Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre (PARC) is thrilled to announce the provincial winners of this year’s U-Compete playwriting competition. After careful deliberation, the jury has selected three outstanding scripts that exemplify the richness of emerging talent in the Atlantic region.
New Brunswick Winner:
10 Methods (of Reconnecting with an Ex-Boyfriend in an Airplane After Three Years of Separation) by Maika Branch
Newfoundland and Labrador Winner:
An Unwanted Guest to a Terrible Party by Daniel Lanigan O’Hara
Nova Scotia Winner:
The Dead by Grayer Parsons
Each winning script in the 2024 PARC U-Compete competition offers a distinctive viewpoint and exemplifies the diverse array of voices among Atlantic Canadian playwrights. From Maika Branch’s 10 Methods (of Reconnecting with an Ex-Boyfriend in an Airplane After Three Years of Separation), the jury commended its incorporation of Maritime-specific motifs and experiences, its inventive exploration of form through a countdown of methods, and its balance of playfulness with heartfelt sincerity, all within the intimate two-hander format. Daniel Lanigan O’Hara’s An Unwanted Guest to a Terrible Party impressed with its clear staging imagery, blending elements of mystery and dark comedy to create immediate and compelling conflicts, alongside well-defined character arcs. These insights underscore the richness and talent present within Atlantic Canada’s playwright community. Grayer Parsons’ The Dead captivated the jury with its visionary storytelling and planned sizable cast, delving into themes of family and generational grief while experimenting with form through Damien’s narration, resulting in intriguing characterizations.
We will celebrate these exceptional scripts with an evening of readings in partnership with PARC Company Member Live Bait Theatre on March 28, 2024, 4:30 pm EDT | 5:30 pm ADT | 6 pm NDT. Whether in person at Live Bait Theatre (3 Fairfield Rd, Sackville, NB), or online via PARC’s Facebook Page, the community will have the opportunity to witness the talent of our emerging playwrights firsthand. In addition to experiencing these captivating readings, we will announce the overall winner of the competition, and audience members can participate by voting for the Audience’s Choice Winner.
Let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and the next generation of playwrights at the 2024 PARC U-Compete public readings!