Plays written by juniors Hana Ebbert and Gavin McGinnis and will be showcased at the New York State Theatre Education Association’s Student Conference, which takes place Jan. 10 to 12.
Hana’s play begins with a dark night in Transylvania and a doorbell ringing. The mysterious Count Countula opens the door to find the eccentric vampire hunter Paul Young waiting patiently. Something tells Paul that vampires are hiding somewhere nearby, and he's hoping that the gothic, nocturnal, magician, Count Countula knows something about them. During their meeting, suspicions are peeked and secrets are revealed.
“This play's selection is important to me because it's an opportunity for my writing to be shown to a large audience,” said Hana. “I've always been interested in playwriting and screenwriting, and as someone who aspires to work in the film industry, having something that I am so passionate about get recognition inspires me to continue working towards my dreams.”
This is Gavin’s second year having a play he’s written showcased. This year’s play, “Whatever Comes Next,” is the story of two lovers fighting to save what matters most to them: their theater. However, throughout the night, it becomes clear that the real gift to each other is themselves.
“I’m so glad that this show got chosen, because I think it has important messages of acceptance, and honoring our past while also letting go,” he said.
Both playwrights credited the district’s ELA and theater programs for their accomplishments because these programs gave them opportunities to develop and refine their writing and performance skills.
“Minisink is where I began my journey into performance, and writing for the stage,” said Hanna. “Because of all the opportunities that Minisink has given me, in both writing and theater, I was able to sharpen my skills and write something that I was proud enough of to submit.”
Gavin added: “All of the wonderful ELA and creative writing opportunities available at Minisink have built up to this moment, and I am eternally grateful. I hope that this recognition will help me get noticed by colleges and people who may need playwriting commissions.”
Their plays will be presented at NYSTEA’s annual High School Theatre Conference at the Villa Roma in Callicoon. Each year, NYSTEA holds a Student Playwriting Competition to assist budding playwrights in the development of their work. Play submissions are approximately five minutes in length and are collected February through April. The NYSTEA Student Playwriting Competition Committee reviews and scores every entry based on a rubric, with finalists contacted in September and partnered with a playwriting mentor to assist with the development and revision of their work to ready it for performance.
Once a finalized script is submitted, the committee assigns a volunteer director to the piece. At the upcoming January conference, one student from each school may audition for the plays to be showcased. Student technicians are also selected to provide lighting and sound design for each play. The plays are rehearsed and performed at the conference. Following the performance, playwrights are invited to a talkback with the director, actors, and designer to reflect on the process and be recognized for their achievement.
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