Up-and-coming playwrights are the focus at American Stage this weekend when 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival presents five new plays, a youth showcase, the world premiere of “The People Downstairs” (by St. Petersburg’s own Natalie Symons, pictured) and two panel discussions with National New Play Network Executive Director Nan Barnett. The event spans four days and seeks to open doors for, and then elevate, local talent through audience talk-backs with the Creative Team and Producing Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte following each play reading. Admission varies based on event; some panels and youth showcases have “pay what you can” admission.
21st Century Voices: New Play Festival. Thu.-Sun. Feb. 27-March 1. American Stage 163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg.americanstage.org
Follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter to get the most up-to-date news + views. Subscribe to our newsletter, too.
This article appears in Feb 20-27, 2020.