On June 4, three high school students from Fairfield and Westchester County will experience the joy of live theatre in a whole new way – as playwrights. Greenwich residents Andrew Casturo-Burnette and Will Donovan and Rye resident Kristina Dignelli were named winners of The Palace Theatre’s 2018 Ernie DiMattia Emerging Young Artist Scholarship Awards for their writing of an original one-act play. All three will witness their voices and visions come to life with a staged reading by professional actors at The Palace in Stamford.
Andrew Casturo-Burnette, a 9th grade student at the Brunswick School, was awarded first place – a $1,000 scholarship – for his play, “Think Later.” The Palace also recognized Rye Neck High School senior Kristina Dignelli with a second place scholarship of $500 for “Nervous” and Will Donovan, a 9th grader at the Brunswick School, with a third place $250 scholarship for his work, “Patient Zero.”
The Palace has brought in Broadway veteran Luis Salgado to guest direct the staged reading, which will be attended by the playwrights’ parents, teachers and friends as well as Stamford Center for the Arts board members and gala sponsors.
A well-known performer, director, choreographer and producer, Luis Salgado’s 20-year career spans Broadway, film, television, and stages around the world. Broadway credits include In The Heights, Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Rocky and On Your Feet. Salgado served as the director and choreographer for a production of In The Heights at The Axelrod Theater in Asbury Park and an all Spanish production at The Gala Theater in Washington D.C.
“Congratulations to Andrew, Kristina and Will for their excellent work,” said Michael Moran, Executive Director of The Palace. “Arts education is extremely important to The Palace. We are thrilled to welcome back Luis Salgado, an accomplished director and Broadway veteran, and are excited to see how he will bring the unique vision of each young playwright to life.”
In addition to the staged reading, the three winners will be honored at The Palace’s 9th annual Gala on May 30.
The Palace’s Arts in Education programs are held year round and strive to educate, challenge and inspire area youth by offering opportunities in performing, choreography, master classes and intensives in acting, voice and dance. Students learn skills that are important in academic and life success such as confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance and focus.
The staged reading on June 4 will begin at 7:00pm. It is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Lisa Colangelo at lcolangelo@palacestamford.org.
The Palace Theatre is located at 61 Atlantic Street in Stamford, CT. They can be reached at (203) 325-4466 or by visiting www.palacestamford.org. For the latest news and updates, follow @ThePalaceTheatreStamford on Facebook and @PalaceStamford on Twitter.
About The Palace Theatre
The 1,580-seat Palace Theatre is dedicated to performing arts of all genres – music, dance, theater and comedy. In addition to hosting world-renowned performers in each of those fields, the Palace partners with arts organizations like the Stamford Symphony and Connecticut Ballet for their performances. The Theatre’s three floors encompass a deeper-than-typical Broadway-size stage, a café, a Learning Center, a theatre-long art gallery and a magnificent glass-walled promenade. The Palace is dedicated to providing exciting entertainment that enriches the cultural, educational, economic and social life of the community.