Creativity and imagination took center stage as five students from North Royalton Middle School were named winners in the prestigious 47th Annual Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival, hosted by Dobama Theatre.
Under the guidance of teachers Tim Anderson and Cathy Drescher, students from grades 5 through 8 submitted original plays for consideration in the annual competition, which recognizes young playwrights for their creativity, originality, and insight into human values. Submissions are evaluated by a panel of experienced judges in the fields of writing, theatre, and education.
This year, North Royalton Middle School is proud to announce that five of its students were selected as winners:
Abby Janatovich, 5th grade – The Hidden Heirloom
Landon Jeffers, 5th grade – Tricked
Katherine Scheff, 7th grade – The Kingdom of the Beavers
Jude Wise, 7th grade – The Lighthouse of Solitude
Vivian Smith, 8th grade – In the Midst of Dusk
Of these winners, two plays — The Hidden Heirloom by Abby Janatovich and The Kingdom of the Beavers by Katherine Scheff — have been selected for full production and will be performed on stage at Dobama Theatre during the Festival performances, which will take place from June 5–8, 2025.
The Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival is the oldest and longest-running children's playwriting festival in the United States. It offers young writers the rare opportunity to see their work brought to life by professional actors and directors, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts and the power of storytelling.
Left to Right:
Landon Jeffers, Abigail Jantovich, Vivian Smith, Katie Scheff, Jude Wise