Powerstories Theatre presents the Voices of Youth Theatre Festival taking place live at the theatre at 2105 West Kennedy Blvd. and online from July 29 through August 1.
Following the success of the virtual Voices of Truth Theatre Festival, Powerstories Theatre is proud to debut this inaugural festival strictly for young artists.
The Voices of Youth Theatre Festival, a family-friendly online and in-theatre event, features local, national, and international youth playwrights ages 10-18. The young playwrights have not only written their play or musical but will direct, produce, cast, and perform. What patrons will see on stage and online comes from the imaginations of these talented youth.
“The Schemer and the Alien” by Florida’s Christiana Golian, age 16, will open the festival live in the theatre on Thursday night, July 29, and “Staged Delights and Frights” by Julia McComiskey, age ten from New York, will debut virtually that evening. “The Schemer and the Alien” will be available to watch online beginning Friday night, July 30.
Also available for viewing on Friday night is “The Magic Pencil,” by Dreamer’s Teatro Crew: Olegario Pedro Lopez, age 16; Alexander Pedro Lopez, age 13; Nani Denning, age 13; Leilani Denning, age 13, and Israel Colón, age 15, from Florida and “Dear Pen Pal” Musical, a submission from Oklahoma by Annie Brown, age 18.
On Saturday night, July 31, patrons can enjoy a short production from a young playwright in The Philippines. “Super Z” is by Zda Sumbillo, age 10.
All pre-recorded shows are available for viewing at 8 PM EST from the night of their debut until August 5.
Included in the festival on Saturday, July 31 at 8 PM is a free Kid and Kid-at-Heart Talent Showcase live on Zoom Saturday night with child and adult spoken word artists, storytellers, singers, and musicians. Participating adults will perform kid-friendly songs and poetry. The showcase will be emceed by Powerstories’ 2020 ShineBright Talent Competition winner, spoken word artist Samantha Bollinger, age 14.
The Kid and Kid-at-Heart Talent showcase feature youth singers Tyler Lindo-Woods, 11; Mila Gramatica, 8, and Zda, 10; spoken word artists Vince Vibess, 15; Samantha, 14; adult singers Katie Bockhaus and Sonali Olivia; spoken word artist Rain Christie; musicians Chicago Saddletramps; and storyteller Rowena D’Amico-Scott.
On Sunday, August 1, the festival will close with a free online Q&A talkback with the young playwrights on Zoom at 8 PM EST.
Said Fran Powers, theatre and festival founder, “I love hearing what our youth have to say.”
Tickets are $10 for two shows on Thursday and Friday and $5 for Saturday’s single show. Talent showcase and playwright talkback are free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit powerstories.com/voices-of-youth-theatre-festival-schedule.
ABOUT POWERSTORIES THEATRE Founded in 2000, the intimate 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, Powerstories Theatre’s mission is staging true stories to open minds and hearts and inspire action worldwide. In the speaking and honoring of these true stories of great learning, performers and audiences alike receive a powerful gift – the validation that they are living a unique, valuable life. Powerstories vitally connects people with each other and helps inspire and motivate positive contributions to the world. Powerstories is proud to be sponsored by Hillsborough County Commissioners and Arts Council.
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