people. As Rose learns more about Aidan, contemplates her past, and tries to envision her future, she wonders: "who do I want to be?"

“Family Feud” by Jasper McIlvain, Greene Street Friends, 8th Grade
A play about awkward situations and how sometimes things can’t be changed.

“Painted Peppers” by Bee Kanofsky, Lehigh Valley Charter High School, 11th Grade
Inspired by the story of two couples, eight hives, and the seeds of an extraordinary story.
“Where did it start?” West-Chester 1930s-1990s.
“Who started it?” Jennie Pippin, Horace Pippin, H. Ralph Weaver, and Grace Weaver.
“Who was it entrusted to?” Dr. William Woys Weaver.
“Where will its roots grow?” …

BILL TWO:
October 29, 31, November 2, 2024 at 7pm
November 3, 2024 at 2pm

“Tea Time and Murder” by Isadora (Rut) Pendygraft, Welsh Valley Middle School, 6th Grade
A thrilling yet comical murder mystery that follows the plight of four characters determined to prove themselves innocent at all costs. Set in the late 80s in a small All-American town called Oshek, Tea Time and Murder features four characters who are leading completely separate lives in a town where nothing seems to happen. Ever. Suddenly, Oshek’s mayor, Haman, is murdered after poison was slipped in his English breakfast brew during high tea time. There are four suspects: the nanny, the butcher, the actress, and the chief of police. Together, they try to discover who the real killer is, whilst the unknown killer seems determined to thwart their progress. In this murder mystery comedy, four people who seem to create a colossal mess wherever they step foot attempt to fix the mess they’ve made, and discover the mess others have left for them.

“Void of Answers” by Zoe Palmer, Harriton High School, 10th Grade
Five people wake up trapped in a small dark room with no knowledge of how they got there or how to escape. Their only clue is a screen above that displays a single, haunting declaration. In "Void of Answers", these five endeavor to understand their situation, struggle to agree between their vastly different backgrounds, and fight to survive. Together, they ask life's biggest questions - but will they find the answers they're looking for?

“Renewed” by Joya Nath, Strath Haven Middle School, 8th Grade
When Jessie Banks, a sixteen year old girl with a precarious past, is sent to a remote camp for troubled teens, she quickly realizes that not everything is as it seems. Two weeks should be nothing, but as time goes on Jessie discovers an underlying darkness to everyone and everything at camp. As Jessie makes both allies and enemies, she is forced to question her fate at camp, as well as what it takes to truly change someone.

ABOUT THE 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 shows were selected from over 700 submissions from 30 different schools to be a part of this production! 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.

New Voices 2024

Fresh New Plays from the Next Generation of Writers