Presentation of the 2025 Finalist Plays
Department of Theatre Speech: Sarah Hendrickson

Welcome from Sarah Hendrickson and Eric Olmscheid.

There will be a reception in the lobby after the final performance.

The Chicanerous Murder of A Sunscreen Saleswoman

Written by Malia Reitz, Holt High School
Sponsoring Teacher: Lauren Hallett • Playwright Mentor: Emilio Rodriguez
Directed by Matt Durland

• Colette
• Savannah Jordan
• Lucian
• Shelby Parker
• Julian
• Jhon Govaere
• Tanner
• Stephanie Kochel

Count to 10

Written by Richard Shelton, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Sponsoring Teacher: Karen Horwath • Playwright Mentor: Eric Marlin
Directed by Ava Ballagh

• Earn
• Ben Perry
• Levitt
• Jhon Govaere
• Customer
• Alec Althoen
• Hendrix
• Alexis Mendez

Defiance in Name Only

Written by Malayna Brink, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Sponsoring Teacher: Karen Horwath • Playwright Mentor: Shawntai Brown
Directed by Ava Ballagh

• Teru
• Jhon Govaere
• Father
• Ben Perry
• Emerald
• Lexa Busch

Double Life

Written by Madison Snawder, Dewitt High School
Sponsoring Teacher: Katie Nolen • Playwright Mentor: Joe Giardina
Directed by Cayla Joy

• Lindsay
• Maddie Affer
• Lindsay Double
• Lexa Busch
• Sam
• Ben Perry
• Sam Double
• Alexis Mendez

Wired in Parallel

Written by Cozmo Neubauer, J.W. Sexton High School
Sponsoring Teacher: Candace Potts • Playwright Mentor: Bella Poynton
Directed by Cayla Joy

• Jaron
• Alexis Mendez
• Evelynn
• Maddie Affer
• Thyria
• Savannah Jordan
• Overseer
• Shelby Parker

SUPER FUN SPACE ADVENTURES!!!

Written by Charlie Valas, East Lansing High School
Sponsoring Teacher: Diana Sanchez • Playwright Mentor: Jill Holden
Directed by Matt Durland

• Captain
• Stephanie Kochel
• Private
• Maddie Affer
• Cow
• Lexa Busch
• Barry
• Alec Althoen

 

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Institute for Arts & Creativity

Kelly Stuible-Clark, Senior Education Program Manager
Laurie Briseño, Education Operations Manager
Ben English, Community Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator
Hope X. Still, Intern
Connor Reilly, Intern

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Wharton Center wishes to express thanks to the following organizations & individuals:

MSU Department of Theatre
Stephen Di Benedetto, Chair

Faculty Mentor/Advisor for Playwrights
Rob Roznowski, Head of Acting & Directing, Professor

Faculty Mentor/Advisor to Student Directors
Sarah Hendrickson, Academic Specialist of Acting and Improvisation, Teaching Artist in Residence, Wharton Center Institute for Arts & Creativity

Play Selection Committee
Brooke Cousins
Anthony Monteleone
Nathaniel Myers
Rob Roznowski
Alexandra Spevetz

Intimacy Director
Connor J. Reilly

Stage Managers
Connor J. Reilly
Ally Doederlein
Kyle Angiolino

Special thanks to our playwright mentors:
Shawntai Brown
Detroit-based Theatre Artist
Joe Giardina
New York City Theatre Artist
Julie Daniels
L.A.-based Playwright
Eric Marlin
New York-based Theatre Artist
Bella Poynton
SUNY AI Teaching Fellow
Emilio Rodriguez
Michigan-based Theatre Artist

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The Young Playwrights Festival (YPF) is celebrating its 29th anniversary this year. What began as a new educational opportunity in 1996 has grown into one of the most influential and respected theatre programs in the state, allowing high school students to see their original work come to life on stage. Presented collaboratively by Wharton Center and the Michigan State University Department of Theatre, YPF is an annual event showcasing original works written by high school students and produced by university graduate and undergraduate students, creating a collaborative and immersive program.

More than 30 scripts were submitted by Michigan high school students, which were read by the initial screening committee. From the 12 semifinalists selected, six finalist scripts were chosen to be produced. In March, student directors for the finalist plays held auditions with rehearsals starting in May. Playwrights were assigned professional theatre mentors who, over five weeks, advised the playwrights on rewriting their plays.

MSU Department of Theatre students are stage-managing and providing the technical crews for today’s performance, allowing college students to engage in the learning experience and work with young directors and writers to create their production.

Throughout its existence, YPF has fostered up-and-coming talent by providing writers with the opportunity to work with creative professionals. At its core, YPF has always been a celebration of the original work submitted to the program every year. The participants are dedicated to producing the student’s work and teaching lifelong skills like creative thinking, professional writing, working with a team, and leadership.