From Page to Stage: Student Playwrights Shine in Original Works

On April 9 and 11, nine students in Sarah Cussler’s Writing for Stage and Screen course presented 10-minute original plays in a series of staged readings. The plays were read for invited guests in one of the theater classrooms of the Academic & Performing Arts Center—a first-time event to showcase their creative work.

The plays were the culmination of their work exploring the craft of playwriting in a staged reading assignment. Each student began by writing several one-minute plays, which they then developed into the full 10-minute pieces. The assignment focused on crafting compelling conflicts that reveal depth and complexity in both character and plot.

Among the highlights of the course was a notable achievement by Rosa Bilston ’25, whose play From What I’ve Tasted of Desire was selected as one of four winners in the Write Here! Write Now! Student Playwright Contest, hosted by Trinity Rep, the State Theater of Rhode Island.

Rosa’s work was performed on April 21 at Trinity Rep during a celebratory festival for the winning playwrights and their families. As part of the honor, each winner received a scholarship toward a Trinity Rep Young Actors Studio after-school class, as well as 20 complimentary tickets for their school to attend a Project Discovery student matinee during the 2025–26 season. Bravo, Rosa!

Student Staged Readings performed on April 9 & 11, 2025:

Trash by Theo Friedman ’25

Who’s There by Sarah Blank ’26

To Push and To Pull by Maggie Russell ’25

Offseason by Violet Wich ’25

From What I’ve Tasted of Desire by Rosa Bilston ’25

Between Then and Never by Tatia Casella ’25

3:44 by Lena O’Mally ’25

Town Hall by Qamar Al-Tameemi ’25


Photos from the Write Here! Write Now! Celebration: