FSU Center for Creative Writing Announces Contest Winners, Plans One Act Play Fest

Frostburg State University Creative Writing Center announces the winners of its first annual One Act Playwriting Competition and the productions of the winning entries at the One Act Play Fest on Sept. 24-25.

Forty-five entries were received from around the world and were judged by a team of local readers who gave each entry points for characterization, dialogue and story.

Earning first place award and receiving a full production is "Skin Deep" by Mary Lynn Dobson of Atlantic Highland, NJ. The dark comedy centers on the world of child beauty pageants and the eccentric women who run them. In addition to the top cash prize of $750, Dobson's play will be performed by Front and Center Stage Productions of Cumberland, under the direction of Kimberli Rowley.

Coming in second place is "That's Him" by Michelle Wilson of Minnesota. Wilson's play focuses on a family in the emotional (and often irreverent) aftermath of the death of their father. "Monifa's Kiss," a story of three inner-city female teens on a dramatic subway ride written by Alonzo D. LaMont, Jr., of Baltimore, receives third place honors. In addition to cash awards of $250 and $100 respectively, both Wilson and LaMont will receive staged readings of their works, under the direction of FSU University Theatre students.

The Frostburg One Act Play Fest will be begin on Friday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. with a production of the winning entry "Skin Deep" at the historic Palace Theatre on Main Street.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the events continue with staged readings of "That's Him" and "Monifa's Kiss," beginning at 2 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre at 22 E. Main Street. Later at 8 p.m., there will be encore performance of "Skin Deep" at the Palace. Question and answer forums with the playwrights, actors and directors will follow each of the performances.

Admission to the festival is $10 for the general public and $5 for students with valid I.D. You can get special combined tickets for both the afternoon readings and an evening performance for $15. Tickets are available at Main Street Books in Frostburg, The Book Center in Cumberland and will also be available at the box office on the day of the shows.

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