Aspiring writers have the opportunity to showcase their talents and passions this summer through “Faces of the Future,” a playwriting competition hosted by East West Players. The top three winners receive cash prizes of up to $5,000 and will also have the honor of being considered for workshop and/or production by the theater company.
This year’s theme is “multicultural America from an Asian American perspective” including an exploration of biracial or multiracial identity, collaborations between cultures, or international/transnational storylines.
“As we move into a more multiracial and global society, it is important to process the many levels and complexities of stories in our lives,” said Tim Dang, East West Players’ producing artistic director, in a release. “We continue to encourage comedies as Asian American theatre works to balance an overwhelming majority of dramas. Our audiences also ask for more humor in their lives as a diversion from serious world events. We want everyone with ideas exploring these themes to submit their play.”
All entries, which must be original, unproduced full-length plays or musicals, will be accepted until Aug. 31. Although applicants are encouraged to submit comedies, all genres are welcome. While plays should not have more than five to seven actors, musicals should not have more than 10 to 12 performers. For either, though, the story should not exceed 2.5 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.
First place is $5,000, second place nets $2,500 and $1,000 will be awarded for third place.
Winners will be notified by February 2012. For more information, visit eastwestplayers.org.
In 2008, East West Players held a competition called Pacific Century. The revered Philip Kan Gotanda, David Henry Hwang, and Amy Hill judged for past events. East West Players was founded in Los Angeles in 1965 and is the nation’s oldest minority professional theater group.
