The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival promotes and encourages creative writing — in the theatrical form — and is open to all students K-12 within Riverside County, California. The festival encourages any elementary, middle or high school student to write and submit a play about any subject. The submitted plays are reviewed by a selection committee of seasoned actors, producers and casting directors, and winners are chosen. Each winner will receive mentorship to strengthen and enhance their work, a $500 scholarship to help further their career in the arts, and winning entries will have their plays produced and performed in a staged reading on June 12, 2022, 12-2 pm at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. This event is free and open to the public.
As a writer, a mom and somewhat of a theater geek myself, it was fun to dive into the intersection of theater, education and using artistic skills for social good with David Youse, the Festival’s Executive Director. Originally from a blue collar family in Philly, and a current resident of Palm Springs, Youse has been a successful actor for 35 years.
“As a gay man I always knew I’d end up here,” he said. He was referring to Palm Springs, but his infectious spirit and desire to pay forward the many rewards of a career in the arts was palpable. His work in TV and Film include roles on Ellen, Chicago Hope, Murphy Brown, Beverly Hills, 90210 and soaps. One of his favorite parts was in an episode of Criminal Minds; a role he says people still talk about. Youse’s goal is to ignite an interest in the arts for young kids. Whether they become a lighting designer or a screenwriter, he just wants them to know you can have a career in the arts; he hopes to open up the entertainment world to young students. Not all winning plays are feel-good stories; the kids write about school shootings, sexual harassment and transgender realities. As the next generation to shape our world, their voices and experiences are important as we move through difficult times.
There are many theaters in the Coachella Valley and much cross-pollination with Hollywood and Los Angeles. Youse works with a team of professionals and volunteers, including Louisa Higgins, Visual and Performing Arts Administrator for Riverside County Office of Education, Chuck Yates, Founding Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks, the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and PSYPF board members Marni Raab and Margarida De Brito. The Advisory Board also includes past winners, many of whom are in college and studying Theater and Film.
Both 2021 and 2022 winners will be celebrated this year because of Covid. Here’s a look at the young playwrights and their winning plays:
BROTHERLY LOVE: How far will someone go to protect and defend family? And in a surprise ending, what are the consequences of their actions? Written by 13-year-old Jadelynn Okialda-Simmons from Hans Christensen Middle School (Menifee, CA). Directed by Keith Hoffman, Executive Producer at Discovery Network.
TRAPPED: Imagine a pandemic hitting the entire world. Now imagine how two teenagers in different homes maintain a relationship while living with their families who don’t understand gender identity. Written by 17-year-old Cal Vaughan from Palm Springs High School, directed by Chuck Yates, Actor/Director and former Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks.
GOTCHA: Inspired by real-life events, a teenager looks to the internet for comfort and connection after the murder of her brother. Written by 17-year-old Yamani Scoggins from Valley View High School (Moreno Valley) and directed by Marni Raab, of Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera.
MAIN CHARACTER: A play within a play about the “mean girls” in high school who aren’t so mean after all. The 2022 winner, written by 15-year-old Brooklyn Rutledge from Paloma Valley High School from Menifee, California and directed by Deborah Harmon, a film/tv actress and director.
For this years’ event — the fourth annual — the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel General Manager Peggy Trott will provide rehearsal space and an invite-only reception for the playwrights and their families from 5-7 pm Saturday, June 11. Congratulations to all the winners! More information is available at psypf.com.
