Chicago – Pegasus Theatre Chicago is proud to present the 38th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, a showcase of emerging talent from high schools across the city. From January 5 to 26, 2025, the festival will take over the Chicago Dramatists, located at 798 N. Aberdeen, with a roster of one-act plays that are sure to impress.
For nearly four decades, the Young Playwrights Festival has been a staple of Chicago’s theatre scene, giving high school students the opportunity to hone their writing skills and share their stories with an audience. Every year, over 300 submissions are received, with the winning plays being work-shopped and staged by industry professionals. This unique platform has allowed countless young writers to gain invaluable experience and break into the industry.
“The 2025 Young Playwrights Festival is an exciting new chapter for Pegasus Theatre Chicago,” said Executive and Producing Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan. “We’ve been producing new plays as an outlet for young writers’ creativity for 38 years now, and we’re thrilled to share these talented playwrights’ stories with the community.”
This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of plays, including “Family Fishing Trip” by Lydia Vodopic (Lane Tech College Prep High School), directed by Ruben Carrazana. The story follows Sal, who takes his kids on a fishing trip that quickly spirals out of control, revealing hidden secrets and possible crime. Can this family put aside their differences and make it back home?
Next up is “Love & Gyros” by Lily Zhang (Whitney M. Young Magnet High School), directed by Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke. This play tells the heartwarming story of James and Cecelia, two former high school sweethearts who reunite on a Greek island. As they reminisce about their past, we see the complexities of time, memory, and love.
The festival also offers “Superheroes Anonymous” by Carolina Boss (Whitney M. Young Magnet High School), directed by Ilesa Duncan herself. This darkly comedic play explores the lives of several undercover superheroes who meet in secret to share their struggles. Will they find support in each other, or remain forever masked?
The production team behind the 38th Annual Young Playwrights Festival includes Ruben Carrazana (Family Fishing Trip), Ilesa Duncan (Superheroes Anonymous), Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke (Love & Gyros), and Addoris Davis (production manager). Previews will take place from January 2 to 4, with the official opening ceremony on January 5 at 2:30 pm.
Performance dates and times are as follows: Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2:30 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are available now for $15-$30 on PegasusTheatreChicago.org. Educators can also book school group matinees by emailing [email protected].
The 38th Annual Young Playwrights Festival is a testament to Pegasus Theatre Chicago’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and providing a platform for young writers to shine. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of playwrights tackle the challenges of storytelling and make their mark on the Chicago theatre scene. Tickets are now on sale – get yours today!
