Congratulations to junior Gabrielle Hoyt-Disick for winning Second Prize in the eighth annual Young Playwrights' Competition hosted by Union County College's Professional Theater Company, The Theater Project.

Gabrielle is one of three prize-winning students whose original plays will be performed on Saturday, March 13 at 3 p.m. by The Theater Project's company of professional actors.

Open to New Jersey residents in secondary schools, ages 13 to 18, the goal of the Young Playwrights' Competition is to "encourage the next generation of theater practitioners and audience by honoring their work and bringing it to life." In addition to seeing her work performed on stage, Gabrielle will receive a $400 savings bond for winning Second Prize.

 
Mark Spina, Artistic Director of The Theater Project said, "This is truly one of the highlights of the year for all of us at The Theater Project. We received a number of high quality entries this year and the community can certainly be very proud of our area youth. We are really looking forward to showcasing these up-and-coming playwrights and giving their original, provocative pieces a deserving spotlight on our stage."

Performances of the winning plays are open to the public and will take place in the Roy Smith Theater at the Cranford campus of Union County College. Admission is free. The production will be followed by a discussion with the playwrights and actors. Performance reservations and all other questions can be directed to The Theater Project at (908) 659-5189 or by email at THEATERPROJECT@aol.com.