PRESCOTT’S THEATRE COMMUNITY is stepping into something bold, collaborative and entirely new. At the Elks Performing Arts Center five original plays have risen to the top of an inaugural playwriting competition, each with a distinctive voice, tone and vision. In a rare twist, the final decision doesn’t belong to a panel of judges, it belongs to the audience. 

Over two nights each finalist will present an eight- to ten-minute excerpt of their play, stripped down, minimal and focused purely on storytelling. With every ticket comes a ballot, inviting attendees to choose which work will receive a full-scale production this September. This isn’t just theatre, it’s a living, breathing conversation between artists and community. 

The competition itself was designed with a clear purpose: to give playwrights the chance to see their work come to life on stage. From 14 full submissions, a panel of local theatre professionals scored each script across ten categories, from originality to emotional impact, resulting in five finalists. 

What happens next is where things get exciting. “These excerpts are really about giving the audience the flavor,” explains organizer Liz Rogers. “We want people to walk away saying, ‘I need to see that full play.’” The winner earns a full production, including technical support, rehearsal space and marketing. The stakes are high in the best possible way.

The Finalists: Five Distinct Voices

Clay Smith: Agamemnon

Dark, intimate, and emotionally charged, Agamemnon revisits Greek mythology through a deeply human lens. Rather than focusing on spectacle, Smith distills the story into a series of conversations that explore guilt, power, and consequence.

“I wanted to create a version of Agamemnon who’s understood,” Smith says. “He’s consistently wrong, but can he reach some level of self-forgiveness before the end?”

It’s a tragedy, yes, but one that invites empathy rather than judgment.

Micki Shelton: Discovery

Part historical drama, part philosophical exploration, Discovery traces the journey of an ancient manuscript and the ripple effects it has on faith, scholarship and family. Shelton’s work is grounded in real-world research, but at its heart are questions rather than answers.

“I think it’s better to have more questions than answers,” she says. “There’s a place where truth lies, and we’re all digging different wells to get there.” 

The result is a layered narrative that challenges audiences to reflect on belief, interpretation and the fragility of knowledge.

Ron White: Elvis Slept Here

Elvis Slept Here delivers pure comedic energy. 

Set during the height of Elvis Presley’s fame, the play imagines the chaos that erupts when a quiet hotel becomes the center of attention, and possible deception.

“It kind of gets a little crazy,” White laughs. “The hotel owner has his son-in-law pretend to be Elvis to take the pressure off.” 

With roots in improv and a love for classic comedy, White’s play promises fast-paced fun and nostalgic charm.

Valerye Rene: Little Bright Eyes

Inspired by the discovery of Pluto at Lowell Observatory, Little Bright Eyes blends science, imagination, and emotional storytelling. What began as a field trip sparked something much bigger.

“I was like, does anybody else see how romantic this is?” Rene recalls. “And I thought, there’s no play about this. So I’m going to write one.” 

The play weaves together the story of astronomer Clyde Tombaugh with a deeply personal narrative of love, loss, and cosmic wonder.

Roger Tipping II and Clay Smith: Nosferatu

Perhaps the most unconventional entry, Nosferatu transforms the classic 1922 silent film into a live “shadow musical,” complete with projected visuals, original dialogue and music.

“It’s more parody than satire,” says Smith. “We’re taking the film and changing how the story works.” 

At its core, the story reimagines the infamous vampire not as a monster, but as a misunderstood outsider.

“He’s just trying to connect with people,” adds Tipping. “That’s really his arc.” 

Equal parts playful and poignant, it’s a bold experiment in form and storytelling.

The final act belongs to you

In an era where so much entertainment is passive, this event flips the script. You don’t just watch, you decide: five stories, five visions, one stage. Somewhere in those eight-minute glimpses is a full production waiting to be born.

The only question is

For each playwright, one of the biggest challenges isn’t writing the play, it’s distilling it. “How do you pick eight minutes?” Smith asks. “You’re trying to give just enough to make people want more.” 

Some will present a single scene. Others will create montages. All are working within the same constraint: capturing the essence of their story in under ten minutes. It’s theatre at its most focused and most revealing. Which one gets your vote?

Event Details 

https://www.prescottelkstheatre.org/ or call (928)756-2844

Finalist performances in the Elks Playwriting Competition will play in the Elks Performing Arts Center Crystal Hall in Prescott, May 8 and 9 at 7pm