The Festival is designed to encourage York County high school students to create and express their unique perspective through the writing of 10-minute plays. Each year, 10 distinguished plays are selected from 40 to 50 submissions, and given a director, design team and a cast, and then performed on the Strand Capitol stage. This year, 30 actors from nine different local schools will be performing.

“This contest gives young playwrights a chance to see their own original work brought to life on a professional stage,” said Lauren Burke, Performing Arts Teacher with the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center. “And, young actors get a chance to be the ones performing on that professional stage! It’s an amazing opportunity for students in this area.”

The 2017 Distinguished Plays are as follows:

• Behind the Gilded Doors by Nicholas Martinez, Central York High School
• Blue Jay on High by Paige Dern, Dover Area High School
• Chameleon by Gavin P. McCabe, Central York High School
• Crowded Room by Kathryn Seigle, Dover Area High School
• Don’t Go Into the Woods by Lauren Jasitt, Central York High School
• Lewis and Clark and the Data Crisis by Aubrie Wise, Red Lion Senior High School
• Phantom Force by Roselyn Spence, Dover Area High School
• The Red Victor by Isaac Embry, Central York High School
• The Socialite by Hannah Kibler, Central York High School
• Stranger than Strange by Lillian Hoover, West York Area High School

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About the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center:

The Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center enriches the community through performing arts, education and entertainment.  Featuring two historic theaters — the 1,262-seat Strand Theatre and the 450-seat Capitol Theatre — the Strand Capitol brings some of the biggest names in live, professional performing arts along with impactful education programs.