Theatre Odyssey

Theatre Odyssey

Winners of First Student Playwriting Festival Announced

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Theatre Odyssey is pleased to announce Therapy, a ten-minute play written by Sabrina Viota and Summer Begalka from Saint Stephens Episcopal School, won this year’s Student Playwriting Festival.  Therapy was directed by Cinda Goeken.  Friends Forever written by Francesca DiMaio, Melina Cuffaro and Amanda Robbins  from Lakewood Ranch  High School received an Honorable Mention award; this play was directed by Julie Look.  The competition took place at State College of Florida.
The winner received a cash award of $300.00, generously donated by Theatre Odyssey trustees Terry and Susan Romine. Saint Stevens Episcopal School will receive an engraved trophy in recognition of their students’ accomplishment. The trophy will rotate annually.
The winning play, Therapy, will be featured at Theatre Odyssey’s annual Ten-Minute Play Festival March 29, 30 and 31 at the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe theater, 1646 10th Way  in Sarasota. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
“We appreciate The State College of  Florida’s support and use of their David S. and Ann V. Howard Studio Theater”, said Catherine Randazzo,  president of Theatre Odyssey.  Preston Boyd, Artistic Director for The Student Playwriting Festival, thanked the prestigious jury that selected this year’s winner.  The jury was comprised of Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald Tribune theater critic, Howard Millman, director and former producing artist director at the Asolo Repertory Theatre,  Ken Erickson, director of theater at State College of Florida and Tami Vaughan, actress and member of Theatre Odyssey Board of Directors.
While the Jury was evaluating this year’s plays, Theatre Odyssey conducted a “playwright workshop” for the audience.  Tom Aposporos was the host along with local playwrights Ron Pantello, Marvin Albert and Bernie Yanelli. Each discussed the challenges of writing short plays.
“We hope that all the student playwrights who participated in this festival will continue their writing and interest in the theater,” said Catherine Randazzo.
Photo, from left to right:
Back Row:  Terry Romine, Susan Romine, Catherine Randazzo, Sabrina Viota (with trophy), Kemery Colbert.
Middle Row:  Kenneth Erickson, Howard Millman, Jay Handelman, Tami Vaughan, Summer Begalka, Francesca DiMaio.
Kneeling:  Preston Boyd