The cast and crew of 2025 Don McCann Playwriting Showcase are excited to present four new short plays to audiences at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in early March. The Don McCann Playwriting Showcase which started in 2022 as a one-evening event, has transformed into a much-anticipated, annual full weekend run. This year for its fourth interaction, The Oswego Players is producing the four standout one act plays from last year’s Don McCann One Act Memorial Playwriting Contest. The 2024 Playwriting Contest was open to all residents of New York state, this resulted in the highest number of submissions in the history of the contest. These four prize winning one acts were chosen from a wide variety of ninety plays.
Tickets are “Pay-What-You-Wish” with the proceeds going towards the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest Fund. Curtain times are 7:30PM on Friday, March 7th and Saturday March 8th, with a 2:00 PM matinee on Sunday, March 9th. Tickets for the 4th Annual Don McCann Playwriting Showcase are available for purchase along with the rest of the Oswego Players 87th season at https://onthestage.tickets/oswego-players-inc/season . Please be aware that all four one act plays feature adult content, so these productions are for an adult audience only. Tickets can also be purchased by clicking the ticket button on oswegoplayers.org or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.
The cast and crew of the 4th Annual Don McCann Playwriting Showcase are thrilled to bring new one acts to life for the first time. Jennifer Waugh who was in the very first Showcase back in 2022 as titular “Candy”, has returned to Showcase after a two-year hiatus. “After being part of the inaugural season of the playwriting contest, I was very honored to be asked to return for this season shows”, Waugh explained. Another individual returning to Playwriting Showcase after a short absence is Stephaine Johnson. Stephaine is directing two out of the four productions and is a new director for the Oswego Players this season. When asked about the importance of presenting new plays to the public, Stephanie said; “I find it a privilege to be a part of bringing new works to life, as part of this event. Each piece reflects the individual voice of its writer, as well as the unique blending of the talented and diverse ensemble shaping and bringing the words to life. It will be a momentous event for sure.”
Three of last year’s participants are also excited to return to the Showcase this year. Tammy Thompson, current president of the Oswego Players is “thrilled to be a part of this year’s playwriting contest again! It is such fun to bring new works of art to life! It’s a great chance to put your own spin on something no one has ever seen before.” Scott Bandla who was in last year’s winner “Old Money, New Habits” by Alexis Martin, is another actor delighted to act in these original one acts. Scott is “thrilled to return for this year’s McCann Showcase in two roles that couldn’t be more different.” He believes that these differences are the Showcase does best, “allowing the Oswego Players to highlight works that local audiences might otherwise not get to see.” Kevin Colvin is also motivated to act in new short plays as well. Kevin said, ““”I enjoyed directing and acting in last years showcase and am very pleased to be involved in this year Showcase.”
All four prize winning One-Act plays of 2024 Don McCann Playwriting contest will all be presented this year’s Showcase. The Showcase includes “Like Clockwork” by Andrada Angileri, directed by Angella Bandla, “Maybe Tomorrow” by Brian Leahy Doyle, directed by Norman Berlin III, “Birthright” by Lydia Merritt, directed by Stephanie Johnson and the winner of 2024 “A Matter of Measurements” by Michael Brumm, also directed by Stephanie Johnson.
The cast of the 2025 Don McCann Playwriting Showcase includes numerous talented local actors such as Kevin Colvin, Jennifer Hitchcock, Tammy Thompson, Scott Bandla, Jennifer Waugh, Will Bandla, and Matthew Fleming
The Annual Showcase and Playwriting Contest honors the memory of Donald J. McCann, who was a writer, director, former President and longtime historian for the Oswego Players. The annual one act playwriting contest was established in his name and provides New York State playwrights with the opportunity to get their work read and judged. The Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest is funded by generous donations received from across the community. All proceeds from this year’s production will benefit the fund’s mission of supporting new theatrical works and their creators.
The cast and crew of 2025 Don McCann Playwriting Showcase are excited to present four new short plays to audiences at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. Front row, left to right: Stephanie Johnson, Norman Berlin and Angella Bandla. Back row, from the left: Jennifer Hitchcock, Kevin Colvin, Tammy Thompson, Matthew Fleming, Will Bandla, Scott Bandla and Jennifer Waugh. Tickets are “Pay-What-You-Wish”. Show dates are Friday, March 7th and Saturday March 8th at 7:30PM and a 2:00 PM matinee on Sunday, March 9th. Please be aware that all four one act plays feature adult content, so these productions are for an adult audience only. Tickets can be purchased at oswegoplayers.org or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.