Center for Creative Writing Holding Fifth Annual One-Act Play Festival

Putting a pen to paper has always been an outlet for free expression, emotion and creativity. The Center for Creative Writing, sponsored by Frostburg State University and located in downtown Frostburg, is a platform for said expression. The center serves the Western Maryland area as a place to celebrate the literary arts by hosting countless events while also educating and sparking interest in its audiences. Every week from Monday to Saturday, writers of all kinds can find a comfortable and intellectual place to read and write.

They can grab a cup of coffee while they take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Post a poem to the Center’s easel pad for the window display or read one of the many local publications offered, such as the Backbone Mountain Review.

A host of workshops are offered at the Center, including ones for art, music and writing. There is professional and peer assistance that allows the center to grow. With the skills learned through these workshops, community members are given an opportunity to flourish in their craft.

The Center also serves as a major cornerstone not only for art, but entertainment in the downtown area. At the same time, the Center has also formed bonds with the local businesses on Main Street, such as Mountain City Coffee and Creamery, Dante’s and Main Street books. Public readings, discussions and performances held at the Center are open to everyone young or old. One event in particular that the Center is famed for is the One-Act Play Festival. This marks the fifth year the Center has hosted the event to showcase the talent of playwrights in the rural area. The One-Act Play Festival features staged productions of the national One-Act Playwriting Competition.  All entries are judged on overall quality, dialogue, plot and character development.

Submissions must be sent in by Tuesday, April 14.  Winners will all receive cash prizes as well as production and/or stage readings during the festival in September at The Palace Theatre. First-place winner from last year, David Finney, received a $750 cash prize and production of his play “Love in a Minor Key” during the festivities in 2014. Participants are required to submit 3 hard copies of their original work, which has not been produced prior to submission. Entries of their plays must include a cover letter as well as a $20 application fee.

This is a chance to expose raw talent and explore the minds of others during this creative occasion.