No one knows exactly how old William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon was when he wrote his first play. Scholars guess he was about 28.
That would be some 17 years older than 11-year-old Shyla de Hoop of Rolando. Her prize-winning play will receive a staged reading in Balboa Park at the Old Globe on Friday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Sheryl and Harvey White Stage in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center as part of the 34th annual festival of Plays by Young Writers. The performances are open to the public.
Shyla wrote her script, “Have Hope,” in a Playwrights Project residency at Creative and Performing Media Arts School, the San Diego Unified School District magnet school. “Have Hope” tells the story of two cats who embark on a journey to find their missing mother.
Shyla is one of only six California students to win the California Young Playwrights Contest for ages 18 and under. Theater professionals selected contest winners from 415 submissions by students statewide. Three scripts will receive full professional productions and two scripts will receive staged readings.
Shyla will be able to continue to nourish her talent under Playwright Project Teaching Artist Aleta Barthell, founder of Kids Act. Selection criteria for the contest focused on creative ideas, intriguing and authentic characters, fresh use of language, a story revealed through dialogue and action, and a script that would gain from further development in the production process
On the night of the awards, Shyla de Hoop surrounded by her support team. Beginning far left, her mom, CPMA teacher Elka Adams, and her dad. In front Shyla with her brother. One thrilling event.
Tickets range in price according to category of purchaser:
individuals, $25; seniors, students and military, $20; school groups of ten or more, $10; other groups of ten or more, $15. Opening night (includes reception), $60.
For information and reservations, contact Playwrights Project, 858-384-2970, write@playwrightsproject.org; or http://www.playwrightsproject/org/productions/pbyw
