On April 15, NWACC Theatre hosted “Playwrights in Process,” an event designed to highlight student-written work through performance. The showcase encouraged students to write short-form scenes and present them on stage in front of an audience, creating a collaborative and low-pressure environment for experimentation and growth.
The event was created by NWACC theater coordinator Stephanie Freeman, who saw an opportunity to connect student playwrights with performers while promoting a stronger sense of community within the department. “I devised Playwrights in Process as a way for my student playwrights to showcase their work while getting to know other theater students,” she said.
The showcase featured nine original scenes written by theatre students Jackson Collins, Percival Ferguson, Tony Martin, RJ Perry, and Micah Woolbright. Each piece varied in tone, ranging from comedic moments to more serious themes, giving the audience a diverse and engaging theatrical experience. Student actors Julie Wilson, Kieran Bonds, Avery “Birdie” Redmond, Micah Woolbright, Jackson Collins, Olive Naylor, Charles Merryman, and Percival Ferguson brought these works to life.
With limited rehearsal time, performers relied on creativity, embracing the natural impulses that come with staged readings. For many participants, the experience was both creatively fulfilling and personally meaningful. “Being a part of Playwrights in Process made me feel like an important part of a community here at NWACC,” said theatre student Kieran Bonds.
Unlike a fully produced play, “Playwrights in Process” focused on the development stage of theatre. Playwrights were able to receive immediate feedback from audience members, helping them identify strengths and areas of improvement. For actors, it provided a chance to explore new characters and scripts without the extended time commitment of a full production—an important benefit during a busy academic season. In addition to benefiting those directly involved, the event allowed audience members to witness works in progress and support emerging student artists.
Events like “Playwrights in Process” play a crucial role in building confidence, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening the artistic community within NWACC Theatre. By providing a platform for experimentation and feedback, the program helps students grow not only as writers and performers but also as creative thinkers. Overall, “Playwrights in Process” proved to be a valuable and engaging experience, offering NWACC Theatre students the opportunity to develop their craft, share their voices, and take meaningful steps forward in their artistic journeys.
