(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Stargazer Performing Arts will present the inaugural Jersey Shore Young Playwrights Festival on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Duncan Smith Theater in Holmdel. This is a brand-new celebration of emerging talent from teen writers across Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. The festival will showcase original plays written by students ages 13 to 18, brought to life in a staged reading by local actors and directed by Stargazer's co-director, Jim DeVivo.

"This festival is about giving young writers a platform to hear their words performed and to connect with other creative minds," said DeVivo. "These teens are tackling big ideas with courage, humor, and heart. It’s going to be an inspiring evening."

The festival will be held on Friday, June 20 at the Duncan Smith Theater (36 Crawfords Corner Road)in Holmdel, NJ, featuring staged readings of selected plays followed by a talkback with the playwrights and directors. Admission is fee, seating is general admission seating, but reservations are required. Tickets are available online at stargazer.booktix.com and donations are always welcome!

The festival will feature the work of four talented teen writers selected through a competitive submission process. Each playwright brings a unique voice and perspective to the stage.

Rocco Impreveduto, a senior at Holmdel High School, is President of the school’s Thespian Troupe 34 and has been nominated three times for the annual Basie Awards. Rocco has been writing for many years. His play, Murder, the Director Wrote, was developed in a playwriting class at Holmdel High School and is a hilarious murder-mystery that pokes fun at the backstage drama present in any high school drama club.

Ryann McArthur is from Farmingdale and a senior at Communications High School. Ryann is a dancer who recently performed in her school’s production of Chicago. Coffee. Black. is Ryann’s first play and is a chaotic and whimsical reunion of two old friends at a coffee shop.

Molly Pease, from Lakehurst, is a junior acting major at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, Molly is involved in many aspects of theater and was just named a New Jersey State Thespian Officer and President of Thespian Troupe 6185 for the 2025-2026 school year. Molly was recently nominated for two Foxy awards for her work as an actor and director. You may also catch her riding her unicycle and juggling as Daisy the Clown at events throughout the state, working for the family company, Premier Picnics & Parties. Molly’s play, A Moment in the Dark, follows the emotional aftermath of Ivy Hayes' tragic death, as her friends and brother grapple with their grief.

Phineaus Whedon is from Wall Township and a student at Communications High School. He has a passion for writing fiction, and he loves seeing those little guys in his brain come to life. Phin loves to do puzzles, play with his dogs, and get boba, and he’s excited to finish up his senior year and go off to college! Rocky is Phin’s first play. The play is a comedy about a young couple desperately trying to save their relationship from the brink of disaster... literally!

Founded by longtime theatre educators Jim and Bridget DeVivo, Stargazer Performing Arts provides high-quality theatrical training for young people ages 8–18. With programs in acting, improvisation, playwriting, and musical theatre, Stargazer is committed to fostering creativity, confidence, and community through the performing arts.