9 May 2012 - 19:00

New work festival at the Coterie May 9 & 10 showcases local teen playwrights.

Professional actors perform short plays and monologues by Coterie’s Young Playwrights’ Roundtable.

It’s the Coterie Theatre’s favorite time of the year: world premiere readings from some of Kansas City’s most talented teen playwrights will be showcased during the Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival at 7 p.m. May 9 and 10 at the Coterie Theatre, level 1, Crown Center Shops. Professional actors, directors and designers work to present a collection of seven staged readings, plays and monologues from teen members of the Coterie’s Young Playwrights’ Roundtable.

The highly creative Roundtable brings together a group of select young adults that meet throughout the year to write and share plays. Members of the Roundtable are invited to join after attending a Reaching the Write Minds workshop, the Coterie’s citywide in-school program to identify emerging playwrights.

“I am very passionate about this program and these playwrights, especially this year. Their work is really incredible,” said Jeff Church, producing artistic director. “Through my work with the Young Playwrights’ Roundtable, I’m able to stay more connected to the Coterie’s target audience and get a fascinating insight into the minds of young adults today.”

This year’s festival will incorporate seven readings in two acts. All are recommended as PG13 and are appropriate for high school students and adults.

Admission to the performances is $5. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (816) 474-6552, online at coterietheatre.org or in person at the Coterie Box Office. During Festival performance days, the Box Office will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; all seating is general admission with theater doors opening 30 minutes prior to performance.