Kadence Brooks, Ashley Beaudin Hayden Reeves in ‘A Tear in the Dark’ written by Paige Plater. Photo courtesy of Twin Beach Players.
The Twin Beach Players are producing their 13th Annual Kids’ Playwriting Festival (KPF), running through August 19th in North Beach Maryland. This annual festival asks for original play submissions from school age children in the state of Maryland. After the six winning plays are chosen, the winning playwrights are each awarded $100.00 and the chance to have full creative control of their show with adult supervision. Creative control includes, casting, directing and starring in their own show, which is an amazing opportunity for kids statewide.
This year’s winning playwrights are:
Maria Hartley (11) is this year’s youngest playwright and is celebrating her 1st win. Her production, “Lost and Found” is a story about two friends that find themselves in a situation involving bullying. It involves friendship, fear, finding comfort that help does exist.
Paige Plater (12) is a two time winner. Her production, “A Tear In The Dark” centers around Ariel and her friends’ concern for her. They are sworn to secrecy but are worried about her safety. Do they keep their loyalty, or keep her safe?
Sadie Storm (13) is a 3 time winning KPF playwright. Her production, “Fear Is Useless and Temporary, Glory is Forever” is a mystery. Who trashed Mr. B’s classroom? Perfect attendance, Beverly, the very zen Marlene D or her sidekick, Marlene H? Or was it social media maven, Ainsley? Fear not! Come see Mr. B and his daughter, Eleanor, figure it out!
Ashley Vernier (16) is celebrating her 1st win after receiving an honorable mention in KPF12. Her production, “Good morning, Chicago!” is a comedy about two high school rivals meeting again in a dysfunctional news studio. It’s a story about love, independence and achieving your dreams.
Sidney Baker (17) is a veteran KPF playwright, with 3 wins to her credit. Her lighthearted romantic comedy, “Love Conquers Most” follows six friends and their relationship struggles. It features a forgotten anniversary, gaming and six friends who cannot seem to catch a break when it comes to relationship moves.
Mason Blacker (18) is celebrating being a winning playwright with his 1st entry. His production, “Ambivalence” is a heartbreaking drama between two lifelong friends. Trouble begins when one of them reveals a heavy secret. Will they be able to work it out?
The thing that is so amazing, year after to year, is to witness the creativity, imagination, humor and well written scripts that this festival consistently produces, all written by school age children. They cover such a variety of subject matters from a child’s perspective, which is important to understand in regards to how our youth perceive the world and facing situations. It is a fantastic production every year and I highly recommend families attend to encourage their kids to laugh, to think and to perhaps inspire them to create their own stories to share.
If you get a chance, get to one of the last three shows, playing this weekend at the North Beach Boys and Girls Club, located at 9021 Dayton Ave. North Beach, Md. The show runs approximately 2 ½ hours, including a 15 minute intermission. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening with final matinee performance on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door or online here. Reservations are highly recommended.
