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October 17, 2006
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY’S NEW JERSEY PLAYWRIGHTS COMPETITION STAGES READINGS FOR THREE FINALISTS OCTOBER 24, 25 AND 26
William Paterson University in Wayne will present a series of staged readings featuring the original works of the three finalists in the University-sponsored Third Annual New Jersey Playwrights Competition. “End of the World Button” by S.W. Senek, “American Gator” by Christopher Budinich, and “Signs of Life” by Deborah Brevoort will be presented October 24, 25 and 26, respectively, in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre on campus.
The three New Jersey playwrights were selected as finalists from more than 50 entries and were chosen by a committee of readers chosen from the local theatre community and William Paterson faculty and staff. The winner of the competition will receive a fully staged production of her or her work, opening February 23, 2007.
S.W. Senek is a West Orange-based playwright. His “12 Rounds” was produced in New York City and was nominated for the 2005 New York IT awards for best original short script and subsequently published in two publications. Senek’s plays have received readings and productions from Florida to Alaska.
Christopher Budinich, a 1995 William Paterson University graduate, is an actor, producer and playwright who currently resides in Verona. Budinich has written a collection of short and full-length plays that have received readings and staged productions. Additionally, “Rocket Boys: the Musical” was conceived by Budinich, which he co-authored with Diana Belkowski and Daniel Tramon. After numerous readings in New Jersey and New York, and in Kentucky at the Jenny Wiley Theatre, “Rocket Boys: the Musical” was chosen for a production at the ASCAP/ Disney Workshop, directed and hosted by Craig Carnelia and Stephen Schwartz.
North Bergen playwright Deborah Brevoort is the author of numerous plays and musicals, including “The Women of Lockerbie,” which is currently being produced all over the U.S. and the world after winning the Onassis competition and the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award. Her work has been published by Dramatists Play Service, Samuel French, Applause Books and others.
The three casts are comprised of William Paterson University students: Hanna Agar of Westby, Wis., CC Cummings of Morristown, Brett Druck of South Orange, Hilary Goldman of Princeton, Fred Henry of South Amboy, Pedro Jimenez of Hoboken, Benjamin Newmark of Randolph, Joe Palinsky of Colonia, Emily Polhamus of Glassboro, Lindsay Tierstein of Pine Hill, Michael Turner of Pompton Lakes, Leigh K. Weaver of Clementon and Belinda Winters-Rosen of Kinnelon. Also performing from the community is Maybeth Ryan of Northvale.
“End of the World Button” is directed by Phillip Sprayberry of Clifton, William Paterson University media relations coordinator; “American Gator” is directed by Mark Tambone of Montclair; “Signs of Life” is directed by Rebecca Strum of Ridgewood. WPU staff members Ed Matthews and Shari Selke will produce the series.
Show times for each of the three presentations are 7 p.m. The show will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the playwright and cast. Admission is free. For directions or information, please call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.
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