April 2, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College’s Theatre Department has selected six original 10-minute plays for its first High School Playwrights Festival, highlighting the work of area high school writers.
Auditions for the staged readings will take place April 17 at 7 p.m., with performances April 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event is a collaboration between Barton Theatre and the greater community.
Barton Theatre instructor Jack Greenwood said the festival gives young playwrights the opportunity to see their work brought to life on stage while engaging in the creative process. Following the performance, one student will be named the festival’s first champion playwright and receive a prize.
“The process has been very insightful,” he said. “We can see from these plays what topics the students are passionate about and what motivates them in this ever-challenging social climate. It's been rewarding to see them find their voice and we feel lucky that we get to be a part of it. We've also gotten a lot of great ideas on how to make this festival bigger and better next year."
For more information, contact Greenwood at greenwoodr@bartonccc.edu.