YOUNG DRAMATISTS' PROJECT (YDP '08)
MAY 29-JUNE 8, 2008

The Gorilla Theatre's Young Dramatists' Project is the only Tampa Bay area event that offers full-scale, professional productions of teens' works.

Now in its eighth year, YDP '08 is a playwriting competition open to all middle and high school-aged students in the Tampa area. The world premiere of the 5 winning scripts by 5 up-and-coming student playwrights will occur May 29-June 8, as the official close of the Gorilla Theatre's 2007-2008 season.

"I wish there had been a Young Dramatists' Project around when I was a budding playwright back home in Indiana in nineteen hundred and ...oh, oh never mind," Gorilla Theatre cofounder and producer Aubrey Hampton, states.

He created the next best thing by sponsoring and producing a program to help young student playwrights get their works produced.

Winners receive mentoring by local dramaturge, Jim Rayfield, in preparation for their debut production. Also, each is given a royalty of $250 for each produced play, a professional production (8-show run) and paid membership into the Dramatists' Guild (the professional association of playwrights, lyricists and composers).

THIS YEAR'S WINNING PLAYS

Aftershots by Elizabeth Klettke
Directed by Ami Sallee Corley
Set in a ruined school cafeteria where violence has obviously occurred, the play examines stereotypes and how they can break down after a tragic event such as a school shooting.

Destruction Room by Gabriel Neustadt
Directed by Joe Winskye
A new recreational phenomenon has gripped the nation: Destruction Room, Inc. — where customers can do anything they want — destroy anything they choose — vent their anger in any way possible — all for $29.95. But has its founder gone too far?

Fable de Veras by Andrew Ford
Directed by Eric Davis
The story of a Mexican couple that immigrate illegally to the U.S. They have a daughter in this country and when they are deported, she is allowed to stay as a legal citizen. The daughter tells this story through a fable which parallels the action taking place on stage.

Order by Sierra Almengual
Directed by David O'Hara
Wade, a scrawny eleven year old, is terrorized by his older brother. After being ridiculed for his intelligence, his "condition" (dyslexia) and his being adopted, Wade finally reaches his breaking point. When the roles are reversed, how will the brothers' natural order survive?

Red Cross by Alexander Nunnelly
Directed by Karla Hartley
In the cellar of a doomed city, a Red Cross worker comes across a woman who does not intend to leave. The encounter reveals much about what it means to save a life.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
WHEN: May 29-June 8, 2008: Thursdays at 7pm — Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm — Sundays at 3pm
WHERE: Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33614 "Behind Steinbrenner Field"

TICKET PRICES:
Full price adult ticket: $15
Senior (fifty-five years and older): $10
Adult Student with ID: $10
High School and Middle School students: $5