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New One-Act Play Competition Shines a Spotlight on Teens in Union County

TeenArtsTheatreShowcase logoUnion County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 Teen Arts Theatre Showcase, a new one-act play competition and learning experience for high school students throughout Union County.

Registration is now open to enter the competition. Students who qualify will produce their plays at Hamilton Stage, a professional performance venue in Rahway operated by the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC).

“Union County has a rich pool of young talent in the performing arts, and the new Teen Arts Theatre Showcase will provide a unique opportunity for our students to develop their craft, learn from trained theatre professionals and educators, and perform on a professional stage,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.

The Teen Arts Theatre Showcase is an expansion of the annual Teen Arts Festival, which features hundreds of student works in a wide variety of creative fields every spring.

Productions in the Teen Arts Theatre Showcase will be run entirely by students, so the actors and crews have an opportunity to develop strong leadership skills as well as critical thinking and problem-solving.

To be eligible, the production must be a 20 to 40 minute one-act play or musical presentation, with minimal use of set elements.

Qualified entrants will stage their productions on Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3 at Hamilton Stage, and qualified judges will offer feedback and supportive critiques.

All entrants, including crews and actors, will also be invited to participate in a full day of theatre workshops and learning opportunities.

The workshops are a great opportunity to enhance student learning and creative thinking, explore imagination, and promote teamwork and collaboration,” said Jalloh.

The Teen Arts Theatre Showcase competition will recognize productions for individual and group achievements in several categories. One special award for Best Overall Presentation will include an opportunity to present a fully staged production at UCPAC’s 1300-seat Mainstage, located at the historic Rahway Theatre in Rahway. The winning school may perform a play or musical of its choice. 

Registrations are open now through May 4, 2015. For more information and to register, visit ucnj.org.