The Oswego Players are on the lookout for budding playwrights eager to see their creations brought to life on stage. The Donald J. McCann Memorial One-Act Playwriting Contest, dedicated to spotlighting local talent, is now accepting submissions. President Norman Berlin III urges, “If you’ve ever felt the urge to write a play, now’s the time to take that leap and submit your work!”
The contest honors Don McCann, a true wordsmith who not only directed thought-provoking plays but also crafted his own one-act gems. A lifelong resident of the Port City, McCann made his mark as a reporter for the Oswego Palladium Times before delving passionately into the realms of acting, directing, and writing with the Oswego Players in the mid-1950s. Throughout his four-decade tenure, he held roles as President and Historian for the theater group, which has been a staple in the regional arts scene since 1938. McCann’s artistic flair leaned towards bold, message-driven plays such as The Visit, Inherit the Wind, and Agnes of God, all of which he helmed. Not only did he contribute numerous articles and play reviews, but he also ventured into crafting one-act plays for the group’s performances.
“The Don McCann Showcase has been one of the most magical times of my life,” says 2023 winner Alexis Martin. Martin wrote and directed “Old Money, New Habits,” which shared first prize with “Game of the Week” – the collaborative effort of Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross. “My sincerest gratitude to the crew of Oswego Players,” continues Martin, “who provided so many resources and gave such care into this idea and made me feel completely at home and a part of their theater family. The immense support has also been other worldly and it was so special to me to have so many dear friends and family members come out to see the production! I feel as though a beautiful journey has only just begun.”
Anyone interested in submitting an original One-Act Play script for the 2024 contest should contact Osweplay@yahoo.com for a complete set of rules and guidelines. All submissions for this year’s contest must be received by June 15th and sent either electronically to osweplay@yahoo.com or through the mail, Playwriting Contest, P.O. Box 183, Oswego, NY 13126.
Pictured are the hilarious cast of “Old Money, New Habits” by Alexis Martin, co-winner of 2023 Playwriting Contest. From left to right are Kevin Colvin, Gina Mazzoli, Matthew Fleming, Scott Bandla and Tammy Thompson. Anyone interested in submitting an original One-Act Play script for the 2024 contest should contact Osweplay@yahoo.com for a complete set of rules and guidelines.