CHS Freshman’s Monologue to Be Performed at PYP’s New Voices Festival

"The Finale," a monologue by Cheltenham High School freshman Norah Sparks, will be performed at Temple University’s Randall Theater (2020 N. 13th St., Philadelphia) on October 28, 30, November 1 (7 p.m.), and November 2 (2 p.m.) as part of the Philadelphia Young Playwrights’ (PYP) New Voices series. Order tickets> 

"The Finale" is told from the point of view of a young dancer, who describes her struggle with mental health and her journey through the healing process. Sparks' work was chosen from over 700 submissions from students in 30 different schools, and is one of nine on the bill. 

In partnership for over 30 years with Temple University, multi-generational teams of artists take on selected plays written by middle school and high school students. Bringing the new play development process to life for artists and audiences alike, New Voices is a glimpse at the freshest new plays written by the next generation of great writers, artists, and thinkers.

Each year, Philadelphia Young Playwrights invites students to submit their plays and monologues to the Annual Playwriting Festival. Plays are considered by the Literary Committee—a collection of nearly 70 program alumni, artists, staff, teachers, and others—who read and write individualized responses to every play. Literary Committee members recommend a number of outstanding plays to be considered for further consideration by two additional groups of readers, Pre-Final Committee and Final Committee. At Final Committee, the panel selects plays and monologues for opportunities such as public productions, one-on-one mentorship, and one-day playwriting retreats. Students whose pieces are selected for production are invited to continue to revise and develop their plays in partnership with theater professionals as part of the rehearsal and performance process.