Fall for Phillips’ Mill Drama
With the 93rd Annual Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill now a wonderful memory, we turn our attention to another fall favorite: the November 19 reading of winning plays from our Annual Emerging Playwright Competition. In this issue of The Grist, you will see that it’s been a busy time for the Drama Committee, who just launched a competition for student writers and a series of “salons” for writers.
Nocturne Painting Demo with Joe Gyurcsak
Fundraiser in Partnership with the Doylestown Art League
Saturday, November 5, 2 to 4:30 pm - At the Mill
When artist Joe Gyurcsak couldn’t travel during the pandemic, he looked around his own neighborhood at night for inspiration. The results were provocative and beautiful. Join Gyurcsak at the Mill as he demonstrates the tips and techniques he uses when painting night scenes.
This original artwork will go on sale at the end of the demo. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Phillips’ Mill and the Doylestown Art League.
5th Annual Emerging Playwright Competition
Reading of Winning Plays
Saturday, November 19, 7 pm - At the Mill
The audience plays such an important role in any live production. For the actors on stage, response to audience feedback can happen in the moment. For playwrights, it can lead to refinement of their work.
Join us for the reading of the winning plays of the 5th Annual Emerging Playwright Competition and become a part of that synergy. This free event includes a wine reception and a moderated talkback with the writers.
Phillips’ Mill Literary Salon
Sunday, November 20, 2 to 4 pm - At the Mill
Join us for an afternoon of dramatic monologues as we kick off “Phillips’ Mill Salons,” a new series that invites writers to come together to share ideas in a collaborative, creative space.
Each salon will include a performance or reading, followed by snacks and mingling (bring your own food and drinks, alcoholic or otherwise, if you desire!). The first salon will feature monologues and be led by Doylestown writer John McDonnell (pictured left).
From EPC to NYC
Our Winning Playwrights Share Their Aspirations
Do you have a one-act play or two collecting dust in your top drawer or a brilliant idea floating around in your head? Find out why J.B. Heaps and Jim Moss, two of this year’s EPC-winning playwrights, submit their works to competitions. It could just give you the push you need to hit “send.”
Read bios of all of this year’s winning playwrights.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Youth Playwriting Challenge
Now Through December 31, 2022
Play with Words is a juried playwriting competition that offers school-aged youth, grades 6 to 12, the chance to have their work critiqued by distinguished writing professionals and performed live on stage.
“By inviting students to engage in the creative process, we hope to enhance personal responsibility and self-esteem, cultivate joy in learning, promote creative thinking and improve literary skills,” says Valerie Eastburn, Chair of the Phillips’ Mill Drama Committee.
The first 50 submissions received during the acceptance period (October 15 – December 31, 2022) will be considered. There will be a $50.00 cash prize for each winning entry plus a staged reading before a live audience at Phillips’ Mill in March 2023.
“The Best Show Ever”
The 9rd Annual Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill was an incredible success, as evidenced by the overwhelming attendance, impressive sales and visitor remarks. “It was the best show ever” was a common theme on this year’s evaluations. We couldn’t agree more.
“We are proud to have displayed the finest works of local artists. However, make no mistake, our four-person panel of jurors — distinguished academic artists — was challenged by ALL of the over 600 submissions. We are fortunate to live in such a creative community,” remarks Mary Flamer, Chair of the Art Show.
A Special Thank You
We would like to thank the hundreds of artists who submitted their work to the show, as well as the dozens of volunteers who gave their time to make this show such a success. “This volunteer organization is as devoted to our area’s artists as its founders were over nine decades ago,” adds Mary Flamer.
A special thank you to the many artists who stopped by the Mill to chat with our visitors about their works. These casual “Meet the Artist” sessions are a highlight of the show each year. We look forward to continuing the tradition next year and hope you join us!
In Case You Missed It – “Drama at the Mill”
October 26, 2022
Phillips’ Mill has a century old tradition of bringing live, community-driven theater to the community. From staging original musical comedies and cabarets to short plays and impromptu poetry readings, the Mill supports the aspirations of emerging writers, actors, musicians and other artists in a variety of ways.
During our ArtTalk on October 26, we took a peek behind the curtain with Valerie Eastburn, Chair of Phillips’ Mill Drama, and Fran Young, Director of the Phillips’ Mill Emerging Playwright Readings. Viewers learned how the Phillips’ Mill Drama program evolved over the years and got a sneak preview at where it is heading.
SAVE THE DATE - NOVEMBER 16 • 7 pm
Annelies van Dommelen
The improvisational artist will discuss the challenges and rewards of working without a plan. Please check the Phillips' Mill website over the next week or two for updated information and a link to register.
Mill Members’ Mixer
Fine Art. Good Wine. Tasty Bites.
Mill members enjoyed a lively gathering at the Mill on Friday evening, October 21. It was a special treat for 90+ members and their guests to experience the 93rd Annual Juried Art Show together.
Conversations among both old and new friends flowed all evening, as did kudos to the Special Events Committee and other volunteers who helped host the gathering.
Members: Save the Date for a Holiday Soirée on December 1, 2022. Not a member? It's a perfect time to join the Mill. Members enjoy early access to many exhibits and can also attend members' mixers and other social events. Join today!
