Independent Arts News Reporting Phillips’ Mill Presents Winning Student Playwrights
Reported on Friday, February 20, 2026. Updated Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Pictured Above: The Student Playwrights to be featured during Phillips’ Mill’s “Play with Words.” Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEW HOPE, PENNSYLVANIA
Phillips' Mill to showcase student playwrights in "Play with Words," a juried theatrical presentation on February 28th, featuring the latest work of young playwrights from the region.
New Hope, PA – The Phillips’ Mill Community Association announced the winners of its annual student playwriting competition, Play with Words, who will be introduced at the staged reading of their works on Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the historic Mill. Entries in the playwriting competition more than doubled this year.
The winning short plays will be performed for a live audience by the Phillips’ Mill Players. A post-performance interview with the playwrights will allow the audience to learn more about the inspiration for their work –– which includes a Shakespearean feud, acceptance of loss as a means to freedom, and the role of the superhero.
Pictured Above: Sarah LeClaire, moderator for “Play with Words.” Photo Credit: Contributed.
Established in 2022, Play with Words is an annual juried event offering students in grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to express their unique voices in a dramatic format. It also provides the opportunity for the winning playwrights to see their work performed in front of a live audience and to receive immediate feedback following the readings. A prize of $100 is awarded for each of the winning plays, along with a written commentary from a published playwright.
Last year’s event was standing room only! The Mill is mighty, but space is limited. For tickets visit the Mill’s website at phillipsmill.org. Questions? Email drama@phillipsmill.org or call 215-862-0582.
Pictured Above: Outdoor photo of the historic Phillips’ Mill.Photo Credit: Contributed.
Phillips’ Mill Community Association has a nearly century-long history of presenting art exhibitions and dramatic presentations in the historic 18th-century gristmill it calls home. It is located just north of New Hope borough at 2619 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938.
