How this Kansas City-area theater offers young playwrights.

“You kind of get it into your DNA a sense of what works best on stage as opposed to fiction or a movie. When a play is doing the things that a play can do best, it’s better than a movie or a novel,” (playwright mentor Frank) Higgins said. “What I thought Gabe came up with is right in the spirit of what theater can really do best."

"The story follows a group of teens with an array of developmental challenges and is part of a push by Spinning Tree Theatre to create new opportunities for young artists with disabilities."

"The program is a fantastic opportunity for young artists who would benefit from a supportive creative environment, and a fascinating watch for anyone who enjoys seeing a glimpse into the inner workings of a young person’s creative process..."

"There was a time, during the restless months of 2020, when many performing arts groups wondered whether they would survive. In the decade since its founding in 2010, Spinning Tree Theatre had by then already earned a reputation as one of the region’s most adventurous companies..."

"Off-Broadway hit musical Ride the Cyclone has returned to Spinning Tree Theatre as a part of their 2023-2024 season. Written by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond, and directed by Michael Grayman-Parkhurst, the musical follows six St Cassian High School Chamber Choir members on their journey into the afterlife, who died after the front axle broke on the Cyclone."

"In the heart of the United States there is a unique organization that offers teenagers of all abilities an opportunity to learn about the world of theater with seasoned professionals..."

"For any young person, sharing stories and creating art is an invaluable channel for self-exploration, but we cannot forget that there is an entire generation of young people who went through some of their most formative years during a scary, isolating global pandemic. We likely won’t know the full effect of that ordeal for many years to come, but allowing them the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a safe, supportive environment, guided by experienced mentors with professional resources, can only be a profoundly impactful experience. That’s definitely the impression given by the work presented."

"It’s almost become a Covid cliché: if a business or organization wanted to weather the pandemic, the only path was to 'pivot.' Or, in the case of Spinning Tree Theatre, to 'reimagine'—and not just find new ways to build audiences, but to broaden opportunities for the next generation.

"Two short pieces—a world premiere by a Kansas City playwright, and a Kansas City premiere from a world-famous artist—offer a glimpse of what already is, and what could be.

"The talent may be young, but the theatre they make is not; both works entertain while confronting difficult ideas..."

by Julie Denesha

KCUR.org

December 30, 2020